Seattle Seahawks Dynasty (FOF9)

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NFL 2023 Season Summary

With Week 18 wrapped up and the playoffs finally set up it's time to review the season, the surprises, the disappointments, the compelling storylines of the 2023 NFL regular season.

Perhaps two of the most disappointing teams in the AFC were Kansas City and the New York Jets. The Jets, whose season began full of optimism with Aaron Rodgers at the helm but ended, despite a solid year from Rodgers, outside the playoffs with an abysmal 6-11 record. The Jets lost 8 of their final 10 games, sophomore running back Breece Hall was hindered by injuries and poor usage and limited to only 294 yards from scrimmage all year as the Jets produced the second worst rushing attack in the NFL. They were further hampered by a -7 turnover differential and greatly missed wide receiver Garrett Wilson who only played seven games due to injury. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. They opened their season with five straight losses and never recovered. Mahomes missed three games due to injury but even with him in the huddle their offense was uncharacteristically anemic, finishing the season with the fewest points scored of any team in the NFL. They finished in the bottom fifth of the league in yards for and yards against and despite Mahomes never throwing an interception all year they had a -4 turnover differential. Chris Jones managed only 6 sacks all season and Travis Kelce missed 5 games due to injury and didn't look like his usual dominant self when he was playing, averaging just under 40 yards receiving in 3.5 catches per game. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was their top receiver with 698 yards. They will have a lot to consider this offseason. Will they run it back with a similar roster or make some drastic changes? Will Andy Reid or his co-ordinators take the fall? Will Chris Jones be brought back for another season? How do they rebuild this receiving corps? Is Travis Kelce over the hill or does he have a bounce back year coming up? Was this year an anomaly? The Chiefs had the top strength of victory of any AFC team and faced the third toughest schedule in their conference by win percentage. Their offseason will be interesting to observe.

Jacksonville earned the top seed in the AFC and though Trevor Lawrence established himself as a top starter in the NFL the real story for the Jaguars was their league best points allowed. Their defense allowed only 15.2 points per game, however they did allow 346.6 yards per game which is 11th in the NFL. Their turnover differential of +16 was second in the league. Despite a successful defensive season they struggled to pressure the quarterback, finishing 30th in sacks with only Josh Allen (9 sacks) really bringing consistent pressure for them. The Buffalo Bills were on the cusp of earning the bye in the AFC but they lost to the Dolphins in week 18. They will have the rubber match in the Wild Card Round. The story for Buffalo is surviving multiple injuries to star quarterback Josh Allen who missed a total of five games (and significant chunks of 3 more) but was stellar when healthy with 20 touchdowns to one interception. Allen is back and rolling right now, throwing for 1493 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions in five games since returning to action in week 14. He has rushed for over sixty yards in each of his past two games. Could this finally be Buffalo's year with nemesis Kansas City not even in the playoffs?

Las Vegas winning the AFC West with Brian Hoyer as their quarterback probably wasn't on your bingo card to start the season but here we are. Hoyer was four yards shy of 4000 and threw 28 touchdown passes after taking the starting job from Garoppolo in pre-season and running with it. They have him under contract for another season at a bargain price more fitting for a third string QB than one who is top ten in the NFL in yards and touchdowns. Throwing to Davante Adams and having NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs to hand it off to doesn't hurt either. Despite Hoyer's surprising success story the Raiders are where they are primarily due to a top five defense in the league. They are 4th in yards allowed and 2nd in points allowed, tied for sixth in sacks (led by NFL sack leader Maxx Crosby) and tied for 8th in turnover differential (+5). Their offense lacks depth beyond Jacobs and Adams and we will see come playoffs how far their defense can take them.

The Philadelphia Eagles would've won any other division in the NFC but instead they will be playing a Wild Card game on the road in Minnesota. They're offense is second in the NFL in points scored and first in rushing yards. They also allowed the fewest sacks of any team in the league. All this while missing starting offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata for much of the season. Last week they lost in New York to the Giants but they were also without two more starters on the line, OT Lane Johnson and C Jason Kelce. Kelce should be back for the playffs but Johnson will not be, so they will go into Minnesota short 3 of their starting O-Line. If the offense struggles they also have a solid defense that leads the NFL in sacks with 3.5 per game. Defensive Ends Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham combined for 19 sacks between them. Jalen Hurts had an off year by his standards but he can hurt you through the air, throwing for 3575 yards this year, or on the ground, running for 726 yards as well. They should roll through the Vikings, who are 1-3 since losing Kirk Cousins for the seasons, but with a patchwork O-Line will they make it farther than that?

The NFC South was the closest division in football, with only one game separating all four teams. With three teams going 8-9 the Buccaneers made the playoffs with a 9-8 record. After starting the year 1-4 they turned it around, winning 8 of the remaining 12 games to get in. Baker Mayfield was competent at QB but they relied on their one two punch of Chase Edmonds and Rachaad White on the ground to keep that offense moving. Their defense was 8th in yards allowed, T-10th in sacks and 6th in rushing yards allowed. They also were tied for 6th in turnover differential at +6. Antoine Winfield and Ryan Neal have been a dynamic duo at safety all year and Lavonte David shuts down the middle of the field with the best of them at linebacker. They face the 9-8 Rams in the Wild Card Round and should have a chance.

The NFC West was a roller coaster this season, with the Seahawks starting out hot and the 49ers struggling with injuries and high expectations. Things turned around by the end of the year and San Francisco surpassed Seattle to win the division and the Rams played well enough to earn themselves a wild card spot so there will be three NFC West teams in the playoffs. The Seahawks are going into the postseason without star QB Geno Smith who was having an almost MVP calibre season before being injured in week 13 but veteran Carson Wentz is acclimating to the offense and should give them a chance in the playoffs.

