Image Source: Henry McKenna
Key Takeaways:
- The Chicago Bears’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams was a missed opportunity for the team to advance in the playoffs.
- Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ season ended in heartbreak, with Allen’s performance being both impressive and flawed.
- The New England Patriots’ defense was a key factor in their win over the Houston Texans, with C.J. Stroud struggling against their undecipherable coverage.
- Bo Nix’s performance in the Denver Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills was impressive, despite his eventual injury.
- The Seattle Seahawks’ success can be attributed to their exploitation of value opportunities in the quarterback market and their strong roster building.
- Kayshon Boutte’s performance for the New England Patriots was notable, with his one-handed touchdown catch being a highlight of the game.
Introduction to the Playoffs
The divisional round of the playoffs saw several thrilling games, including the Los Angeles Rams’ edge over the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks’ annihilation of the depleted San Francisco 49ers. The Denver Broncos prevailed against the Buffalo Bills in controversial fashion, while the New England Patriots outlasted the Houston Texans. As we reflect on these games, it’s essential to consider the implications of each team’s performance and the storylines that emerged.
The Bears’ Missed Opportunity
As Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted, "Next season is next season. It’s a new chapter. We’ll have to write a whole brand new story." This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of the Bears’ loss to the Rams. Despite their impressive performance, the Bears ultimately fell short, and Johnson’s words serve as a reminder that each season is a new opportunity. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the magnitude of their success this year and the shortcomings that led to their defeat. As Johnson said, "This is what happens. It ends abruptly." The Bears’ players, including quarterback Caleb Williams, expressed excitement about the future, but it’s unclear if they fully understand the magnitude of their success and the challenges that lie ahead.
Josh Allen’s Heartbreak
Josh Allen’s postgame press conference was a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of the NFL. As he struggled to hold back tears, he said, "It’s extremely difficult. Feel like I let my teammates down tonight…. It’s been a long season. I hate how it ended. That’s going to stick with me for a long time." Allen’s performance was both impressive and flawed, and it’s essential to acknowledge the pressure and expectations that come with being a top quarterback. As Brandin Cooks noted, "I look back and I’m like, ‘Man what could I have done to be able to alleviate some of that pressure from him?’ You just love this game so much and when you come up short like this, it’s going to sting for a long time."
The Patriots’ Defensive Dominance
The New England Patriots’ defense was a key factor in their win over the Houston Texans, with C.J. Stroud struggling against their undecipherable coverage. As Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane noted, "After the game, talking to a few of the guys on the other team, they had no clue what we were doing." The Patriots’ defense is a testament to the leadership of Mike Vrabel, and their ability to generate takeaways was a significant factor in their victory. As the article notes, "New England’s defense added 27.8 expected points across five turnovers, the most by a playoff defense in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016)."
Bo Nix’s Impressive Performance
Bo Nix’s performance in the Denver Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills was impressive, despite his eventual injury. As the article notes, "Nix was perfect on the play. He used a hard count to undress the defense — revealing their blitz and coverage. Nix set his protection properly so he had enough time to hit his hot-route, an 11-yard gain to Courtland Sutton." Nix’s ability to perform under pressure and make key plays was a significant factor in the Broncos’ victory.
The Seahawks’ Success
The Seattle Seahawks’ success can be attributed to their exploitation of value opportunities in the quarterback market and their strong roster building. As the article notes, "The Seahawks did what every analyst suggests a team should do: exploit a value opportunity in the QB market. They found a veteran castoff and built around him." The Seahawks’ ability to set up their quarterback for success and build a complete roster has been a key factor in their success. As Sam Darnold noted, "When I play mistake-free football, as I did versus the 49ers on Saturday, the Seahawks are particularly hard to beat."
Kayshon Boutte’s Emergence
Kayshon Boutte’s performance for the New England Patriots was notable, with his one-handed touchdown catch being a highlight of the game. As Drake Maye noted, "He keeps on making them. He keeps on making plays, making me look good." Boutte’s rapport with Maye is superlative, and he should remain the team’s deep threat. As the article notes, "Boutte ripped down a one-handed touchdown despite coverage from cornerback Derek Stingley. And maybe Boutte had the confidence he’d make the catch because he made a very similar play against Stingley earlier this year."
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/sound-smart-6-observations-from-nfl-divisional-round
