Four Down Territory: NFL Divisional Round
Kickoff
Whoah buddy what a great weekend for some playoff football. The Miracle is Minnesota was so great that an intro isn’t needed.
Let’s start the drive.
1st Down
The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the AFC Title game and they have a legit shot to go to the Super Bowl.
I still can’t wrap my mind around that statement.
Jacksonville has went from the laughing stock of the worst division in football to a dominate team that’s just getting started. Each level of that defense has a young star and Leonard Fournette is exactly who we thought he was. Against the Steelers he rushed for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Blake Bortles (yes, that Blake Bortles) is playing like he’s competent and not hurting his team, which is all the Jags can ask for. Throughout the playoffs they’ve shown that they can win ugly and put up points with anyone.
That’s the scenic route of saying that the Patriots need to be shook of who’s rolling into town. This team can win, and big.
Jalen Ramsey gave us so many treats I have to share them all.
Jags CB Jalen Ramsey: “I was wondering why they were so confident. We stung their ass last time.” …Were they mad about the disrespect? “We don’t give a f***. We really don’t care.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 14, 2018
"We goin' to the Super Bowl. AND we gon' win that b—h"
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— Jalen Ramsey to the crowd of Jaguars fans at EverBank Field pic.twitter.com/fE2jSx3Pj1
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 15, 2018
He’ll get his biggest challenge (literally) on Sunday. The second year corner is going to have to lock up the almighty Gronk. If CBS doesn’t mic both of them up then someone needs to be fired.
There’s really nothing to talk about when it comes to the Patriots. Their dominance was on full display against the Titans.
It just hit me; the AFC South had two teams in the playoffs. Times sure are changing.
2nd Down
The Vikings pulled off the greatest playoff ending of all time. After blowing a 17 point lead against the Saints Minnesota had to rely on a miracle touchdown to secure the victory.
Seriously, you gotta see this.
@nfl @STEFONDIGGS That was one helluva ending. Needed a helluva soundtrack. #Vikings #VikingsWin #VikingsSaints #NFLPlayoffs #NOvsMIN pic.twitter.com/9ShHib4wU1
— EverybodysMovinEverybodysGroovinBabyFunkyLilShack (@agenttrees) January 15, 2018
Marcus Williams has gotta be the sickest man in America. This is Bartman level of whiffing.
The Vikings have earned a trip to Philadelphia with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Anyone who follows both teams understand how poetic this is. Over the past three years the Eagles and Vikings have quite the history.
Eagles traded N. Foles to Rams for S. Bradford. Foles lost his job in St. Louis, C. Keenum takes over. Eagles draft C. Wentz and trade Bradford to Minn. Vikings sign Keenum, who replaces injured Bradford. Foles returns to Philly, replaces injured Wentz. Now, Foles vs. Keenum.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 15, 2018
The only thing that would take this story full circle is a Wentz/Sammy Sleeves showdown at halftime.
Speaking of Wentz, the Eagles beat the Falcons on Saturday 15-10. The Philadelphia shut out Atlanta in the second half and Nick Foles didn’t make any costly mistakes. After the win Lane Johnson and Chris Long said damn everyone that doubted their chances at beating the Falcons.
Dog's gotta eat! #underdog #flyeaglesfly pic.twitter.com/cMePA84PR0
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) January 14, 2018
Those masks have taken a life of their own and now Eagles fans will be wearing them on Sunday.
3rd Down
Now a quick rundown on what the losing teams can do to put themselves in a position for championship success next year.
Atlanta Falcons: Find a new offensive coordinator….like now.
New Orleans Saints: This is going to be tough because he’s one of the greatest of all time but do not empty the bank to pay Drew Brees. He’s 39 and putting yourself in salary cap turmoil isn’t a good idea. Also, learning how to tackle could go a far way too.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Avoid the Jaguars.
I’m kidding, they need to solidify their defensive line and pray that Ryan Shazier can return to 100%.
Tennessee Titans: Help Mariota take the next step to be the star we think he is. He’s flashed those skills throughout these playoffs including this beautiful dime,
Unbelievable, @TheCDavis84 #TitanUp https://t.co/EGDLAVQwcs
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2018
4th Down
Okay, the table is set for championship weekend so it’s time for predictions.
To recap, your truly is 4-4 predicting playoff games so don’t bet any money on these picks.
Jaguars v. Patriots (3:05 on CBS): A few of the goingfor2 staff got together and did a little playoff preview. In it I crossed my fingers that Jacksonville would defy the odds and make it to the Super Bowl. I’m one win away from two weeks of Jalen Ramsey quotes and I’m going all in. The Jaguars will officially arrive after walking into New England and not only beat the Patriots, but leave no doubt who the better team is.
Jaguars 24-14
Vikings v. Eagles (6:40 on Fox): As an Eagles fan this game is gut wrenching to pick. My heart is saying that the Eagles will be going to the Super Bowl but the logical side says that Case Keenum will make the play that Nick Foles can’t. Both defenses are great so if the Eagles do pull this out they’ll need a special teams or defensive score. Jay Ajayi has carried the ball like trash all year and fumbled against Atlanta. You can bet the Vikings will poke at the ball all day and it’ll finally cost the Eagles.
It’s breaking my heart typing this but Minnesota will win 17-14.
I do reserve the right to change that pick….I’ll probably tweet my way into the same score but having the Eagles victorious.
Extra Points
How does Tennessee fire their head coach after winning a playoff game? That’s some Craig level incompetence. The NFC East can breath easy knowing that the Giants hired Pat Shurmer instead of waiting for Belichick. Kyle Shanahan/Jimmy G vs. Josh McDaniels/Andrew Luck in Super Bowl 54 (2020); you heard it here first.
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