Little Playmakers

Weddle vs. Smith in the 2012 Pro Bowl

Steve Smith dubbed himself "Little Playmaker, University of Utah" in the video introductions for NFL games this season, and the nickname fit. Especially in yesterday's Pro Bowl, where Smith was the leading receiver for the NFC, catching 5 passes for 118 yards and a TD. His teammate Cam Newton didn't fare as well in his first appearance, throwing 3 interceptions - two of them into the hands of Eric Weddle, another little playmaker. Weddle, who was tied for the league lead in interceptions this year, returned the first one 63 yards and pitched the second pick over to Derrick Johnson, who took it 60 yards for an AFC TD. There weren't many opportunities for Paul Soliai to make any notable plays, as the defensive line is stymied by the rules of the game, but his teammate Brandon Marshall strutted his stuff, catching 6 passes for 174 yards and a record 4 TDs on his way to the Pro Bowl MVP.