[canuxrok]

NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round Preview - AFC




#7 Miami Dolphins (10-7) @ #2 Buffalo Bills (12-5)

Tale of the Tape:
MIAMI
PF/gm 23.5 (12th)
PA/gm 21.1 (10th)
Yds/gm 390.6 (4th)
YA/gm 332.6 (5th)
TO Diff +5 (8th)
Sacks/gm 2.5 (16th)
SacksA/gm 1.7 (2nd)
BUFFALO
PF/gm 24.5 (8th)
PA/gm 19.5 (4th)
Yds/gm 385.4 (7th)
YA/gm 344.5 (10th)
TO Diff +3 (13th)
Sacks/gm 3.1 (3rd)
SacksA/gm 2.8 (22nd)

Quarterbacks:
MIAMI Tua Tagovailoa 379-546, 69.4%, 4285 Yds, 24 TD, 11 INT, 98.8 QBR
BUFFALO Josh Allen 235-318, 73.9%, 2675 Yds, 20 TD, 1 INT, 118.3 QBR

Team Leaders:
MIAMI
Raheem Mostert 930 Rushing Yds, 5 TD
Jaylen Waddle 1541 Receiving Yds, 9 TD
Jevon Holland 121 Tackles
Bradley Chubb 13.0 Sacks
Jalen Ramsey 6 Interceptions
BUFFALO
Damien Harris 797 Rushing Yds, 3 TD
Stefon Diggs 1227 Receiving Yds, 5 TD
Jordan Poyer 102 Tackles
Von Miller 14.0 Sacks
Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer 3 Interceptions

Key Injuries:
MIAMI
DT Eddie Goldman (Out)
DT Raekwon Davis (Probable)
DE Christian Wilkins (Out)
BUFFALO
RB Damien Harris (Questionable)
RB James Cook (Doubtful)
WR Gabe Davis (Probable)
TE Dawson Knox (Out)
DT Leonard Floyd (Out)
LB Chris Kirksey (Out)

Point Spread: Buffalo by 4

Preview:

Buffalo may be the second best team in the AFC record wise but this is a rematch of a week 18 bout that saw the Dolphins victorious. Provided Gabe Davis can get healthy both teams will have a deadly one-two punch at receiver. Miami has one of the best cornerback duos in the league in Ramsey and Howard, they combined for 11 interceptions this season. Tua Tagovailoa was third in the league with 4,285 passing yards but Josh Allen would've been up there as well if he hadn't missed so much time to injury. He will be a huge X-factor for Buffalo, being able to make plays with his arm or his legs, he was the player of the game in week 18 despite losing. Von Miller could be a difference maker for the Bills on the other side of the ball, finishing tied for second in the NFL in sacks with 14 while Gregory Rousseau on the other side is right behind him with 13.5, providing a real challenge for Miami's O-Line which finished 2nd in the NFL in pass blocking. The Dolphins led the league in passing yards, Buffalo's safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde should have their hands full watching for Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill on those deep routes. This is a Bills team that hasn't lost consecutive games all season and they will be out for revenge after last week's result.

Prediction: Bills 24, Dolphins 21.






#6 Denver Broncos (10-7) @ #3 Las Vegas Raiders (11-6)

Tale of the Tape:
DENVER
PF/gm 22.6 (15th)
PA/gm 20.3 (7th)
Yds/gm 349.8 (17th)
YA/gm 368.2 (24th)
TO Diff -4 (t-23rd)
Sacks/gm 2.6 (10th)
SacksA/gm 2.7 (20th)
LAS VEGAS
PF/gm 21.6 (20th)
PA/gm 17.1 (2nd)
Yds/gm 346.5 (20th)
YA/gm 331.5 (4th)
TO Diff +5 (8th)
Sacks/gm 2.9 (6th)
SacksA/gm 3.2 (30th)

Quarterbacks:
DENVER Russell Wilson 241-343, 70.3%, 2391 Yds, 16 TD, 6 INT, 98.0 QB Rating
LAS VEGAS Brian Hoyer 338-536, 63.1%, 3996 Yds, 28 TD, 10 INT, 95.3 QB Rating

Team Leaders:
DENVER
Javonte Williams 829 Rushing Yds, 6 TDs
Jerry Jeudy 1161 Receiving Yds, 9 TDs
Justin Simmons 138 Tckl
Jonathon Cooper 9.5 Sacks
Justin Simmons 7 INT
LAS VEGAS
Josh Jacobs 1550 Rushing Yds, 4 TDs
Davante Adams 1423 Receiving Yds, 8 TDs
Trevon Moehrig 100 Tckl
Maxx Crosby 15.5 Sacks
Marcus Peters, Dorian Switzer 3 INT

Key Injuries:
DENVER
TE Adam Trautman (Questionable)
OG Ben Powers (Out)
DE Zach Allen (Out)
CB Patrick Surtain (Out)
CB Tremon Smith (Out)
CB K'Waun Williams (Out)
S Forrest Davis (Probable)
LAS VEGAS
TE Austin Hooper (Questionable)
OG Netane Muti (Probable)
CB Marcus Peters (Probable)
CB Amik Robertson (Out)

Point Spread: Las Vegas by 4

Preview:

The Raiders are favoured and have a definite advantage in the skill positions where they have Josh Jacobs who led the NFL in rushing yards and on the defensive line where they have Maxx Crosby who led the NFL in sacks. The Broncos have the edge in coaching and are on a four game win streak. Denver is missing star CB Patrick Surtain which could play a factor in this game. Las Vegas will have home field advantage, they are 6-3 at home this season while the Broncos are 4-4 on the road. The Raiders have struggled to protect QB Brian Hoyer this year, giving up the 3rd most sacks in the league. They have generated tremendous pressure with their front four, especially Maxx Crosby, but Russell Wilson's legs could give him an edge against their pass rush. The Broncos just won a decisive victory over the Raiders in week 18, 32-7 in Nevada, and will hope to carry that momentum while the Raiders will be looking for revenge.

Prediction: Denver 20, Las Vegas 17.






#5 Baltimore Ravens (11-6) @ #4 Cleveland Browns (11-6)

Tale of the Tape:
BALTIMORE
PF/gm 25.6 (4th)
PA/gm 20.0 (6th)
Yds/gm 371.4 (10th)
YA/gm 357.3 (18th)
TO Diff +10 (3rd)
Sacks/gm 2.6 (t-10th)
SacksA/gm 2.6 (17th)
CLEVELAND
PF/gm 26.5 (3rd)
PA/gm 18.8 (3rd)
Yds/gm 413.0 (2nd)
YA/gm 324.5 (1st)
TO Diff -2 (t-20th)
Sacks/gm 2.4 (19th)
SacksA/gm 1.7 (2nd)

Quarterbacks:
BALTIMORE Lamar Jackson 320-514, 62.3%, 3986 Yds, 28 TD, 10 INT, 96.3 QB Rating, 167 Car, 1139 Yds, 9 TD
CLEVELAND P.J. Walker 143-191, 74.9%, 1502 Yds, 9 TD, 4 INT, 104.2 QB Rating

