Detroit Lions Shine in Pro Bowl Games

The Detroit Lions Pro Bowlers represented themselves well during the Pro Bowl Games, which concluded on Sunday. Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jared Goff all contributed to an NFC victory, beating the AFC in a close 35-33 contest.

The later three all made the Pro Bowl Games as alternates, but they certainly had an impact. Here are the highlights of each of their performances from the day.

Penei Sewell – Gridiron Gauntlet

Sewell began the relay race for the NFC, running 40 yards while crashing through several breakaway walls. He got out to a hot start, but stumbled after the first wall. He maintained composure and speed, reaching the end to tag Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers. The NFC was able to win this competition, which kept the AFC at bay from extending their cumulative lead.

Frank Ragnow – Flag Football Game #1 & Move the Chains

Two-time Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow started the first of three Flag games. He was the center for Seahawks QB Geno Smith. Unfortunately, under the Flag rules, the center could not do anything besides snapping. It was a long day of snapping and kneeling for Ragnow, but the NFC won the game 33-27.

Later on in the day, Ragnow also participated in Move the Chains. Each conference team had to pull a weighted wall for 10 yards. It was a best-of-three contest, and Ragnow was in the first game and the third. The NFC lost in the final match, unable to match the brains and brawn of the AFC.

Jared Goff – Flag Football Game #2

Goff came in relief of Smith for the second Flag game. It got out to a much slower start than the first game. AFC’s Trevor Lawrence threw a pick-six on the first drive of the game, giving Goff an early 6-0 lead.

The AFC then put up 12 unanswered, and Goff needed to respond. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II had other plans, jumping the route of Justin Jefferson for an interception.

Goff was able to redeem himself later on with a touchdown pass to division foe Dalvin Cook to tie the game. On the ensuring one-point conversion (per Flag rules), Goff threaded the needle to find former teammate T.J. Hockenson to give the NFC the 13-12 lead.

The AFC grabbed a late 18-13 lead which Goff and the NFC could not answer, losing Game 2.

Amon-Ra St. Brown – Best Catch Finale & Flag Football Games

Before the final Flag game was the Best Catch Finale. St. Brown advanced after receiving more votes than Justin Jefferson, both of which pre-recorded catches that aired on Thursday.

It was all St. Brown from start to finish, dominating against Stefon Diggs from the AFC. St. Brown’s first round catch was simple yet to perfection. He jumped on a trampoline, did a front flip, and came down with the pass from legend Michael Vick. This earned him an average score of 85 from the judges.

In Round 2, St. Brown got some assistance from his brother, Equanimeous, and Roary. The acrobatics were perfectly executed which got the crowd hyped. This got him an average score of 92 from the judges and ended up winning the competition. 

St. Brown was also in and out of multiple Flag games. He caught a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins in the first half of Game 3, which the NFC would go on to win and take home the cash prize bonus.

Overall, it was a very eventful day for these Detroit Lions, who also get to carry a little more pride on their journey into the offseason. It is great to see the Detroit Lions get more recognition in general, and despite the Pro Bowl Games seeming to be corny or boring, it is the honor that means more.

Hopefully we do not see these guys back at the Pro Bowl Games next season. They will have their eyes set on a bigger goal, the Super Bowl.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports