The NFL offered us this weekend one of the best – and surprising – Wild Card Rounds of recent years, Cleveland Browns, from Baker Mayfield, being the main protagonists.
In addition, the day left us with painful defeats that would cause changes in the sports structures of several teams. Among them, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will have to consider whether they can reach a Super Bowl with the future Hall of Fame, “Big Ben”.
Without further ado, here are the 15 offers from this start to the postseason:
1. The Bills have won their first playoff game in 25 years. The defense allowed 472 meters and the offensive line fought all afternoon. But success is vital to Josh Allen’s confidence and to putting last year’s loss to Houston in the rearview mirror. #NFLxESPN
2. The Colts dominated the entire first half against Bills and found themselves following on the scoreboard. Questionable decisions and poor execution. Sabermetry is an instrument, not the bible. If this was the end of Philip Rivers, it was nice to watch him play and he is the Hall of Fame in my book. #NFLxESPN
3. The Rams defense is the best in the NFL; They recorded 5 catches and no one is better by air. Cam Akers is the attack card. They have 2 QBs between the cotton, although both should be available. If Donald and Kupp are okay, the rams are dangerous. #NFLxESPN
4. Russell Wilson had the fifth lowest passing rating of his career and did not look like him in the second half of the season. The offensive line was again a disaster and Brian Schottenheimer showed a little inventiveness from the wings. Goodbye to the Seattle season. #NFLxESPN
5. The Buccaneers have had their first playoff victory in 18 years. The simple explanation is Tom Brady, who showed all his validity 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 equal game, the Buccaneers defeated Washington 31-23.
6. Defender Taylor Heinicke, who will be a free agent, won a few dollars and at least a supporting role with his great performance for Washington. Alex Smith, with his incredible story, is very likely to retire. Washington’s talented defense has been left to its own devices. #NFLxESPN
7. Lamar Jackson pulled his gorilla off his back, which meant he won his first playoff victory. You can contain several games, but at least it fails, it burns you to the ground. Defending the Ravens did a phenomenal job, limiting Derrick Henry to 40 yards. #NFLxESPN
8. While defense has been Tennessee’s main problem throughout the season and he urgently needs to look for steps, but it was a crime that disappointed Baltimore. After an encouraging start, they broke through and Derrick Henry found no space. #NFLxESPN
9. The Saints defense has been phenomenal in the last 10 games, and this trend has continued against Chicago. Drew Brees played a decent game and will celebrate his 42nd birthday on Friday. Will Lutz has missed four of his last seven field goals. #NFLxESPN
10. The lack of aggression in the Chicago offensive confirms their lack of confidence in Mitchell Trubisky, who probably played his last attempt as the Bears’ QB. The Chicago defense did its part, but they finished the year 1-7 against the winning teams. #NFLxESPN
11. The Browns hadn’t won a 1994 playoff game, lost 17 in a row at Heinz Field, couldn’t practice for a few more days, and their coach wasn’t on the wing. Of course, they forced five losses and increased 28-0 before the end of the first quarter. #NFLxESPN
12. Nick Chubb is one of the best runners in the NFL and I am very happy for Browns fans who have suffered so much. #NFLxESPN
13. They became the first team in history to lead the league in the sacks department for four consecutive years and did not record any sacks in the playoffs against the Browns. #NFLxESPN
14. Ben Roethlisberger was a disappointment, however. It is difficult for me to see him retire after such a bad game. If he decides to retire, he still has 22 million dead money, so logic would tell me that he is restructuring and playing for another year. We’ll see … #NFLxESPN
1:50
The Browns dominated the first half over the Steelers, who tried to beat the score without success.
15. Fact to consider: From 2000 to today, teams that have swept a series of two games in the regular season against divisional rivalry have won 75 percent of their third playoff game between them. #NFLxESPN