Right here on the sports activities desk positioned someplace under decks of the Good Pirate Ship Opinion, we’ve gathered our notes from the prolonged weekend that was within the NFL playoffs and have ready feedback relating to the 4 upcoming matchups. This has been completed regardless of Billy Buccaneer’s lack of participation, as he’s been preoccupied with ensuring nobody touches the portrait he’s lovingly hung within the galley. Questions have been raised as to why the identify beneath the portray, believed to be Dorian Grey, has been scratched out and changed by Tom Brady. We’ll work on that later.
Earlier than wanting forward, some musings on the primary spherical. 4 of the six video games had been so lopsided there have been occasions one might be excused for considering the networks had been reshowing this yr’s Cotton and Orange Bowls. Essentially the most stunning blowout was Buffalo’s stampeding of New England; whereas it didn’t shock that the Payments got here out on prime, Josh Allen and firm’s whole domination was a fearsome factor to behold. Payments Mafia is smiling in-between breaking tables, a pregame ritual amply testifying to the desultory results prolonged, bitterly chilly winters have on even the keenest minds.
Anyway, a glance forward.
Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans — Seldom earlier than in the middle of human occasions has there been a postseason match in any sport with much less nationwide curiosity. It’s not as a result of the sport lacks for curiosity, however relatively how neither group has a following outdoors its ZIP Code. The Titans don’t excite, however they do win lots. The Bengals have been irrelevant for therefore lengthy that three-quarters of Ohio’s inhabitants believes the state’s solely NFL group resides in Cleveland. Nashville is actively making an attempt to maintain the remaining 25% out of city. Spoilsports.
This apart, the sport has some intriguing parts for soccer aficionados to savor. Tennessee could have stud operating again Derrick Henry again from a damaged foot that precipitated him to overlook the season’s second half. If he performs, it’ll make Cincinnati’s dashing defensive duties that a lot tougher. (The previous sentence was courtesy of the normally greatest ignored Captain Apparent.) That stated, the Bengals had been a top-five squad this yr in opposition to the frenzy. Tennessee is common within the air; Cincinnati at defending in opposition to the move less-than-average. The Titans are additionally subpar on move protection — given how when the Bengals have the ball, you’ve got Joe Burrow, quickly ascending into quarterbacking’s higher echelon, throwing to Ja’Marr Chase, issues might get ugly in a rush. This figures to be Cincinnati’s main assault technique, because it doesn’t have a lot of a operating recreation and Tennessee is superb at defending in opposition to identical. So, regardless of the dearth of curiosity within the groups themselves, this might be a enjoyable one.
San Francisco 49ers at Inexperienced Bay Packers — The 49ers have a good operating assault. The Packers aren’t superb at stopping the run, which is sweet for San Francisco as, regardless of George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, the air recreation is questionable going into frozen tundra land. Fairly Boy Jimmy Garoppolo is fairly beat up, and Trey Lance just isn’t but prepared for prime time. Sadly for the 49ers, they don’t get to maintain the ball all day, and Aaron Rodgers is, nicely, Aaron Rodgers. Oh, and far of San Francisco’s secondary is in the identical bodily situation as Garoppolo. What might go fallacious?
Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tom Brady vs. Aaron Donald. Okay, it’s not fairly that straightforward, however you get the thought. Even with a depleted receiving corps, Brady remains to be on the prime of his recreation. Which is sweet, because the Buccaneers are much more depleted at operating again than they’re at huge receiver. The Rams are at their greatest after they have the operating recreation going, thus taking strain off of Matthew Stafford, who, as famous final week, was alarmingly inconsistent down the stretch. Nevertheless, when he’s on his recreation, Stafford is an elite quarterback. Tampa Bay’s protection is superb in opposition to the run, a bit under common in opposition to the move. Los Angeles’ protection offers up plenty of passing yardage however few touchdowns by the air. One thing’s received to provide. If the Rams can both get an early lead or neutralize the Buccaneers floor recreation, thus forcing Brady to move nonstop … hello, Aaron.
Buffalo Payments at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs — Shootout time. The Payments and Chiefs are each going full tilt on offense. Each groups are top-notch by the air. Buffalo is a bit higher operating the ball than the Chiefs and approach higher at defending the move. Nonetheless, we’re speaking Patrick Mahomes, so count on magic. Nevertheless this recreation seems, it is not going to be uninteresting getting there.
Benefit from the weekend, everybody.
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