Whew. That was a weekend! Honestly, that was probably the best Wild Card weekend in recent memory. Epic comebacks, upsets, hail mary, and defensive linemen rumbling down the field for game-winning touchdowns.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit foggy this morning. Hopefully, I’ll shake it off as the day goes on, but either way, we’ve got some football to discuss today.
The Ravens nearly upset the Bengals in last night’s Wild Card nightcap in Cincinnati! Tyler Huntley played an excellent game and kept the Ravens in it down to the final play. After the game, Jon Harbaugh said he was proud of how his team battled despite being heavy underdogs against the Bengals. But, not everyone in the Ravens locker room felt the team spirit after the hard-fought loss.
Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins had some very pointed comments to reporters after the game:
Yikes. I would imagine that’s going to make for an interesting conversation between Dobbins and Harbaugh (and maybe even higher than Harbaugh?). Dobbins went on to question Harbaugh’s play-calling and his usage.
Dobbins on Tyler Huntley’s goal line fumble: “He should have never been in that situation. I don’t get a single carry. I believe I would have put it in the end zone, again.”
Dobbins on his lack of usage: “I’m a guy who feels like if I’m on the field all the time, I can help this team win, and I wasn’t. It’s the playoffs. Why am I not out there? Twelve carries? It’s the playoffs.”
Well, that’s not great; honestly, he’s not wrong about his usage. I’m not sure I understand why Harbaugh didn’t call his number more often. Dobbins finished the night with 62 yards on 12 carries (4.8 yards per carry), four catches, 43 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Edwards is clearly fed up with the timeshare in the backfield with Gus Edwards. Edwards got 12 attempts last night for just 39 yards (3.3 yards per carry), and Dobbins said that he’s tired of not being the feature back:
“I should be the guy. I’m tired of holding that back. I’m tired of that,” Dobbins said. “I’m a playmaker. I’m a guy that my teammates feed off when I’m on the field. I should be out there all the time.”
Can I interest anyone in one J.K. Dobbins this offseason? It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out over the next few weeks.
The Bengals’ victory over the Ravens sets up a divisional round matchup between the Bengals and the Bills. These two teams had their Week 17 Monday night game suspended and canceled after the horrific injury to Damar Hamlin.
The Bills barely made it out of their game against the Dolphins earlier on Sunday, with Skylar Thompson and the Dolphins possessing the ball with a chance to tie the game or take the lead on the final drive.
The Bills and the Bengals came into their games as heavy favorites against divisional opponents. However, they both seemed to play down to the situation and got more than they bargained for. Still, both managed to advance by the skin of their teeth. Now they’ll play in the most anticipated game of the season next Sunday.
In the late afternoon slot, the Giants upset the Vikings in Minnesota, and I’m not going to say I told you so. Ok, I am going to say I told you so. I tried to tell you that this Vikings team was not it. And we can’t even play the “blame Kirk Cousins game,” this time, because he played pretty well save for the boneheaded decision to throw short of the chains on the final drive.
The Giants just flat-out out-played and out-coached the Vikings. Brian Daboll’s game plan was excellent and executed to perfection. Wink Martindale’s solution to Justin Jefferson made the All-Pro receiver a non-factor. And, of course, Daniel Jones had the game of his life.
Also, please do me a favor today and check out the gamers from last night. We’re just starting things here, and I’m trying to shape a recap that works for the reader and me. The format I used for the Giants-Vikings game and the Bengals-Ravens game made a lot of sense (quick overview, pivotal moments, some fun with numbers to help illustrate, and some light commentary) and was too time-consuming, but I’m open to suggestions!
Here’s the Bengals-Ravens game story:
We’re not done with Wild Card Weekend just yet, despite it being Monday and definitely not a weekend. The Dallas Cowboys visit Tom Brady and the Buccaneers tonight, and I’m looking to go a perfect 6-0 on my Wild Card Weekend picks!
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud will enter the NFL Draft:
I swear, I cannot understand the Bulls. They’re the most frustrating team in the city right now.
Andrew Chafin, back!?
NEWSLETTER