Team Leaders:
BALTIMORE
Lamar Jackson 1139 Rushing Yds, 9 TD
Devin Duvernay 961 Receiving Yds, 3 TD
Marcus Williams 122 Tckl
Justin Madubuike 12.5 Sacks
Rock Ya-Sin 5 INT
CLEVELAND
Nick Chubb 1379 Rushing Yds, 13 TD
Amari Cooper 1704 Receiving Yds, 7 TD
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 81 Tckl
Myles Garrett 8.5 Sacks
Grant Delpit 4 INT

Key Injuries:
BALTIMORE
FB Patrick Ricard (Out)
WR Nelson Agholor (Probable)
TE Isaiah Likely (Out)
OT Ronnie Stanley (Questionable)
NT Michael Pierce (Out)
NT Bravvion Roy (Out)
OLB Patrick Queen (Out)
OLB Tyus Bowser (Questionable)
LB Roquan Smith (Doubtful)
CB Siran Neal (Out)
CLEVELAND
QB Deshaun Watson (Out)
WR Marquise Goodwin (Out)
TE David Njoku (Doubtful)
TE Jordan Akins (Doubtful)
OT Jack Conklin (Out)
OT Jedrick Wills (Probable)
C Ethan Pocic (Doubtful)
DT Jordan Elliott (Doubtful)
DE Myles Garrett (Out)
LB Anthony Walker (Doubtful)
CB Denzel Ward (Doubtful)
CB Greg Newsome (Out)
CB Martin Emerson (Out)
S Grant Delpit (Doubtful)
S Juan Thornhill (Doubtful)

Point Spread: Even

Preview:

This AFC North matchup could be called the injury bowl. Both teams are missing key players on both sides of the ball, though Cleveland is the hardest hit. Looking at their seasons these are two heavyweight teams. The Ravens were 3rd in the NFL in turnover differential, 4th in points scored and 6th in points allowed. The Browns are top five in points scored, points allowed, total yards and yards allowed. Despite injuries wreaking havoc in their secondary they finished 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed. They will be without starting QB Deshaun Watson but P.J. Walker has done adequately filling in for him this season. They have some incredible weapons on offense though, with arguably the best running back, receiver and tight end in the NFL this season. However they could be without David Njoku who is listed as doubtful for this game. Their offensive line will be missing tackle Jack Conklin and possibly also center Ethan Pocic. OT Jedrick Wills is banged up but listed as probable. On defense they will not have Myles Garrett and star cornerback Denzel Ward is doubtful. Baltimore doesn't have the same degree of weapons as the Browns do on offense but they do have Lamar Jackson, possibly the biggest X-factor in the game today and an MVP candidate. The Ravens defense will sorely miss linebacker Roquan Smith if he can't play (currently listed as doubtful) especially since Patrick Queen is also out at linebacker. Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton have been great at safety all season and they will be depended on while Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington combined for 21 sacks on the D-Line. Rock Ya-Sin led their team in interceptions with 5. If star LT Ronnie Stanley is able to return for this playoff game it could be a huge boost to the Ravens, he's listed as questionable and has missed all season with a very serious ankle ligament tear. In the end the Browns may find their injuries insurmountable but don't count them out as they have found ways to win consistently and dominated games all season.

Prediction: Baltimore 31, Cleveland 20.

[canuxrok]

NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round Preview - NFC

#7 Seattle Seahawks (9-8) @ #2 San Francisco 49ers (10-7)

Tale of the Tape:
SEATTLE
PF/gm 24.3 (9th)
PA/gm 24.8 (t-29th)
Yds/gm 361.1 (14th)
YA/gm 347.1 (12th)
TO Diff +2 (t-14th)
Sacks/gm 2.2 (t-23rd)
SacksA/gm 2.4 (9th)
SAN FRANCISCO
PF/gm 23.9 (10th)
PA/gm 20.8 (t-8th)
Yds/gm 386.3 (6th)
YA/gm 360.6 (21st)
TO Diff -2 (t-20th)
Sacks/gm 3.1 (t-3rd)
SacksA/gm 1.8 (4th)

Quarterbacks:
SEATTLE Carson Wentz 139-209, 66.5%, 1378 Yds, 7 TD, 4 INT, 88.1 QB Rating
SAN FRANCISCO Brock Purdy 273-406, 67.2%, 3020 Yds, 22 TD, 7 INT, 99.9 QB Rating

Team Leaders:
SEATTLE
Kenneth Walker III 985 Rushing Yds, 3 TD
Tyler Lockett 1190 Receiving Yds, 5 TD
Jamal Adams 117 Tckl
Boye Mafe 7.5 Sacks
Devon Witherspoon 3 INT
SAN FRANCISCO
Christian McCaffrey 1244 Rushing Yds, 7 TD
Deebo Samuel 1284 Receiving Yds, 10 TD
Talanoa Hufanga 107 Tckl
Nick Bosa 14.0 Sacks
Tashaun Gipson 6 INT

Key Injuries:
SEATTLE
QB Geno Smith (Out)
DE Mario Edwards (Out)
OLB Tyreke Smith (Probable)
OLB Darrell Taylor (Probable)
LB Jordyn Brooks (Out)
CB Devon Witherspoon (Out)
SAN FRANCISCO
FB Kyle Juszczyk (Questionable)
WR Brandon Aiyuk (Out)
OLB Oren Burks (Out)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Out)

Point Spread: San Francisco by 4

Preview:

Since starting the season 6-1 Seattle has gone 3-7, barely squeaking into the playoffs. Since losing Geno Smith early in a game in Dallas they are 2-4. They aren't trending well but never count a Pete Carroll team out. They'll need Boye Mafe to bring pressure and Devin Bush to step up in Jordyn Brooks' absence. Carson Wentz will have to play his best ball and the streaky Kenneth Walker will have to play one of his better games but make no mistake this is a team that can steal a game on the road against their bitter rivals. Now, with that said, it isn't likely. Their defense has struggled, allowing the 3rd most points in the NFL and taking a nose dive once star rookie Devon Witherspoon was injured. The 49ers have won 4 of their last 5 to take the division from Seattle. Look for them to dominate in the trenches. They have an elite front seven and a solid O-Line and if they can control the line of scrimmage they should control the game. They have a great rushing attack with the emergence of Elijah Mitchell as a legitimate secondary threat behind Christian McCaffrey. They may miss Brandon Aiyuk but with Samuel, Kittle, McCaffrey and Mitchell Brock Purdy should still have plenty of options.

