Wild-Card Weekend
Is there anything I’ve never seen in an NFL game?
I’m asked that question frequently. On the field I believe I’ve seen it all.
But last weekend I witnessed something I’m sure no one has ever seen.
AJ Brown, the wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles was sitting on the bench actually READING A BOOK!
I don’t know whether he had to read it during as game to make sure he had enough time to make sure he returned it in time to the library.
Whatever, Brown was reading “Inner Excellence”, a self-help book that dealt with things you can’t control, but being fully engaged can make you enjoy the challenges in your path.
The pages had hi-lites with a yellow marker, and phrases underlined with a blue pen.
When I saw those shots, alertly caught by Fox Sports director Rich Russo, I jumped to the conclusion that the scene represented the biggest moment of the Wild-Card weekend of the NFL playoffs.
Yes, a player sitting and reading a book was more captivating than the games that had been played to open the league’s post-season play.
On Saturday and Sunday, the four games were consistent in lacking toe-to-toe competition and thrilling finishes.
The survivors both days dominated, and the challengers who fell by the wayside never really indicated they were fighting hard enough to show they belonged in the playoffs.
The Houston Texans spoiled Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL post-season with the LA Chargers after leading Michigan to the national championship in last season’s College Football Playoffs.
The Chargers have underachieved recently, but with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers always seem to have an opportunity. But Herbert threw a career-high 4 interceptions and the Texans, the AFC South champs, advanced.
In a game that had the possible makings of a super matchup, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers had lost their last 4 regular season games after a 10-3 start, and had the Black and Gold could finally reverse their downward turn, maybe they could give the Ravens a run for their money. But it never happened. The Steelers rarely had the ball and rarely moved the ball. Baltimore won and provided a powerful exhibition of consistently gaining big chunks of yardage running the ball, tied in with the spectacular play of quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jackson appears headed for his second consecutive MVP award, with only Bills QB Josh Allen in his way. Jackson is amazingly quick and fast. He can beat you inside and outside, and amazingly doesn’t make mistakes throwing from in the pocket or on the run.
But what makes this tremendous attack work is that running back, Derrick Henry. He’s found a second life with the Ravens after years at Tennessee, and looks to me to be the hardest back to bring down since the fabulous Jim Brown of the 50’s and 60’s. Believe me, that is saying a mouthful, and I believe it.
The Ravens are a definite Super Bowl contender and will play the Buffalo Bills next week in Buffalo in what is unquestionably a classic on paper.
I always say on paper, because even games like this can get away from one of the teams and turn into a clunker.
But not likely.
The Bills crushed the Denver Broncos who at least found a quarterback to build with, rookie Bo Nix.
So in one of the AFC’s Divisional collisions, it’ll be that showdown between Baltimore and Buffalo.
It’s a fight between the two MVP contenders Jackson and Allen.
What more can you ask? Remember, the Most Valuable Player Award is based on the regular season, so this game won’t have a bearing. If the votes aren’t all in, who knows?
Allen is on the brink of leading his team to the promised land.
Do I have to make a pick? You know predictions are foolish. Who knows who will play better? Okay, I’ll choose the Bills. But I’m not comfortable.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs got a first round bye, and after a much-needed week of rest for the veteran two-time Super Bowl champs, will deal with Houston.
I don’t see much of a game there.
Looking ahead to Kansas City versus the survivor of the Ravens and Bills is kind of like the way the AFC figured to be weeks ago.
An aside about the Steelers who have never had a losing season in Mike Tomlin’s 18 years as head coach. But he has been unable to lead them to any kind of playoff success in recent years. He’s dropped 9 of his last 12 post-season games and talk of Tomlin’s ouster blossomed again big-time.
The Steelers have had only 3 head coaches in the past 56 years. They’ve won six Lombardi trophies, but none since 2008.
Tomlin will be retained. That’s no surprise considering the organization that I know well. The issue may not be Tomlin, as it is veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who few figured would get to the playoffs this season.
The Steelers haven’t had a QB since Ben Roethlisberger. Until they find one, they won’t advance far.
I’m almost saving the best for last.
Not all the wild card games were a dud.
The Washington Commanders, laughing stocks not long ago, defeated the NFC South division winners Tampa Bay Bucs to move on to a meeting with top-seeded Detroit.
Rookie Jayden Daniels, who has looked like a seasoned pro practically all year guided Washington to their first playoff win since 2006.
A game-winning field goal at the buzzer decided it.
Daniels will be the league’s Rookie of the Year, but it’s unlikely he can extend his magic against the Lions who have been positioned as the #1 NFC entry all year.
Re-winding to the start of all this, with AJ Brown reading his book on the Eagles bench.
He could do it because Philly kept the Green Bay Packers at arm’s length.
Brown was out to avoid boredom.
The Eagles will face the Rams who demolished the Vikings after the game was moved to Arizona after the massive wildfires ripped through the Los Angeles area forcing the contest to be moved. Sam Darnold who performed beyond expectations all season was turned into a pumpkin by the LA defense, sacking him nine times including a fumble returned for a touchdown and an interception.
The Rams were almost perfect in beating Minnesota, but I have a theory about this. Just as Texas, off kilter in escaping Arizona State, rebounded and played far better in falling short against Ohio State, it’s a tall order for a team to play up to the level the Rams played against the Vikes then do it again next time out.
That’s why I believe the Eagles, playing in the colder climes of Philadelphia, will oust the Rams and advance to the conference championship against the Lions.
Does that not whet the appetite? Eagles at Lions in the NFC title matchup and either the Bills or Ravens at Chiefs in the AFC. Winners head to the big one.
Now let’s see if all that pans out.
Earlier I wrote that I was nearly saving the best for last.
That’s because a champion will be crowned when Ohio State plays Notre Dame for the national college title.
The Fighting Irish are one step from capturing their first national crown since 1988.
Once upon a time, Notre Dame was the symbol of college football excellence.
They were perennial champions or contenders.
They’ve played terrific football, but so have the Buckeyes who were banished after losing to the huge underdog and hated-rival Michigan in their annual tussle.
Ohio State avenged an earlier one-point setback to #1 Oregon to get to this game.
Notre Dame’s defense has been their backbone, but the Buckeyes will complete their comeback from that embarrassing loss to the Wolverines and wear the mantle of champs once more.
Hey, this is a great time of year if you like football of any kind.
