The NFL gave us this weekend one of the best – and surprising – Round of Wildcards in recent years, with the Cleveland Browns of Baker Mayfield of the main protagonists.
In addition, the day also left us with painful defeats that would lead to changes in the sports structures of various teams. Among them, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will have to meditate if he gives them to get to a Super Bowl still with the future Hall of Fame, ‘Big Ben’.
Without further ado, here are the 15 conclusions from this start to the postseason:
1. The Bills won their first playoff game in 25 years. The defense allowed 472 yards and the offensive line had problems throughout the afternoon. But success is vital to Josh Allen’s confidence and putting himself in the rearview mirror of last year’s defeat against Houston. #NFLxESPN
2. Colts dominated the entire first half against the Bills and found themselves down on the scoreboard. Questionable decisions and poor execution. Sabermetry is a tool, not the bible. If that was the end of Philip Rivers, it was a pleasure to see him play and it’s Hall of Fame in my book. #NFLxESPN
3. The Rams defense is the best in the NFL; record 5 catches and by air there is no one better. Cam Akers is the attack card. They have their 2 QBs between cottons, although both should be available. If Donald and Kupp are okay, the Rams are dangerous. #NFLxESPN
4. Russell Wilson had the fifth-worst pitcher rating of his career, and didn’t look like himself in the second half of the season. The offensive line was a disaster again and Brian Schottenheimer showed little inventiveness from the sides. Ugly goodbye to the Seattle season. #NFLxESPN
5. The Buccaneers got their first playoff win in 18 years. The simple explanation is Tom Brady, who showed all his vigor and played a great game. At the same time, I’m worried about Tampa Bay’s air defense, which will have to improve a lot if they want to be candidates. #NFLxESPN
2:27
With a very close game, the Buccaneers beat Washington 31-23.
6. Marshal Taylor Heinicke, who is going to be a free agent, earned several dollars and at least one role as a backup with his great performance for Washington. It is very likely that Alex Smith, with his incredible story, will retire. Washington’s talented defense was left to its own devices. #NFLxESPN
7. Lamar Jackson took the gorilla off his back, which meant getting his first playoff win. You can contain it several plays, but at the slightest failure, it burns you to the ground. The Ravens defense did a phenomenal job and limited Derrick Henry to 40 yards. #NFLxESPN
8. While the defensive was Tennessee’s main problem all season, and they need to look for ‘shellfish’ urgently, it was the offensive that disappointed against Baltimore. After an encouraging start, they were punctured and Derrick Henry found no space. #NFLxESPN
9. The Saints ’defense has been phenomenal in the last 10 games, and that trend has held up against Chicago. Drew Brees played an acceptable game, and will celebrate his 42nd birthday big on Friday. Will Lutz has missed four of his last seven field goals. #NFLxESPN
10. The lack of aggressiveness of the Chicago offense confirms the lack of confidence they have in Mitchell Trubisky, who probably played his last attempt as Qears of Bears. The Chicago defense did their part, but they ended the year with a 1-7 record against winning teams. #NFLxESPN
11. The Browns had not won a playoff game since 1994, had lost 17 in a row at Heinz Field, could not train for several days and their coach was not on the sidelines. Of course they forced a 5:00 loss and were up 28-0 before the end of the 1st quarter. #NFLxESPN
12. Nick Chubb is one of the best runners in the NFL and I am very happy for the Browns fans, who have suffered so much. #NFLxESPN
13. The Steelers became the first team in history to lead the league in the catch department in four consecutive years, and did not record any catches in the playoffs against the Browns. #NFLxESPN
14. Ben Roethlisberger turned in a dismal performance, however. If he decides to retire, he still counts 22 million in dead money, so logic would tell me to restructure and play one more year. We’ll see … #NFLxESPN
1:50
The Browns dominated the first half to the Steelers, themselves who tried to get back on the scoreboard without success.
15. Fact to keep in mind: From 2000 until today, teams that swept two regular-season series games against divisional rivals, won 75 percent of the third playoff games between the two. #NFLxESPN