Prediction: San Francisco 28, Seattle 18.






#6 Los Angeles Rams (9-8) @ #3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)

Tale of the Tape:
LOS ANGELES
PF/gm 23.2 (13th)
PA/gm 24.3 (24th)
Yds/gm 340.4 (22nd)
YA/gm 381.8 (29th)
TO Diff +1 (t-16th)
Sacks/gm 2.3 (t-20th)
SacksA/gm 2.5 (13th)
TAMPA BAY
PF/gm 23.1 (14th)
PA/gm 23.2 (23rd)
Yds/gm 333.1 (24th)
YA/gm 340.6 (8th)
TO Diff +6 (t-6th)
Sacks/gm 2.6 (t-10th)
SacksA/gm 2.4 (9th)

Quarterbacks:
LOS ANGELES Dwayne Woodruff 304-491, 61.9%, 3423 Yds, 28 TD, 14 INT, 89.8 QB Rating
TAMPA BAY Baker Mayfield 343-544, 63.1%, 3347 Yds, 22 TD, 11 INT, 85.3 QB Rating

Team Leaders:
LOS ANGELES
Kyren Williams 885 Rushing Yds, 3 TD
Cooper Kupp 997 Receiving Yds, 5 TD
John Johnson 103 Tckl
Aaron Donald 11.5 Sacks
Cobie Durant 4 INT
TAMPA BAY
Chase Edmonds 968 Rushing Yds, TD
Mike Evans 837 Receiving Yds, 4 TD
Antoine Winfield 97 Tckl
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka 8.0 Sacks
Ryan Neal, Antoine Winfield 6 INT

Key Injuries:
LOS ANGELES
QB Matthew Stafford (Out)
WR Puka Nacua (Out)
DE Michael Hoecht (Probable)
DE Larrell Murchison (Questionable)
LB Ernest Jones (Probable)
TAMPA BAY
TE Cade Otton (Out)
OT Tristan Wirfs (Probable)
OLB Shaquil Barrett (Out)
CB Carlton Davis (Doubtful)

Point Spread: Tampa Bay by 3

Preview:

The Rams had won three in a row coming into week 18 but were stomped by the 49ers, pulling rookie QB Dwayne Woodruff at halftime after two interceptions. Can they bounce back into form? In the past six games they have scored more than 20 only twice but one of those games was when they put a whopping 52 points up on New Orleans. They'll be on the road where they have a 4-5 record, while Tampa is 6-2 at home. The Rams also have the weakest strength of victory of any playoff team, preying on weaker teams but struggling against quality opponents. They will need players to step up, players like Cobie Durant (sophomore CB who led them in interceptions despite starting the year way down the depth chart) and Tariq Carpenter (the sophomore LB was excellent in pass coverage all year and had two picks and 7 passes defended). Cooper Kupp has only played in 12 games this season but he's healthy and likely to be a big factor for their offense. The Buccaneers have the talent advantage and one of the best safety tandems in the league with Ryan Neal and Antoine Winfield. Their defense was top ten in yards allowed and their team was a +6 in turnover differential, also top ten in the league. Baker Mayfield is not going to win the game through the air but he can keep them in it and make sure not to lose it. They were embarrassed in Carolina in week 18 38-7 and will be looking to prove that was an anomaly. This one could be a low scoring affair.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 16, Los Angeles 10.






#5 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) @ #4 Minnesota Vikings (9-8)

Tale of the Tape:
PHILADELPHIA
PF/gm 27.8 (2nd)
PA/gm 21.4 (12th)
Yds/gm 375.9 (9th)
YA/gm 350.4 (16th)
TO Diff -3 (22nd)
Sacks/gm 3.5 (1st)
SacksA/gm 1.4 (1st)
MINNESOTA
PF/gm 23.8 (11th)
PA/gm 24.4 (t-25th)
Yds/gm 381.4 (8th)
YA/gm 361.8 (22nd)
TO Diff 0 (t-18th)
Sacks/gm 2.6 (t-10th)
SacksA/gm 3.4 (32nd)

Quarterbacks:
PHILADELPHIA Jalen Hurts 337-537, 62.8%, 3575 Yds, 24 TD, 17 INT, 83.8 QB Rating, 105 Car, 726 Yds, 5 TD
MINNESOTA Nick Mullens 116-176, 65.9%, 1280 Yds, 10 TD, 4 INT, 96.8 QB Rating

Team Leaders:
PHILADELPHIA
D'Andre Swift 1011 Rushing Yds, 11 TD
DeVonta Smith 1008 Receiving Yds, 6 TD
Terrell Edmunds 117 Tckl
Josh Sweat 10.0 Sacks
Darius Slay 3 INT
MINNESOTA
Myles Gaskin 1082 Rushing Yds, 8 TD
Justin Jefferson 1730 Receiving Yds, 9 TD
Harrison Smith 127 Tckl
D.J. Wonnum 10.0 Sacks
Byron Murphy, Camryn Bynum 3 INT

Key Injuries:
PHILADELPHIA
OT Lane Johnson (Out)
OT Jordan Mailata (Out)
OG Landon Dickerson (Out)
CB James Bradberry (Out)
MINNESOTA
QB Kirk Cousins (Out)
FB C.J. Ham (Out)
WR Jalen Nailor (Out)
WR Jordan Addison (Doubtful)
TE T.J. Hockenson (Probable)
OG Ezra Cleveland (Probable)
DT Harrison Phillips (Out)

Point Spread: Philadelphia by 2

Preview:

This game should be a home run for the Eagles despite the fact Minnesota is at home. The Eagles have superior talent at almost every position except receiver and maybe the secondary. The Eagles have better coaching. The top pass rushing team in the league in Philadelphia is going up against the worst pass blocking team in the league in Minnesota. The Vikings are missing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. But - and there are two big buts in this game that could easily be a grand slam for the Eagles - Minnesota has probably the best receiver in the NFL right now in Justin Jefferson and the Eagles O-Line, 1st in the NFL in sacks allowed in the regular season, has been decimated by injury and is missing three starters for this game. Can Jason Kelce hold this patchwork line together and give Hurts time and open running lanes for Swift, Hurts and Rashaad Penny? Can an aging Darius Slay lock down Jefferson? Those are the questions Philadelphia will have to answer en route to a likely Divisional round game. Jalen Hurts has thrown a lot of interceptions this season, he'll have to get a grip on that for this game and not give the ball away.
Prediction: Philadelphia 37, Minnesota 21.

