The Texans' defense was instrumental in their 32-12 win over the Chargers by stifling Justin Herbert early in the game. They held the Chargers to field goals despite early opportunities, which allowed the Texans' offense to find rhythm. The defense also forced key turnovers, including a pick-six by Eric Curry, and limited Herbert to a 60% completion rate when targeting anyone other than Keenan Allen.
The momentum shifted when C.J. Stroud fumbled a snap but managed to scramble and complete a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson. This play woke up the Texans' offense, leading to a touchdown and a subsequent field goal, turning a 6-0 deficit into a 10-6 halftime lead. The Texans dominated the second half, capitalizing on Chargers' mistakes.
Justin Herbert struggled in the playoffs, completing 14 of 32 passes with four interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. This performance has drawn criticism because Herbert, often hyped as an elite quarterback, has yet to win a playoff game. Critics argue that his inability to perform in high-pressure situations raises questions about his readiness for a significant contract extension.
The Ravens dominated the Steelers with a run-heavy approach, accumulating 299 rushing yards. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry led the charge, with Henry scoring a 50-yard touchdown. The Ravens' defense also played a key role, holding the Steelers to minimal scoring opportunities. The game was effectively over by halftime as the Ravens controlled the clock and the scoreboard.
The Ravens are considered a complete team due to their balanced offense and strong defense. Lamar Jackson's dual-threat ability, combined with a dominant running game led by Derrick Henry, makes their offense formidable. Defensively, they have improved significantly, especially with Kyle Hamilton's move to safety. Their ability to control games and adapt to different opponents makes them a Super Bowl contender.
The Bills' success against the Broncos was driven by their offensive line and Josh Allen's playmaking. The offensive line dominated in the run game, with James Cook rushing for 70-80 yards in the first half. Allen made key throws, including a spectacular touchdown to Ty Johnson, and the defense held the Broncos scoreless in the second half. The Bills' ability to control the game on both sides of the ball was decisive.
The Commanders' win was a thriller due to a dramatic game-winning field goal that doinked in off the upright. Jayden Daniels led a clutch drive in the final minutes, converting a crucial fourth-and-one to keep the drive alive. The Commanders' defense also stepped up, holding the Buccaneers to field goals despite early struggles. The game showcased Daniels' poise and the team's ability to perform under pressure.
Jayden Daniels is considered the key to the Commanders' success due to his poise, playmaking ability, and leadership. Despite being a rookie, Daniels has shown remarkable composure in high-pressure situations, leading game-winning drives and making crucial plays with his arm and legs. His ability to elevate the team's performance has been instrumental in their playoff run.
The turning point in the Commanders vs. Buccaneers game was Jayden Daniels' fourth-and-one conversion late in the fourth quarter. With the game tied 20-20, Daniels escaped pressure and scrambled for the first down, keeping the drive alive. This led to the game-winning field goal that doinked in off the upright, securing the Commanders' victory.
Optimism around the Commanders stems from Jayden Daniels' exceptional play and the team's ability to win close games. Despite questions about their overall talent, Daniels' leadership and clutch performances have elevated the team. The defense has also improved, and the team has shown resilience in key moments, making them a dangerous playoff contender.
Super Wild Card Weekend and we start with Fastest 2 Minutes. (00:00:00-00:07:15)
We then Recap every game from the weekend
Texans 32, Chargers 12 (00:07:15-00:35:03)
Ravens 28, Steelers 14 (00:35:03-00:53:17)
Bills 31, Broncos 7 (00:53:17-01:15:21)
Eagles 22, Packers 10 (01:15:21-01:34:32)
Commanders 23, Bucs 20 (01:34:32-02:01:20)
We then talk MNF (02:01:20-02:07:00), Texas vs Ohio State (02:07:00-02:16:31) and finish with who's back of the week (02:16:31-02:31:58).
You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take)