The NFC beat the AFC 27-21 in the final tally,
which awarded points for three short flag football games and a
host of skills events that ranged from "Best Catch" to "Kick-Tac-Toe."
The NFC, which trailed 9-3 after Thursday's slate of skills
competitions, tied the score at 21 entering the final flag
football game. Cousins threw three touchdown passes, besting
Derek Carr's two for the AFC in likely his last appearance in
Las Vegas as a member of the Raiders. The NFC won the decisive
game 35-33 after Carr found Dawson Knox for a late touchdown but
the AFC failed to convert a two-point attempt.
Eli Manning coached the NFC team and Peyton Manning did the same
for the AFC. The brothers' production company was also
responsible for "reimagining" the all-star exhibition that had
drawn criticism over the years for its lackluster showings as
players did not want to risk injury.
Ironically, the format change -- featuring 7-on-7 games that
followed standard flag football rules -- did not prevent
injuries for all. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett
reportedly suffered a dislocated toe during one of the flag
contests.
Tyler Huntley -- the Baltimore Ravens' backup quarterback, in
the game as a reserve -- threw four touchdowns in the first
game, two to Baltimore teammate Mark Andrews, but Geno Smith of
the Seattle Seahawks beat that with five touchdowns as the NFC
won the first flag game 33-27.
Stefon Diggs, who also lost the "Best Catch" final to Detroit
Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, caught the go-ahead touchdown
for the AFC to ultimately win the second flag game 18-13.
--Field Level Media
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