[frappuccino]

such detailed information

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[canuxrok]

Wild Card Round, #7 Seattle Seahawks (9-8) @ #2 San Francisco 49ers (10-7)

Weather: Sunny, 51 degrees, 2 mph wind

Recap:

1st Quarter
Seattle starts with the ball but goes three and out, with Nick Bosa pressuring Carson Wentz to rush a third and long throw to Metcalf that falls incomplete. The 49ers started from their 36 and Elijah Mitchell ran it 15 yards into Seattle territory on their first play. On 3rd and 4 from the Seattle 43 Purdy hits McCaffrey on a short pass and McCaffrey gains the first down. On 3rd and 9 from the 38 Purdy connects with WR Chris Conley but Tyreke Smith tackles him two yards short of the first down. The Jake Moody field goal attempt is blocked by Jon Rhattigan and Seattle takes over from their own 44. On 3rd and 11 at their 43 Wentz avoids the blitz and completes a 15 yard pass over the middle to Noah Fant for the first down. A thirteen yard pass to Dissly is another first down but he fumbles it. Jaxon Smith-Njigba comes up with it at the bottom of the pile. Seattle ball still at the 49ers 29. On 3rd and 9 the 49ers send a blitz and Nick Bosa takes Wentz down for an 8 yard loss. The ball is loose but Charles Cross recovers it for Seattle. The 53 yard field goal attempt by Myers hits the left goal post and San Francisco takes over. A couple first downs on the ground move the ball to Seattle's 33 yard line. TE George Kittle picks up a first down with an 8 yard reception to move the ball to the 23. A reverse to Deebo Samuel and then a 7 yard run by McCaffrey net a first down at the Seattle 10. On 3rd and goal from the 7 San Francisco comes out in shotgun but Boye Mafe bats away the pass. Jake Moody hits the 24 yard field goal for the first points of the game. San Francisco 3, Seattle 0. With poor starting field position after a short DeeJay Dallas return the SEahawks start moving the ball, with Metcalf catching a first down and then Jaxon Smith-Njigba with a 15 yard catch over the middle. On 3rd and 2 at midfield DeeJay Dallas gets the pitch and goes 8 yards for the first down.

2nd Quarter
On 2nd and 4 Colby Parkinson catches a six yard pass for a first down at the San Francisco 30. Fred Warner blitzes on 3rd down and strip sacks Wentz. The 49ers recover at their own 35. On 3rd and 16 Seattle rushes 5 and Purdy avoids the blitz and scrambles for nine yards, not enough for first down and they punt it away. The Seahawks start at their own 16 yard line. Wentz takes a sack on first down from Dre Greenlaw and then on second down from Bosa but a flag on the defense gives Seattle a first down. On 2nd and 11 they hand it off to Walker on an off-tackle play and he gets enough daylight to earn a first down, gaining twelve yards before Dre Greenlaw takes him down. On 3rd and 6 Seattle called a playaction pass to Tyler Lockett but Fred Warner got over there to break up the play and the Seahawks would punt again. The 49ers start with the ball at their 28. They pick up a couple first downs through the air to move the ball to their 48. On 3rd and 5 from the Seahawks 47 Brock Purdy comes out in an empty backfield and fires a short pass to WR Ray-Ray McCloud for seven yards and a first down. Coby Bryant knocks away a pass intended for Deebo Samuel on first down but on second down Purdy completes one to Samuel despite Dre'Mont Jones being right in his face. Deebo beat Riq Woolen cleanly with that route. From the Seattle 28 Brock Purdy fakes the handoff to McCaffrey and throws a deep in to Deebo Samuel who makes the catch and runs the rest of the way into the endzone. San Francisco 10, Seattle 0. Seattle gets the ball with 2:46 to go in the half. On 3rd and 10 Wentz sends Jake Bobo on a go route and gets some time in the pocket, completing a 73 yard pass to Bobo who hauls it in and gains nine yards after the catch before being brought down by S Talanoa Hufanga at the 2, what a play! Eventually they would score on a one yard quick out to Tyler Lockett. San Francisco 10, Seattle 7. The 49ers come out of the 2 minute warning with a 2nd and 2 on their own 33. McCaffrey takes the handoff five yards for a first down. A quick slant to Deebo Samuel sees him gain 11 yards after the catch for a 14 yard first down to the Seattle 48. Another first down on an 11 yard pass to TE Brayden Willis. On 3rd and 6 from the Seattle 33 the 49ers come out in pistol and Jerrick Reed bats away the pass to Samuel. Jake Moody just barely makes the 50 yard field goal. San Francisco 13, Seattle 7. Time runs out on Seattle's offense before they can move the ball past midfield.

Stats at the Half:
SEATTLE 7
FD 11
Plays 32
Yards 164
Rushing 33
Passing 131
Sacks 1
Turnovers 1
3rd Downs 3/7
Penalties 3/25
Possession 15:05
Carson Wentz 11-16, 162 Yds, TD
DeeJay Dallas 5 Car, 18 Yds
Jake Bobo 1 Rec, 73 Yds
Bobby Wagner 3 Tckl, 3 Ast
Myles Adams 3 Tckl, Sack
SAN FRANCISCO 13
FD 14
Plays 34
Yards 200
Rushing 82
Passing 118
Sacks 4
Turnovers 0
3rd Downs 2/6
Penalties 2/16
Possession 14:21
Brock Purdy 14-19, 124 Yds, TD
Christian McCaffrey 8 Car, 33 Yds
Deebo Samuel 3 Rec, 54 Yds, TD
Fred Warner 7 Tckl, Sack
Nick Bosa 3 Tckl, Ast, 2 Sacks

