This past weekend, we had the chance to see an incredible divisional round of the NFL playoffs after a very wild Wildcard Playoff Weekend. The first matchup of the weekend was the Houston Texans vs the Baltimore Ravens. The Rookie QB CJ Stroud came off of an incredible performance in his playoff debut, but the well-rested Ravens defense was just too much for him and the Texan’s offense. They would not put up an offensive touchdown for the entire game. Though the game was 10-10 at halftime, they held the Texans to only 213 total yards, with 38 of those being rushing yards.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson (Ravens Quarterback) had himself a day, passing 16-22 with 252 total yards, 100 of them being on the ground, getting his second playoff victory in a 34-10 blowout win. He also had four total touchdowns (two rushing and two passing). SNU student and lifelong Texans fan, Colton Morris, remarked, “We had a really good bounce-back season, and we literally made history with a rookie QB and a Rookie head coach. So, as much as I would’ve loved to see us advance to the next round, I am really proud of my team.”
Next, we had the Detroit Lions just win their first playoff game in 32 years last week, taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first year without Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady. This was a great game, but the Lions’ defense played very well, coming away with two interceptions despite allowing 408 total yards. The Lions offense also gained 391 total yards and four touchdowns, sealing the game with great clock management. They won 31-23 in a nail-biting game and will move on to the finals
The following day, we had the Buffalo Bills play the defending Super Bowl Champions, Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills got their first playoff victory against the Chiefs after losing their last three playoff matchups. The Bills had a chance to tie the game late and send this game into overtime, but missed the field goal and lost 24-27. Despite Josh Allen (QB) having 258 total yards and three touchdowns, the Chiefs put up 360 total yards and played a great defense.
SNU student and Lifelong Chiefs fan Yakini Kasimu said, “I was never worried at any point in the game. We own Josh and the Bills and we proved that once again last weekend.”
Next, we had a great matchup with the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers. Despite losing the last five playoff matchups, the Packers dominated for the majority of the game. They had 330 total yards in this game along with two touchdowns. However, it was the 2 interceptions that kept this losing streak going as they threw a pick on the game-winning/tieing drive. The 49ers did come alive late and ended the game with 356 total yards and three touchdowns, but it was Linebacker Dre Greenlaw sealing the game with his second interception.
In conclusion, we had great Divisional Playoff games, but only the winners moved on. The Lions will play in San Francisco against the 49ers in the NFC championship.
Photo by Adrian Curiel on Unsplash