Maybe it’s time to stop the lackluster NFL Pro Bowl game – past time probably. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton could be the poster boy for a movement to cancel the game. In the last few minutes of the game, Newton threw an interception. The intercepting player lateraled and that player continued the run. Newton had a chance (more than a chance) to tackle or at least hold up the runner at the 15 yard line and he just let him go, looking like a matador yelling “Olay!”

There was no defense in this game (other than interceptions I guess). It looked more like touch football. In fact, I would prefer that they play touch football. Even the announcers said Newton looked like he was playing flag football. By no means was it all Newton. The offensive linemen and defensive linemen mostly just playing patty cake with each other as quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs played – somewhat.

No one wants to get hurt in the game, and the rules are such that hardly anyone could get hurt. It’s all a joke – even QB Drew Brees attempted a drop-kick extra point that wasn’t nearly high enough. The game is more for the players getting a trip to Hawaii and messing around on the field than it is for the fans and the integrity of the game.

If they want to do something fun, and entertaining, why not have a real flag football game or a competition like the old Battle of the Network Stars where players run through obstacles and such? That would even be more competitive. Remember Gabe Kaplan and Robert Conrad going at it? You could even do an old-timers flag football game. Even a skills competition would be better than these less-than-half-speed football games. Olay!

By the way, as the Associated Press reported, “Newton played horribly — struggling to move the ball, stay in the pocket and find his targets, which drew some boos from the sun-splashed, sellout crowd of 48,423.” He finished just 9 of 27 for 186 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Oh, the AFC won the game 59-41 if anyone cares.