Wild Card Weekend: In and Out
Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the final seconds of regulation in the best game of Wild Card Weekend.
Paid Dirt: Best Game of the Week
San Francisco 49ers eliminate Dallas Cowboys 23-17
The San Francisco 49ers were up for most of their matchup at Dallas, with a nearly legitimate Cowboys comeback ended in the final seconds. With 14 seconds remaining and the clock stopped, Dallas ran a QB sneak while San Francisco played sideline. It was a bold move from the Cowboys, with no way to stop the clock and no guarantee of an additional play. Those in Dallas may believe the referee was at fault, the Cowboys center, Tyler Biadasz, placed the ball incorrectly, and as per NFL rule, the referee must touch the ball before it’s snapped. As for the rest of the game, not one of Amari Cooper (six receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown), CeeDee Lamb (one reception for 21 yards), or Cedrick Wilson (five receptions for 62 yards) stepped up. The Cowboys pride themselves on their skill players, and not one of them proved they could take over a playoff game. Jimmy Garappolo and the 49ers' offense was far from perfect, and Jimmy G nearly cost his team their Super Bowl hopes on an interception while rolling to his right. Garappolo is not an improviser or mobile Quarterback and can’t be trusted to throw the ball on the run. Brandon Aiyuk is a perfect complement to the attention-seeking and hybrid weapon of Deebo Samuel. Aiyuk converted multiple third downs in critical situations. San Francisco has a tough road ahead of them but must rely on their skill players to win and play to Jimmy’s strengths as a pocket passer.
Fair Catch: Games with Middling Results
Cincinnati Bengals eliminate Las Vegas Raiders 26-19
Penalties took over this game, with the media criticizing the NFL’s refereeing. The NFL agreed and will remove this officiating crew from the playoffs. As expected, Ja’Marr Chase took over the Raiders secondary to the tune of nine receptions for 116 yards. The Raiders have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL, and Chase obliterated their playoff hopes. Josh Jacobs had success in the first half and finished with a 13/83/0 line but did not take over the game. Putting the ball in the hands of trusted players should be a point of emphasis, but Las Vegas did not take the cue. Derek Carr didn’t stand out and should be considered a top-tier NFL QB. Las Vegas should stick with Rich Bisaccia, who righted a lost season into a playoff berth amid much drama. Cincinnati will play a Derrick Henry-focused Titans team with the top seed in the AFC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers eliminate Philadelphia Eagles 31-15
Philadelphia’s offense did not look comfortable against Tampa Bay’s defense. The Eagles rely on rushing to win games, and the defensive strength of the Buccaneers is their run defense. Philly’s passing offense was nonexistent beyond Dallas Goedert (six receptions for 92 yards). Blame should go around to the first-year coaching staff with the numerous penalties in a game in which the team had to play to their potential against one of the NFL’s best teams. Tom Brady proves time and time again that age is just a number, this time throwing 29/37 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Mike Evans stepped up amidst a depleted offense, with nine receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay is a threat to any team in the playoffs with Tom Brady and their terrific run defense, alongside their top-name superstars.
Punted: Worst Games of the Week
Buffalo Bills eliminate New England Patriots 47-17
Josh Allen will dictate how the Buffalo Bills play. On Saturday, he led Buffalo to seven consecutive touchdown drives, with the lone non-touchdown possession a kneel at the end of the game. The Patriots had no answers for Allen, and it was an embarrassing performance from any defense, much less from a Bill Belichick-coached defense. Dawson Knox had two touchdowns, including one on an admitted Josh Allen throw-away. Mac Jones showed fight late in the game and could’ve played better. A quick start from the Patriots' offense would’ve changed the game's outlook.
Kansas City Chiefs eliminate Pittsburgh Steelers 42-21
In Big Ben’s final NFL start, the Steelers were embarrassed by the Chiefs. T.J. Watt was the lone bright spot on both sides of the ball, with a touchdown off a fumble and a sack. The stat sheet doesn’t do justice to Watt’s ability to get in the face of the Quarterback. Patrick Mahomes did his thing, throwing 30/39 for 404 passing yards, five touchdowns, and an interception. Travis Kelce cemented his status as the NFL’s best Tight End, with George Kittle’s lack of health and for showing up in the playoffs. Kelce had five receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown against one of the NFL’s most underrated defenses. Kansas City will play Buffalo next week, delighting Bills fans humming for a rematch of the 2020-21 AFC Championship game.
Los Angeles Rams eliminate Arizona Cardinals 34-11
The Rams controlled their fate, while Arizona didn’t play to their talent level. It was a disappointing season for the Cardinals, who started as one of the best NFL teams before being brought down to earth in the second half of the season. The duo of Cam Akers and Sony Michel rushed for over 100 yards combined, with each having around 15 carries. The Rams will go as far as their run offense alleviates pressure from Matthew Stafford, who did not commit a turnover against Arizona. It was a statement win for Los Angeles, but it only gets more difficult as they play Tampa Bay next week.
Reference Page
Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference and NFL.com
Images courtesy of Getty Images
Contract information courtesy of Spotrac
Score information courtesy of NFL.com