Stretching the Field: Wild Card Round
by Matt Miller
The first round of the NFL playoffs are in the books, and Luke Chandler hands out game balls to the best performers.
By Luke Paul Chandler
This week’s wild card round of the NFL playoffs was tense and gritty. The AFC in particular saw two heated games filled with play so physical and grinding that it would have been no surprise to see the players come out in leather helmets. The weekend was dominated by power ground games, stout defense and turnover battles; not shocking for the NFL playoffs. Sometimes a team needs all of that, and then some luck just to get by.
The NFL’s second season has begun. It doesn’t matter what you did in the regular season, good or bad, what matters is what you do now. The playoffs are a time for redemption, for some, a chance to shine for others. These are the game balls for this week’s round.
Seahawk 35 - Redskins 14
Patrick Kerney, DE, Seahawks: 7 tackles (3 solo) - The Seahawks, who played an up-and-down game till late in the fourth, needed a stout game from their defense to have a shot. Kerney was not able to notch a sack, but his constant pressure gave Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels fits all game.
The greatest asset Kerney has is his amazing physical condition. Even late in the game, he was firing off the line quickly, and the sluggish Samuels struggled to keep up with him. Kerney kept low out of his three-point stance, and Samuels just could not keep up. It’s no shock that Samuels, whose conditioning has been known to be lax late in the season, played this bad of a game.
Jaguars 31 - Steelers 29
Rob Meier, DT, Jaguars: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 sack - Meier stepped into this game for an injured John Henderson and clogged running lanes all day against the Steelers. Pittsburgh gained a mere 43 yards on the ground, and were getting pressured all game long. Meier’s stat line is rather unimpressive, but for the Jaguars to play Pittsburgh without Henderson and Marcus Stroud, and still have their opponent average only 1.7 yards per rush is astounding.
When the Steelers tried to draw down a double on Meier, it just freed up running lanes for rookie Derek Landri, who looked equally impressive. Meier was too much for Steelers center Sean Mahan to handle. Mahan was rocking back on his heels a good portion of the game, and was lunging by the end of the game.
Overall, this was a huge statement game for the Jaguars. They are the most physical team in the AFC right now, and might be the dark horse who could unseat the Patriots.
Giants 24 - Buccaneers 14
Eli Manning, Giants: 20/27, 185 yards, 6.9 avg, 2 TD, 0 INT - While it may not have appeared this way on paper, in live film it was the most clutch game in Eli Manning’s young career. Manning is typically known for his erratic play in clutch situations, but the most opposite was the case on Sunday. Manning relied on a steady passing attack, with a good deal of play action passing.
The Giants ground game was faltering due to the speed of the Tampa defense. The Giants feature a power ground game backed with Brandon Jacobs, but their hallmark run play is the stretch play. Tampa was able to sniff this play out easily. The Buccaneers have an elite perimeter run game defense, and were too fast for the Giants blockers. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride adjusted his game plan, and let Manning take over the game. Manning’s shots taken down field were the appropriate times, and were never in dangerous situations.
The Giants, who looked like they had slid into the playoffs just a week ago, looked like legit contenders after this week because of Manning. If he can continue to play smart football, then the Giants chances of getting further in the playoffs will rise.
Chargers 17 - Titans 6
Drayton Florence, CB, Chargers: 3 tackles, 1 INT - The former starter, relegated to nickel back because of the emergence of second-year veteran Antonio Cromartie, Florence iced the victory for the Chagers in the fourth quarter with his interception of Vince Young. Florence reacted quickly to a badly thrown ball by Young. Florence, expected to depart in free agency this year, not only made a name for himself, but made a statement for his team.
Quick Hits
The Giants moving in the way that they did was easily the biggest story of the wild card round, and they provide a tough matchup this week for the Cowboys. Tony Romo has struggled when teams pressure him all year, so is their an upset in the making for next week? The Giants need their defense to play aggressively, and another week of mistake-free football from Eli Manning.
Another possible upset is the Jaguars coming into New England to face the undefeated Patriots. Sure the Patriots have a lot of momentum coming into this game, but the Jaguars give the Pats a physical matchup. What this grueling game may come down to though is if Rashean Mathis can lock down Randy Moss. Mathis locked down on Santonio Holmes in Pittsburgh with strong play at the line, but Moss is a whole different beast.
Watch out for the matchup of the Chargers and Colts this weekend in Indianapolis. The Colts line often struggle against 3-4 defenses, having won one game out of three this year against 3-4 teams. The Chargers in particular give Peyton Manning fits, as evident by his six interception game in Week 10.
Closing Thought
While Cam Cameron’s time in Miami is finished, he should be able to find a job quickly. The best fit for him is San Francisco, where he could likely help save Mike Nolan’s job, and the stability of one of the NFL greatest franchises. Bill Parcells made a move he had to make to help put his stamp on the Dolphins, and it will likely pay off for both parties in the end.