"It was essentially an exhibition against an AFC team whose defensive intensity fluctuated throughout the game.

But Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made no excuses for his poor showing in his first Pro Bowl last week in the NFC's 59-41 loss.

Playing the entire second half, Newton was 9-of-27 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions - one of which was returned for a touchdown. While Newton conceded it was difficult to gauge the intensity level of the defense, he said it shouldn't have mattered."