(Not So) Pro Bowl vs. All Star Weekend

The NFL Pro Bowl and the NHL All Star Game were both held this past weekend and while these games are often criticized by the media as a poor reflection of their respective sports (often rightfully so) the Pro Bowl in my estimation leaves a lot more to be desired in terms competition. At least this year many of the true all stars, like Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers were able and willing to go, unlike a certain Russian NHL Superstar (@Ovi8). But what about the like of Tom Brady, Eli Manning and Rob Gronkowski who all surely would have received an invite had they not been busy leading their teams to the Super Bowl. The schedule almost seems to punish those who are successful enough to make it to the big game and robs fans of the opportunity to see many of the leagues best. Granted I'm sure many players, if not all, would rater be in Indianapolis this week instead of Hawaii (How often can we say that?) but there really is no reason not to have it after the season like they used to. The game itself was described by Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) as a 7 on 7 passing drill on PTI (@PTIShow) and that pretty well sums it up. The defense is none existent as Larry Fitzgerald (@larryfitzgerald) and other skill players were able to make grabs without so much as a tap on the shoulder. Brandon Marshall set a TD record with 4 and the 100 combined points was the most all time behind 107 in 2004. This is not to say that the game doesn't showcase skill, which is really all it's meant to do and I'm sure the guys signing the paychecks don't want to see their high priced talent go down in such a meaningless game, but that doesn't mean it has to turn into a pillow fight either. The NHL All Star game isn't exactly a reflection of the games often rough and tumble style but it does lend itself to being more entertaining, especially as the goaltender's pride is on the line and none of them want to get lit up like a cheap cigar. The hitting is gone but that doesn't mean guys are trying to make plays and showcase their talents. The goals are more frequent and anyone blocking a shot is pure accidental, but the nature of hockey just seems to play out better in a non contact situation (Even if Keith Yandel had a, we'll call it collision with Zedeno Chara). The added element of the NHL skills competition which is perhaps more intensely fought than the game itself also help to push it over the top, or at least gives us a chance to marvel at a 108MPH slapshot. The fact is these are both events for the fans to simply sheer on their favorites and an excuse to get together, have a little fun and remember that in the end, it's only a game.