Seahawks' Geno Smith, NFC West Rivals Share Thoughts on New Pro Bowl Format
The NFL's new-and-"improved" version of the Pro Bowl was met with mixed feelings this past weekend from fans and players alike.
For an event that has seemingly lost its appeal and charm over the years, the league has found new ways to make things interesting in recent seasons. This year's edition in Las Vegas featured the AFC and NFC competing against each other in a dodgeball tournament, flag football game and other skills challenges.
Some, like Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacons, think "this s*** is stupid" when referring to the new format.
Others, like Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, soaked in all the fun.
"I didn't know what to expect, but I think it turned out pretty well," Smith said. "It got very competitive at the end, and I think that's what they wanted."
Smith's feelings were mirrored by multiple rivals in the NFC West as well. San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey enjoyed not having multiple defenders try to throw him to ground on every touch.
"I definitely don't need to take more hits," McCaffrey said. "So, I'm a proponent for it."
No helmets. No pads. Just straight backyard fun. Even for hard-hitting Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, it was good times.
"Overall, it was a very cool experience," Baker said. "It was definitely a good experience for the fans to be able to see our faces, since we're always in helmets. It was really good to interact with them ... So, yeah, let's keep it going, for sure."
While not everyone will agree with how the NFL continues to handle the Pro Bowl, it seems safe to say that this current format could be here to stay for the time being.
But regardless of how its played, Smith will be aiming to earn Pro Bowl honors for the second straight season next year.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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