LAS VEGAS – The Titans were well represented at the Pro Bowl here on Sunday.
Titans safety Kevin Byard, outside linebacker Harold Landry, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and guard Rodger Saffold all played in the contest.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff also guided the AFC squad against the NFC, coached by former Titans offensive coordinator and current Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
The AFC beat the NFC 41-35, and players from the winning team will receive an $80,000 bonus for the win (compared to $40,000 for players from the NFC).
Here's a look at what the Titans did in the game …
Safety Kevin Byard
Byard, making his second Pro Bowl appearance, was in the starting lineup for the AFC squad.
And Byard made a play early, picking off a pass by Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins deep in AFC territory before racing downfield. Byard ended up pitching the ball back to teammate Kenny Moore of the Colts after a 44-yard return.
The turnover set up an early touchdown for the AFC squad.
Byard was credited with two tackles in the contest, along with a pass defensed.
Guard Rodger Saffold
Big Rodger Saffold was proud to be at the Pro Bowl for the first time in his 12-year NFL career.
Some of those closest to him sure seemed happy to see him.
Saffold was welcomed to the field with oversized photos of him, courtesy of his friends.
Saffold played a good chunk of the game, blocking for running backs Nick Chubb (Browns), Najee Harris (Steelers) and Jonathan Taylor (Colts) while protecting AFC quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Mac Jones (Patriots) and Justin Herbert (Chargers).
Harris ran behind Saffold on a 4th and 1 play inside the five-yard line for a first down in the third quarter. Saffold was also credited with a tackle of Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore following an interception.
OLB Harold Landry
Landry, making his first Pro Bowl appearance, seems to enjoy the moment.
The Titans outside linebacker also had a busy day, even if many of his tackles were of the two-hand touch variety.
Landry stopped Cardinals running back James Conner on a run, and he later pushed 49ers tight end George Kittle out of bounds after his catch.
Landry was credited with five tackles in the contest, including three solos stops. Landry's tackle total tied for second on the AFC squad.
DL Jeffery Simmons
Simmons, playing in his first Pro Bowl, wore the same number as Raiders DE Maxx Crosby for the AFC squad.
While Crosby ended up being named Defensive MVP of the contest, Simmons also got himself noticed on Sunday as well.
One of his best plays came in pass coverage, as he broke up a pass thrown by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson inside the 10-yard line, a play that drew congratulations from defensive backs Derwin James (Chargers) and J.C. Jackson (Patriots), along with Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.
HC Mike Vrabel
The Titans head coach made the best of his Pro Bowl coaching opportunity during the week and during the game on Sunday, as he communicated with players from across the league, as well as his own players.
Vrabel was surrounded by his staff, including OC Todd Downing and DC Shane Bowen, here at the Pro Bowl.
Known for his intensity and no-nonsense approach, Vrabel was probably uncomfortable with the touch tackling on defense, and careless Hail Mary type throws by the quarterbacks (the AFC QBs threw three interceptions in the game).
But hey, it's the Pro Bowl, where anything goes.
Vrabel congratulated his players after the game before a midfield hug with Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who coached the NFC team.
