Pro Bowl practice begins amid expectations

Practice for the 2013 Pro Bowl began today at Kapolei High School amid increased expectations for Sundays game. It was two veterans that set the tone for the rosters featuring 30 first-time players.

The AFC squad had the morning’s first session, practicing under a slight mist during its hour-long session. The team is coached by a Denver Broncos staff that includes former Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp, who now serves as Denver’s quarterbacks coach.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, appearing in his 12th Pro Bowl, set the tone early by giving instruction to fellow quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck as they threw to receivers. Demonstrating the attention to detail we’ve come to expect from the veteran, Manning at one point pulled aside Texans center Chris Myers to practice the center-quarterback exchange.

The NFC squad struck a more urgent tone later in the morning as the Green Bay coaching staff worked the team through game situations throughout most of the 45 minute session.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees spoke afterwards about recognizing the honor of being selected to the Pro Bowl.

“So many guys take this as a big responsibility, obviously its a great honor to be chosen as the player to represent our team,” the seven-time Pro Bowler said following practice.

Brees also mentioned that he had spoken to newly reinstated coach Sean Payton by text and the two would be meeting up soon.

Tomorrows practice will be held at Earhart Field on Hickam Air Force Base.