NFL Playoff Takeaways: Divisional Round

Photo by Jack Dempsey from The Associated Press

Crazy to think there are only four more football games this year, eh?

At least the ones that matter.

Sorry, UFL, XFL, and CFL.

Here’s what we learned from the Divisional Round.

Broncos defeat Bills 33-30

There were questionable calls. There were missed calls. The refs stayed out of it, but then made themselves the story.

I don’t care about any of that.

Josh Allen just simply needed to take care of the football, and he didn’t do it.

The fumble before halftime was not only a fumble that can not happen, but also play calling malpractice as there were 22 seconds left, the Bills had no timeouts, and got the ball to start the second half.

Then, he fumbled to start the next half as well. Gifting the Broncos six points.

And yet, despite all of that, if he makes a throw to his wide open tight end, the Bills are likely playing football this weekend.

Josh Allen is a great player. He’s incredible talented, and by all accounts a really good guy.

But this wasn’t good enough, and it’s about time to wonder when it will be good enough.

Seahawks defeat 49ers 41-6

Two weeks ago, the Seahawks beat the 49ers 13-3.

People online, in the media, wherever people would listen, said that game was close.

But that game wasn’t close.

It was close in score, but it was not a close game. The Niners never had a chance. The Seahawks just kept leaving points on the field.

Saturday night was the same game as a few weeks ago, except the Seahawks capitalized on their opportunities.

The result? Complete domination.

Patriots defeat Texans 28-16

The Texans have a CJ Stroud problem.

The Stroud we saw from his rookie year is not the same Stroud we have today, and it likely cost the Texans a Super Bowl appearance, and possibly a championship.

Four first half interceptions, including a ludicrous pick six that should have never been thrown, is utterly unacceptable.

I’m surprised DeMeco Ryans didn’t bench him for Davis Mills at halftime.

It might have gotten them a win, and also sent a strong message to Stroud that his job in Houston is far from secure.

Rams defeat Bears 20-17

Some coordinators don’t end up being great head coaches.

Calling and designing plays is one thing.

Reading the game and game management are a whole other thing.

Now, this is not me saying Ben Johnson is not going to be a good head coach. By no means am I saying that.

But Sunday night came down to some poor decisions from Johnson.

The first fourth down they went for? I understood it. This is a highly prolific offense you’re facing. Try to get touchdowns.

But after the Bears defense forced two quick punts, they faced another 4th down, with the running game, specifically short yardage running, not being successful.

Instead of kicking, they went for it on 4th down, and got stuffed once again.

Then late in the game down 17-10 with a chance to tie it up, and facing a 3rd down on the 1, the Bears went shotgun run, failed, and then went shotgun yet again and got turned away on 4th down (this isn’t a complaint about going for it on 4th down. It’s a complaint about the play calling).

Sometimes, it’s best to just keep it simple and read the game.

The Rams were struggling in the cold. You have great chances at easy points, and Sean McVay was calling a very weird game of his own.

But Johnson got too clever, and it may have cost the Bears a shot at the NFC title game.

It’s something to take note of, for sure.