3rd Quarter
San Francisco gets the ball to start the half. On 3rd and line Boye Mafe and Jarran Reed combine to sack Purdy to force a punt. DeeJay Dallas muffs the 57 yard punt but recovers it. Seattle starts at their 30. They pick up one first down with a six yard catch from Lockett on 2nd and 3. A screen pass to JSN gets blown up by Dre Greenlaw, putting Seattle in 3rd and long. Wentz's throw is incomplete and Seattle punts. The 49ers get the ball at their own 20 to start their next drive. On 2nd and 2 Elijah Mitchell breaks an 18 yard run to move it to their own 46 for a first down. Two consecutive five yard runs from Mitchell picks them up another first down, this time in Seattle territory. On 2nd and 7 it's Mitchell again, this time receiving a swing pass and faking out a defender to be off and running, dragged down at the 2 by Julian Love to set up a first and goal. That's a 39 yard gain. They go back to Mitchell for the two yard touchdown run. Jake Moody's extra point attempt hits the upright. San Francisco 20, Seattle 7. On 3rd and 7 Dre Greenlaw gets through on the blitz but Carson Wentz scrambles for nine yards and a first down to keep the drive going. Another set of downs another 3rd and seven. This time Wentz finds Metcalf on an out for 10 yards and another first down. DE Clelin Ferrell strip sacks Wentz on first down but the Seahawks recover and retain possession. On 3rd and four from the San Frncisco 44 Wentz targets Metcalf again but doesn't get enough on the pass and Seattle has to punt again. After the touchback the 49ers take over at their 20. On third and nine Purdy connects with Deebo Samuel on a playaction pass for 15 yards to convert for a first down. On second and four Elijah Mitchell gets a 10 yard gain for a first down, he's up to 75 yards on the ground now and San Francisco is into Seattle territory.

4th Quarter
Deebo catches a 14 yard pass for another first down, moving the ball to Seattle's 27 yard line. Christian McCaffrey picks up a first down in two carries. Then he runs for nine yards in an off tackle run on first down. Elijah Mitchell comes in to run it five yards for the first down at the 3. On first and goal the 49ers are flagged for a hold. On second down Purdy completes a six yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel. San Francisco 27, Seattle 7. A 14 yard pass to Dissly gets the Seahawks moving on their next drive. Wentz completes a 17 yard pass to Noah Fant to move the ball to the San Francisco 44. On 3rd and 12 Wentz comes out in the pistol and throws a long pass to Lockett on a post but the pass is dropped and Seattle will punt it yet again. A steady diet of McCaffrey and Mitchell moves the ball downfield while chewing the clock. With 4:35 left San Francisco has a first down from the Seattle 27. They keep plowing ahead with the run, with Elijah Mitchell gaining five yards and then 4 yards to set up 3rd and 1. They hand it off to Mitchell again and he picks up 2 yards and the first down. A four yard run by McCaffrey saw Seattle use their first timeout. They stopped McCaffrey for one yard and used another timeout to set up 3rd and five. McCaffrey got the ball again and was stopped a yard short as Seattle used their final timeout. Moody kicked the 24 yard field goal at the two minute warning. San Francisco 30, Seattle 7. With no timeouts Seattle's offense takes the field for a two minute drill. They pick up a first down but are set back by a penalty. A pass to Metcalf picks up another first down. A short pass to Nick Bellore is stopped in the backfield to set up 3rd and 11. Wentz avoids the rush and scrambles for seven yards but the clock runs out before they can even get the fourth down play off.

Final Score: San Francisco 30, Seattle 7.

Summary:

The disparity in quality between these two teams was apparent. Brock Purdy carved up the Seahawks defense, which was desperately missing Devon Witherspoon and Jordyn Brooks. Elijah Mitchell and Christian McCaffrey combined to run the ball 36 times for 200 yards. Deebo Samuel scored two touchdowns. Seattle's offense couldn't generate anythingon the ground and gave up on it early, giving only 12 carries to their runningbacks. The 49ers also dominated the Seahawks offensive line, generating 6 sacks and 10 total pressures and knocking Carson Wentz down 9 times. Fred Warner was all over the field for them, making 9 solo tackles, a sack, a TFL, forcing a fumble and batting down 3 passes. Nick Bosa had 2 sacks, a forced fumble and 4 pressures. Wentz fumbled 3 times and the Seahawks had a total of five fumbles, though they did recover 4 of them.

Defense Stats:

SEATTLE
LB Bobby Wagner 9 Tckl, 5 Ast
OLB Boye Mafe 8 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks, PD
S Jamal Adams 7 Tckl, 4 Ast
S Julian Love 7 Tckl, 2 Ast
LB Devin Bush 5 Tckl, Ast
DE Myles Adams 4 Tckl, Sack
DT Jarran Reed 3 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks, 3 Pressures

SAN FRANCISCO
LB Fred Warner 9 Tckl, Ast, Sack, TFL, FF, 3 PD
OLB Dre Greenlaw 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, TFL, FF
S Talanoa Hufange 5 Tckl, Ast, TFL
DE Nick Bosa 3 Tckl, Ast, 2 Sacks, 4 Pressures, FF
DE Clelin Ferrell Sack
DT Javon Hargrave Sack, FR

[frappuccino]

Ouch

[canuxrok]

Quote: Originally Posted by frappuccino

Ouch

Yeah. Sad. But realistic at least. We shouldn't have been in that game talent wise. Their weapons are just so good. And that linebacker duo is tough. And Wentz was never gonna carry that offense the way Geno could when he was on.

[canuxrok]

Wild Card Round Recap



#7 MIA (10-7) 20 @ #2 BUF (12-5) 28
MIAMI QB Tua Tagovailoa 27-36, 288 Yds, 2 TD, INT, 104.9 QBR; RB Raheem Mostert 14 Car, 57 Yds; WR Tyreek Hill 9 Rec, 129 Yds; TE Durham Smythe 4 Rec, 21 Yds, 2 TD; CB Xavien Howard 7 Tckl, Ast; S Jevon Holland 6 Tckl, 4 Ast, 3 PD, FF; LB David Long 6 Tckl, TFL;
BUFFALO QB Josh Allen 26-34, 275 Yds, TD, 109.3 QBR, 6 Car, 14 Yds, TD; RB Damien Harris 9 Car, 87 Yds, TD; WR Justin Shorter 7 Rec, 86 Yds, 2 Car, 4 Yds, TD; TE Johnnie Loveless 8 Rec, 44 Yds, TD; S Jordan Poyer 8 Tckl, 4 Ast, 2 PD, INT; LB Frank Ginda 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 PD; S Micah Hyde 5 Tckl, Ast, TFL; DT Ed Oliver 5 Tckl, Sack, FF; DE Von Miller 4 Tckl, FR
SUMMARY Buffalo's defense forced a 3 and out to start the game and their first possession was a ten play touchdown drive. They would pick up another touchdown in the first half to be up 14-3 at the half. Their second drive of the second half was 15 plays for 87 yards capped off by a Josh Allen sneak for the touchdown to go up 21-3. Miami did answer back with a touchdown drive of their own and followed that up with a field goal to close the gap to 21-13. With 3:13 to play the Dolphins began a drive at their own 20 which ended in short order when Tagovailoa was sacked on consecutive plays, with the second one being a strip sack by DT Ed Oliver that was recovered by Buffalo's Von Miller at the 8. The Bills would score off that turnover to put the game effectively out of reach, though Miami did put together a solid 8 play 68 yard touchdown drive in 1:44 to pull back within a score with 22 seconds left. The onside kick failed and Buffalo took a knee to seal the victory.
INJURIES MIA WR Jaylen Waddle (Sprained Foot), MIA DE Zach Sieler (Sprained Elbow Ligament), BUF WR Justin Shorter (Bruised Shoulder), BUF TE Dalton Kincaid (Adductor Muscle Tear, BUF CB Dane Jackson (Strained Quadriceps). Kincaid's injury could be a significant blow to Buffalo's offense as it seems quite serious and he will likely miss the rest of the playoffs.

