This weekend the NFL playoffs got underway with games Saturday and Sunday (and a Monday night game that at the time of publication has not been played) The NFL Wildcard Weekend saw many of the games be close, and exciting and we even made some history in a game. Let’s take a look at the weekend.
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers won over the Seahawks 41-23 behind rookie QB Brock Purdy and his four total touchdowns. The 49ers raced out to a lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Seahawks did make it a game in the second quarter and even took a 17-16 lead into half time. But the 9ers defense was too much to overcome and in the second half dominated the Seahawks out scoring them 25-6 and winning going away.
Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
In the historic game, the Jaguars overcame Trevor Lawrence’s four first half interceptions, and being down 27-0 to come back and beat the Chargers 31-30 on a last second field goal. In the first half it looked as if Lawrence, last years too pick, was out matched and the moment was too big.
The Jags looked like they would be bounced early and it would be a learning experience for a young team. And then….. The Jags ended the first half with a touchdown to make the score 27-7 and I kid you not, I looked at my wife and said, “If the Jags score coming out of halftime, they are going to win this game”. Sure enough, the Jags put to gather a drive and Lawrence settled in, and threw four touchdowns and the Jags came back. Gutsy calls, trusting your franchise QB in the right moments has the Jags moving on.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
In another game game between divisional opponents, the Bills outlasted Miami 34-31. In a game many believed the Bills would cruise, the Dolphins had other plans as turnovers hurt the Bills and almost cost them the game. Josh Allen threw two second quarter interceptions and the Dolphins scored 17 points in the quarter. But the Bills defense dominated in the second half and that defense, along with the Dolphins playing with a rookie QB, was too much to overcome. The Dolphins gave everything they had but the Bills showed why they are one of the elite teams in the league. This was a really fun game to watch!
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants
I’m not going to predict a Super Bowl here just yet. But I will say this. The Giants are a good football team. Daniel Jones first playoff game was a success as he led the Giants to a 31-24 win over the Vikings. A lot of people I talked to have said to watch out for the Giants and this game showed me a lot. They have a lot of the ingredients you need to be successful. Strong QB play, a running game with Saquon Barkley, and a defense that gets after the QB and causes havoc.
The Vikings, who have been very good in late game situations could not muster up enough for a final drive and let this one slip through their fingers. Losing a playoff game at home, where you are the favorite is tough. And losing a close game where you have the ball with a chance to drive and score makes this loss even more tough. But the Giants advance because they played a complete game. And Danny Dimes is starting to look like the franchise guy New York drafted.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens
In yet another division playoff game, the Bengals beat the Ravens 24-17. The Ravens still playing without star QB Lamar Jackson, played as well as they could. There were some questionable calls made by Head Coach John Harbaugh, but the Bengals weathered the hits and won. Ravens QB Tyler Huntley fumbled late and Sam Hubbard went 98 yards for the touchdown. That was the deciding score.
Next Up
Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals
Kanas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers vs Dallas Cowboys/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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