Four talking points as we approach the NFL playoffs

With the playoffs fast approaching, it’s time to look at some of the big questions hanging over the head of many teams. 

Some teams throughout the course of the season have answered questions already. The Eagles have shown that they are an out and out championship calibre team that can win the big games and in a number of ways. The Bills look very much like a team that might have missed their window for winning a championship. They have struggled to get out of their own way and look likely to have another season watching the Super Bowl, rather than playing in it. 

Now what questions are still overhanging for some of our other contenders? 

1. Can the Cowboys change the narrative?

Dallas are a team each year who come into the season with a loaded expectation on them. The past couple of seasons have finished disappointingly and in ugly fashion to the 49ers. So what makes this team different from the past and can they rewrite the script? For me the answer is…yes. Dallas knows what they need to do to get over the hurdle and have a chance at a championship.

The key for me is the completeness of the team and I’d say an edge to them this season that I’d suggest hasn’t been there before. McCarthy took over play calling and that move has already proved to be the right call. It’s the first season where Lamb has really cemented his status as an elite WR. The defense, for me personally, is really well balanced even with its lack of depth in the LB room.

Though they have a chance this week to add to that with a certain former Colt visiting them. The Cowboys will play either the 49ers or the Eagles in a mouth-watering clash in the playoffs. They hung with the Eagles recently but were blown out by the 49ers earlier in the season.

Both those games were tough in different ways for this Dallas team but I would fancy them to make the necessary adjustments to come out on top and considering their stature, they will be overlooked in the playoffs, largely down to their history of coming up short. But, that could change very shortly. 

2. Can the Lions be a threat in the postseason?

Detroit can be but I also have some concerns over them making that a reality. They are having such a great season, but their losses have spoken volumes and they lack a consistent pass rush, which I believe might well be a stumbling block for them in the bigger games. Their most recent loss came on thanksgiving where they were poor with their ball security.

Goff looked to be a distance away from the player we saw at the start of the season and their aggressive play calling style came back to bite them. In the playoffs, they have to protect the football better and they need to be more calculated because the margins are smaller. Momentum plays a big factor and although I love the aggressiveness from the Lions, if they don’t convert on an aggressive call, they are only making it tougher for themselves and easier for their opponent.

The pass rush might be the main concern. Hutchinson is an exciting young star, but his sacks tend to come in bunches and apart from him, there isn’t really anyone else making a real impact. They ideally could do with someone opposite Hutchinson to take some of the attention but that can only be resolved in the off-season.

I’d also worry if Hutchinson doesn’t have a sack happy playoff, if the defense can consistently hold other teams from out scoring them. So for me, it’s a successful season without doubt and the Lions are going places, but I’m not sure I can side with them to be a legit championship contender.

3. Will the Dolphins be able to step up in the big games?

So far this season Miami is known for two things. 1 – having a receiver in Hill who is having a record breaking season and 2 – not being able to beat teams with winning records or in meaningful games. They have the talent, they have all the pieces required, but they have continued to come up short.

This leaves you wondering whether or not they can be trusted in the big games to come. It’s only getting tougher too, now that they are without Phillips whose form was getting better and better each game he played. He leaves a massive void in the defense and his presence will be missed. So can Miami win in the playoffs?…I say yes.

Even with the loss of Phillips, they have too good a coaching staff and roster to not figure things out in the playoffs. If they get one big game win, it could be a domino effect where they stack them up. Tua is an MVP candidate and will get a lucrative contract after the season. Hill is looking like the 2000 yard season is easily achievable and if they can stay fairly healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the AFC championship match or the Super Bowl. 

4. How will the loss of Mark Andrew impact the Ravens?

The Ravens have grown into the season and they look like one of the more complete teams. But the loss of Andrews can’t be understated. Jackson and Andrews entered the league together and they have a very similar connection to that of Mahomes and Kelce.

When Lamar needs someone in crunch time, he looks for Andrews. The TE has been prolific since he joined the league, he doesn’t have a weakness and his ability to be on the same wavelength as his QB is something that is rare. It leaves me wondering if the rest of the offense can manage to fill the void that Andrews leaves and I’m going to have to say that it’s too big a void to fill.

It’s a massive compliment to the TE and it’s not to say that the Ravens can’t win it all, but it has gotten much more difficult now that their TE isn’t on the pitch. Defensively the Ravens are showing they are a number one defensive unit, Lamar is looking comfortable and accurate under the new OC, they have a great running back room and a WR group who are finding their groove.

Now if they had all that and one of the top TE’s in the league then there wouldn’t be a question, but when it’s crunch time, I think his presence will be sorely missed. I’d love to be wrong, I will say that. 

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Four teams who have their sights set on hoisting the Lombardi, but each have tests they must overcome in order to have even a chance of finishing the season as champions.