#6 DEN (10-6) 38 @ #3 LV (11-6) 10
DENVER QB Russell Wilson 12-15, 154 Yds, 2 TD, 149.0 QBR (Injured midway through the 2nd quarter); QB Holton Ahlers 16-22, 213 Yds, TD, INT, 99.2 QBR; RB Javonte Williams 21 Car, 91 Yds, TD; WR Jerry Jeudy 9 Rec, 136 Yds, 2 TD; TE Adam Trautman 4 Rec, 54 Yds, TD; LB Alex Singleton 6 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL; OLB Frank Clark 5 Tckl, Ast, Sack; S Justin Simmons 6 Tckl, 4 PD; DE Kerry Hyder 2 Sacks; OLB Randy Gregory Sack; CB Cornell Armstrong PD, FF; DE Eyioma Uwazurike Sack, FF
LAS VEGAS QB Brian Hoyer 9-14, 70 Yds, 66.3 QBR (Pulled at the half down 24-0); QB Jimmy Garoppolo 9-17, 82 Yds, 76.5 QBR; RB Josh Jacobs 21 Car, 82 Yds, TD, 4 Rec, 30 Yds; WR Jakobi Meyers 3 Rec, 26 Yds; LB Dorian Switzer 9 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL; S Trevon Moehrig 6 Tckl, 4 Ast, INT; OLB Curtis Bolton 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, DE Maxx Crosby 3 Pressures
SUMMARY This game went wrong from the outset for Las Vegas, starting with the ball but fumbling on their second play from scrimmage. The Broncos put up three touchdowns on their first four drives to go up 21-0, adding a field goal on the next drive although starting QB Russell Wilson was injured partway through the series. Holton Ahlers threw an interception on his next series but the Raiders failed to capitalize on the turnover and went into the half down 24-0. Brian Hoyer was replaced with Jimmy Garoppolo for the second half but Garoppolo was put in a very difficult situation when Ahlers led the Broncos on a 13 play 75 yard touchdown drive to open the half, giving Garoppolo his first touch of the game with 9:07 left in the third quarter down 31-0. Though he put up 10 points the rest of the game it was far too little too late for the Raiders.
INJURIES DEN DE Eyioma Uwazurike (Strained Rotator Cuff), DEN QB Russell Wilson (Sprained Elbow Ligament), LV DT John Jenkins (Torn MCL). With Denver moving on to the Divisional Round the loss of Russell Wilson is significant as it's unlikely he'll play. In fact he could be out for up to the entirety of the playoffs though he's going to be re-evaluated next week and he'll be doing everything he can to be ready to play as soon as possible.

#5 BAL (11-6) 14 @ #4 CLE (11-6) 34
BALTIMORE QB Lamar Jackson 18-30, 219 Yds, TD, 93.6 QBR, 11 Car, 86 Yds; RB J.K. Dobbins 10 Car, 22 Yds; WR Devin Duvernay 7 Rec, 84 Yds; WR Rashod Bateman 4 Rec, 60 Yds, TD; K Justin Tucker 0/2 FG; LB Malik Harrison 10 Tckl, Ast; S Marcus Williams 7 Tckl, 5 Ast; S Kyle Hamilton 6 Tckl, 7 Ast, TFL, INT; OLB Odafe Oweh 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, TFL
CLEVELAND QB P.J. Walker 18-26, 197 Yds, 2 TD, INT, 100.9 QBR; RB Nick Chubb 24 Car, 142 Yds; RB Jerome Ford 9 Car, 82 Yds, TD; WR Amari Cooper 8 Rec, 97 Yds; WR Donovan Peoples-Jones 6 Rec, 78 Yds, TD; K Dustin Hopkins 2/3 FG; LB Keandre Jones 7 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks; S Rodney McLeod 5 Tckl, Ast, FF, FR, TD; OLB Sione Takitaki 5 Tckl, TFL; DT Dalvin Tomlinson 4 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks; OLB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah 3 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks, PD; DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo 0.5 Sacks, 3 Pressures; DE Freddie Mungia Sack; CB Mike Ford TFL, 2 PD
SUMMARY The game was close through the first half, with Cleveland opening the scoring and the Ravens answering immediately with a 97 yard kick return touchdown by Devin Duvernay. The Browns would add another touchdown but miss the extra point, allowing the Ravens to take the lead at the end of the half with a Rashod Bateman one yard receiving touchdown and subsequent Justin Tucker extra point. The game was tightly contested in the third quarter, with Cleveland retaking the lead on a 33 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal. After Justin Tucker missed a field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter the Browns marched down the field in 6 plays to add to their lead with a touchdown pass to FB Donnell Becerra. The momentum turned for good when the Ravens fumbled on their next drive with Rashod Bateman being stripped by S Rodney McLeod. McLeod scooped up the fumble and took it 17 yards to the house and P.J. Walker connected with Amari Cooper for the two point convert to go up by 17 with ten minutes to play. Lamar Jackson was the player of the game even in a losing cause, but he had no support around him with the defense allowing Chubb to run all over them and nobody else on his team able to run for more than 25 yards. Jackson gained 86 yards on the ground while all three of his runningbacks combined for 43 yards. Clevelands O-Line played a huge role in their success, with 22 key run block successes and only 5 pressures and 1 sack allowed.
INJURIES BAL DE Justin Madubuike (Torn Thumb Ligament), BAL DT Poona Ford (Head/Concussion), CLE RB Nick Chubb (Sprained Elbow Ligament), CLE OT Jedrick Wills (Torn Lower Leg Ligament - Aggravation), CLE DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Sprained MCL). Losing Justin Madubuike played a role in the loss for Baltimore, their D was less effective without him and they struggled to generate any pressure in the fourth quarter when they needed to. Cleveland will likely be without Jedrick Wills for the rest of the playoffs but they are hopeful star RB Nick Chubb can return in a week or two and on the other side of the ball they will miss Tomlinson for at least the Divisional Round.



