Chargers’ Weddle wasn’t holding back

The Pro Bowl’s typically laid-back pace drew the ire of the fans at Aloha Stadium at various points of Sunday’s game.

None of those instances involved San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle.

In his first Pro Bowl, the fifth-year player out of Utah snared two of the AFC’s three interceptions of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in the second half and jarred a few NFC receivers in the AFC’s 59-41 win.

"Could’ve had a couple more (interceptions), but it was just an awesome experience. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life," Weddle said. "Hopefully l’ll make a bunch more (Pro Bowls), but you never know what the future holds, so you live in the now and make the most of it."

Weddle picked off Newton on the NFC’s first possession of the third quarter and brought it back 63 yards to set up an NFC field goal. His second interception resulted in an AFC touchdown in the fourth quarter, though he didn’t get to cross the goal line himself. After nabbing an overthrown pass at the AFC 13-yard line, Weddle turned upfield. Before going down at the 40, he pitched the ball to Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, who went the distance, "evading" Newton’s half-hearted attempt at a tackle along the way.

Weddle was also in on a few of the game’s bigger hits, including one on Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez on a completion at the sideline.

Gonzalez gave him a playful "what-was-that-for?" hug on the way back to the huddle.

"I’m going to go hard," said Weddle, who chatted with Gonzalez about the waves on the North Shore heading toward the locker room after the game. "I haven’t earned the right to go half-speed.

"You just kind of go with the flow, see how the tempo’s going. But when guys turn it up, I’m not going to go half-speed and not make the play when I should."

The second-half interceptions by Weddle and Houston’s Johnathan Joseph were among the defensive highlights in a game that showcased the offenses for most of the afternoon.

Weddle’s performance was also part of a productive day for the Chargers representatives in the game. Quarterback Philip Rivers completed 11 of 19 passes for a game-high 190 yards and two touchdowns while playing the second quarter.

Rivers’ second touchdown pass went to San Diego teammate Antonio Gates on the final play of the first half that tied the game at 28.

"Last year we got handled pretty good, so it was certainly nice to win," said Rivers, who was intercepted twice in the AFC’s 55-41 loss in 2011.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson caught four passes for 64 yards and running back Ryan Mathews had 35 yards on eight carries.