NFL Divisional Round Star Performers
Eight became four this weekend as we got to ‘the best weekend of the football season’. I’m not sure there were any major surprises other than perhaps the in ability for the Bills to stop Joe Burrow. But there was plenty of talent on display in any case!
Jalen Hurts
QB, Philadelphia Eagles, W 38-7 vs Giants
No apparent sign of the damaged shoulder and a commanding performance under centre. His decision making was excellent, and it showed in the scoreline. People came into this game after the Giants dominating performance over the Vikings figuring that the Eagles had something to worry about from their NFC East division rivals. Nothing of the sort.
Whether through the air or on the ground, between Hurts and Nick Sirianni, the game plan was expertly executed. They’ll come up against exceptionally stiff opposition in the form of the Niners next week. They’ll have to be even better.
Joe Burrow
QB, Cincinnati Bengals, W 27-10 @ Bills
Burrow was clinical in the first two quarters against the Bills. In snowy conditions, in a hostile stadium he seemed absolutely un-phased as he carved the Buffalo secondary apart. 242 yards on 23 completions with a couple of touchdowns early on before the worst of the weather set in and that was all she wrote for the only team from New York.
Joe Burrow is, for sure, top five coolest guys in the NFL today (note to editor: idea for a piece). His soundbite after the game was exquisite – when asked those that had booked to go see Bills and Chiefs in Atlanta: Better send those refunds.
Travis Kelce
TE, Kansas City Chiefs, W 27-20 vs Jaguars
Supreme respect for Mahomes for playing through what appears to be a high ankle sprain. He’s slated to make the field for the AFC Championship game at the time of writing but he’s going to need Travis Kelce to do it again after taking in 14 receptions and a brace of touchdowns on Saturday night.
He played his role absolutely perfectly and the link between him and his QB showed us how priceless Kelce is to KC. If the ankle is still playing up, he’ll need Kelce again next week against the Bengals for the quick, block-and-receive style catches that he’s so good at picking up.
A week to forget for… Daniel Jones
A week after I sang his praises the Eagles run over Danny Dimes like a cat in the road. Each of the Eagles starting linemen picking up at least a sack. He didn’t have time, granted, but for a man to be so revered for his decision making and quick feet one week and to get absolutely mullered the next tells me that, no matter what we saw in Super Wildcard Weekend, Daniel Jones is not yet a top tier quarterback.
I do think, however, he has done enough to silence doubters that don’t believe that he should be the starter at the Giants for 2023 and I hope we see another step in his game again. Dust yourself down, Danny. You’re done for the year.
