To the surprise of almost nobody, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was named the Pro Bowl offensive MVP after a strong performance in Team Irvin's 49-27 win over Team Rice. His Seattle and Team Irvin teammate Michael Bennett claimed defensive MVP honors.
2016 Pro Bowl MVP: Seattle teammates Russell Wilson and Michael Bennett take home honors
Wilson threw three touchdowns in the first half for Team Irvin while Bennett was his usual disruptive self on defense.
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Wilson played in just the first half, but he was dominant in limited action, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions on 8-of-12 passing. Wilson's three touchdown passes went to Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and Todd Gurley.
This is Wilson’s third Pro Bowl appearance, and the first time he took the MVP award. Wilson exploded in his fourth season in the league, setting several career highs. He threw for 4,024 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and eight interceptions, becoming the first quarterback in Seahawks history to reach the 4,000-yard mark.
Wilson took command of the Seahawks offense despite not having Marshawn Lynch for the majority of the season, leading Seattle to a 10-6 record and fourth straight playoff appearance. The Seahawks beat the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the postseason before bowing out to the Carolina Panthers in the Divisional round.
Bennett made his first Pro Bowl appearance despite being one of the NFL’s best defensive linemen in recent seasons. He did a little bit of everything on Sunday. He rushed the quarterback and recorded the only sack of the game. He danced with the mascots. He even got a carry as a running back and picked up seven yards. It initially looked like Bennett had run for a long touchdown, but the play was blown dead after the short gain.
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