NFL Playoffs: Only Four Teams Remain
PHILADELPHIA — There are only four teams in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy, and after this weekend I have to ask, did your team make the cut? Let’s kick off with the New York Giants’ embarrassing match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giant’s playoff run fell short as Eagles defeated them 7-38. Yes, you read that correctly. The nearly unbearable to watch game ended with Philly still on the run for the Superbowl, as they are set to face the 49ers next Sunday for the NFC Championship following 49ers big win against the Dallas Cowboys 12-19.
Photo: NFL Network
Many expected the Dallas and 49ers game to be low scoring as San Francisco’s defense holds 1st place in the NFL. In fact, we all knew it would not be easy for quarterback Dak Prescott score but what we didn’t expect was not one but two picks within the red zone. Prescott tuned out the rumors last game defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and fought back with an astounding performance. But what happened last night? A lot. There were crucial moments where Prescott made some questionable decisions that put his team in a dangerous hole. The Cowboy’s defense certainly did what they needed to do despite their quarterback setting up the 49ers for the opportunity to score after his two picks in the red zone.
After running back Tony Pollard got injured late in the 1st half, things only got worse for the boys. Pollard has had an incredible season with the Cowboys and was a huge impact for this running offense. There were little to no adjustments for the running game as veteran running back Ezekiel Elliot just couldn’t find the empty slot to gain some yardage. In the end, it came down to a 3rd string quarterback, dubbed Mr. Irrelevant, (who’s more known now than ever before), Brock Purdy sealing the 12-19 win for the 49ers.
Photo: NFL Network
It was the usual snowy day in Buffalo NY, where Bengals defeated the Bills 27-10. Bengal’s quarterback Joe Burrow got the job done and secured his 10th win streak with 2 TD’s, and totaling 242 yards against the Bills. Bengals have not lost since October. Burrow is on a mission and it’s quite clear what he wants. During the game you can see the frustration from the Bills’ bench as wide receiver Stefon Diggs visibly looked fed up by his teams performance as he put his arms up in disappointment facing his quarterback Josh Allen. Diggs only accumulated 35 yards with no TD’s, which is very unusual for this elite wide receiver. It was a sloppy performance coming from the Bills who just finished a solid season with a 13-3 record and ending up 1st in their division. But we all know that ranks means nothing when it comes to playoffs — it’s anyone’s game.
Photo: New York Post
In Kansas City, the Chiefs faced the Jaguars in a nail-biting finish Saturday. Despite great effort from the underdog Jags, their journey in the playoffs was cut short losing 27-20 against the Chiefs. Jags’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence, threw for 217 yards, had 1 TD, and 1 INT. Lawrence praised his team for their performance despite the loss, as he greeted each of them as they returned to the locker rooms.
“It’s just the beginning,” said Lawrence in a press conference.
And we couldn’t agree more, Trevor, what a stoic way to end a season.
Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes was injured early in the divisional game and it was questionable if he would return. Meanwhile back-up quarterback Chad Henne connected with tight-end Travis Kelce for a TD. The tight-end finished the game with 98 yards and 2 TD’s. It is reported Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain but plans to start AFC Championships vs. the Bengals, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed.
We have to ask…Who you got?
Photo: NFL Network
