This year’s NFL Pro Bowl is an interesting spectacle.  Easily the most maligned of any major sports’ all-star game, the Pro Bowl has been in danger of being scratched entirely in recent years: due largely to boring, under-performed games and stars deciding to sit things out.  But this year could be different.  An influx of fresh, young talent could help bring our attention back to the game; as well as the fact that this is very likely the last time we’ll ever get to see veterans like tight end Tony Gonzalez and center Jeff Saturday put on an NFL uniform and pads. 

So without wasting any more of your time, here are the three biggest things to keep an eye on Tonight:

1.  Effort

This has probably been the biggest complaint and problem with the Pro Bowl in recent years.  While the offenses (for the most part) seem to be going full speed, it’s quite easy to get the impression that the defenses aren’t really “trying.”  While I’m sure that’s not the case exactly (these are professionals, after all), it’s pretty evident that they’re not playing as hard, fast or with as much intensity as they are capable of.  No one wants to see anyone get hurt in an all-star game; but at the same time, it would be nice to see some good defensive stands instead of another offensive shootout. 

The players know that if they want to continue getting paid to travel to Hawaii and play a game in January, they’re going to have to make the game more intense and interesting.  I think the influx of young players (with three or less years of experience) will help to boost the competitive nature of everyone on the field, and this could be a lot closer of a game than we’ve seen in a long time. 

2.  Rookies

It is always great when you get to see young and talented players recognized for their achievements.  While all three of these first-year players weren’t initially voted to the Pro Bowl, the coaches were smart enough to recognize the phenomenal seasons they had and get them on the roster.  

Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson both had great rookie campaigns leading their teams to the playoffs, with Wilson even notching a victory in his first playoff game.  Running back Doug Martin also had a spectacular first season; finishing in the top-six among running backs for rushing yards (sixth), rushing touchdowns (sixth) and receiving yards (fourth).  With Tampa Bay’s young, talented offensive line; Martin could easily be a regular in Hawaii for years to come.  Along with Robert Griffin III (who was voted to the Pro Bowl but is out because of injury) these four rookies look to dominate the NFL for the foreseeable future. 

3.  Adrian Peterson vs. the AFC’s Defense

Peterson, coming off of his amazing season, will be the starting running back for the NFC squad.  If my theory of the younger players pushing their teammates to play “harder” holds true, this will easily be the most interesting matchup of the game.  Peterson is the game’s most dynamic, talented and gifted runner, and he’ll go up against the AFC’s front seven that includes ultra-talented players such as J.J. Watt, Cameron Wake, Vince Wilfork, Von Miller and Jerod Mayo; among MANY others.  These are all amazing players that have shut down some of the best runners in the game all season long and it will be incredibly fun and interesting to see if Peterson can get the best of them.  I know this Packers fan will be cheering for him. 

When all is said and done, it’s easy to give up on this game before it’s even played: we've all been burned by terrible Pro Bowls in recent years.  But, for the first time in a long time, this game really holds a chance of turning things around; or at least getting the ball rolling in the right direction.