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Six Patriots on AFC squad to face NFC

Feb 10, 2008 - 3:23 PM AFC at NFC, 4:30 pm EST

HONOLULU (Ticker) -- The New England Patriots have a chance for a little consolation - very little - in Sunday's Pro Bowl.

Coming off a stunning 17-14 loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII that spoiled their bid for a perfect 19-0 season, the Patriots will have the six players on the AFC squad that will take on the NFC.

Of course, New England's two marquee players, quarterback Tom Brady and Randy Moss, both pulled out of the game with ankle injuries, leaving three players each on offense and defense.

Offensive tackle Matt Light will get a chance to redeem himself against Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who did not have a sack but applied constant pressure on Brady in the Super Bowl.

Teammates joining Light on the offense will be left guard Logan Mankins, who will start, and center Dan Koppen.

Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, linebacker Mike Vrabel and cornerback Asante Samuel give New England three starters on defense for the AFC.

Ironically, Umenyiora is the only representative of the Super Bowl champs on the NFC squad, which features 13 members of the Dallas Cowboys - including seven starters.

Wide receiver Terrell Owens and tight end Jason Witten will both start on offense for Dallas, and certainly will see some passes come their way from Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who will share time with Jeff Garcia and Matt Hasselbeck.

Cowboys running back Marion Barber will serve as a backup to rookie sensation Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

Peterson, despite missing almost three games to injury, rushed for 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns, including an NFL-record 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers.

Peterson is one of three rookies in the game, joining linebacker Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers and offensive tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns.

Despite the presence of perennial Pro Bowler Peyton Manning at quarterback, the AFC will be without many of its top offensive threats.

Aside from Brady and Moss, running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Willie Parker will miss the game with injuries, as will Chargers tight end Antonio Gates.

Last year, the AFC prevailed, 31-28, giving it eight wins in the past 11 games.