#7 SEA (9-8) 7 @ #2 SF (10-7) 30
*See full Recap Above*
INJURIES SEA S Jerrick Reed (Knee Bursitis), SF C Jake Brendel (Strained Achilles Tendon), SF OLB Tanner Vallejo (Bruised Heel). The 49ers could be without Brendel for the next couple games, it will be interesting to see how their O-Line adjusts and if they can continue to have success without him.

#6 LAR (9-8) 19 @ #3 TB (9-8) 41
LOS ANGELES QB Dwayne Woodruff 19-26, 247 Yds, INT, 86.6 QBR (Woodruff was benched for the final series, when Stetson Bennett took over to run the two minute drill and eventually threw an interception); RB Kyren Williams 8 Car, 17 Yds, 4 Rec, 29 Yds; WR Cooper Kupp 8 Rec, 116 Yds; WR Tyler Johns 4 Rec, 112 Yds; OLB Troy Reed 7 Tckl, Sack, 2 TFL, FF; LB Tariq Carpenter 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, 0.5 Sacks; CB Darius Phillips 2 TFL, PD; S John Johnson 5 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, PD; DE Aaron Donald 3 Pressures
TAMPA BAY QB Baker Mayfield 23-33, 307 Yds, 3 TD, 129.2 QBR; RB Chase Edmonds 10 Car, 98 Yds, TD; WR Chris Godwin 10 Rec, 159 Yds, TD; WR Mike Evans 5 Rec, 77 Yds, TD; LB Lavonte David 8 Tckl, 2 Ast, TFL; S Antoine Winfield 7 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, PD, INT; S Ryan Neal 5 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, FF; DT Vita Vea 4 Tckl, 3 Ast, 2 TFL; DE William Gholston Sack; CB Dee Delaney FR, INT, TD
SUMMARY The Rams began well, starting with possession and scoring on their first drive of the game. The Buccaneers evened it up in the first quarter when Dee Delaney ran back a fumble he recovered 61 yards for the defensive TD. Both teams exchanged second quarter field goals but the momentum really turned when Baker Mayfield led a drive from his own 2 with 3:12 left in the half that went 98 yards in 7 plays and 2:45 and culminated in a five yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin to take a lead into the half. The Bucs followed that up with a second half opening drive that went 69 yards for a touchdown and then extended their lead to three scores with a 72 yard touchdown drive on their very next possesssion. The game was out of reach from there and the Rams failed to generate any significant offense for most of the second half. LAR RB Cam Akers ran the ball 12 times but was held to 0 total yards and never gained more than 3 yards. As a team they finished with only 42 rushing yards. Baker Mayfield's 300 yard 3 touchdown performance through the air won player of the game honours.
INJURIES None.

#5 PHI (11-6) 15 @ #4 MIN (9-8) 23
PHILADELPHIA QB Jalen Hurts 12-20, 112 Yds, 75.4 QBR; RB Boston Scott 5 Car, 53 Yds; RB Rashaad Penny 9 Car, 49 Yds; WR A.J. Brown 3 Rec, 46 Yds; TE Dallas Goedert 3 Rec, 35 Yds; K Jake Elliott 5/5 FG, 2/2 50+; CB Darius Slay 10 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 PD; LB Nakobe Dean 9 Tckl, Ast; OLB Haason Reddick 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, PD; S Justin Evans 6 Tckl, FF; DT Fletcher Cox 4 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack, TFL; DT Milton Williams Sack; DE Josh Sweat 0.5 Sacks, FF
MINNESOTA QB Nick Mullens 26-35, 262 Yds, TD; RB Myles Gaskin 11 Car, 48 Yds; RB Alexander Mattison 15 Car, 46 Yds; WR Justin Jefferson 8 Rec, 75 Yds, TD; TE Johnny Mundt 4 Rec, 55 Yds; K Greg Joseph 3/3 FG; LB Brian Asamoah 7 Tckl, Ast, TFL; S Harrison Smith 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 PD; S Camryn Bynum 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, FF; OLB Danielle Hunter 3 Tckl, Ast, Sack; DE Jonathan Bullard Sack
SUMMARY This was a grind it out kind of a game, with every yard hard fought. The Eagles opened the scoring on their second series of the game, starting from their own 3 but driving it 62 yards before Jake Elliott hit the 52 yard field goal. The Vikings responded with a field goal on their next drive, which moved the ball 62 yards but took 11 plays to do so. After Cameron Bynum stripped Rashaad Penny on the ensuing kickoff the Vikings scored the first touchdown of the game on a 21 yard run by third string running back Ty Chandler. The Eagles drove the ball 60 yards but would have to settle for a field goal. A turnover by the Vikings gave Philadelphia a golden opportunity at the Minnesota 12 but on three plays they lost 3 yards and settled for yet another field goal. With 2:18 on the clock Minnesota's offense atoned for the lost fumble with a two minute drill drive of 75 yards in 9 plays and 1:59, scoring on an 11 yard pass to Justin Jefferson. The first four drives of the next half chewed up over a quarter of time and saw both offenses end up with two more field goals. The Eagles would go three and out on their final two possessions and the Vikings would take the ball with 5:05 and grind out a 54 yard 12 play drive to run the rest of the clock out and seal their win. Minnesota's defense stymied Jalen Hurts, allowing him only 15 yards on the ground and 112 through the air. They also limited DeVonta Smith to only twenty receiving yards. Nick Mullens was named the player of the game with 262 passing yards and a touchdown.
INJURIES MIN CB Byron Murphy (Bruised Thigh). Murphy could potentially still play in the Divisional Round, it will depend how he recovers over the course of the week.