Wild Card Weekend Lives up to the Promise!
The first weekend of the post-season has passed,and oh boy we will miss football once the season is over! MY advice to you, is to enjoy EVERY moment we have left! The drama on the field is fascinating and will conclude in a number of weeks. In direct contrast, the mouthwatering boardroom drama is only starting!
Wild Card Weekend Ends Multiple Teams’ Hopes and Dreams
The Superbowl dream is over for The Chargers, Steelers, Broncos, Packers and Buccaneers after the weekend’s action. The Chargers were shocked by a resurgent Texans: a team that limped to the play-offs. The same cannot be written about the Steelers: who carried their 0-4 form into the play-offs. The Ravens defense dominated a lacklustre Steelers offense: and the Steelers defense were overpowered and tired out by the dual threat of Lamar Jackson (280 total yards) and Derrick Henry (186 yards and two touchdowns).
Josh Allen returned to the Bills offense and continued his impressive form from the regular season. He completed 20 of 26, two touchdowns and 272 yards. The Eagles overcame the Packers with Jordan Love experiencing a nightmare: he threw three interceptions. The Eagles smelled blood and took advantage. While it was not a vintage Eagles performance, it was enough in an early post season game to ensure some mistakes and loss of focus will not happen again! If Steelers and Ravens fans watched a monotonous game devoid of excitement, the same could not be said for the Commanders versus the Buccaneers! Baker Mayfield, enjoying a Cinderella Man resurgence, ALMOST lead his team to victory. Mayfield went 15 for 18 and threw for 185 yards and two TDs. It was rookie Jayden Daniels who ruled the day: completing 24 for 35: completing 24 of 35 for an impressive 268 yards. The Commanders first playoff win in nineteen years was secured by a Doink(!) field goal kick by Zane Gonzalez. It was a compelling duel between two young and in-form QBs. We are looking forward to how Daniels will take on his next challenge: the red hot Detroit Lions!
Divisional Round Play-Off Games:
Chiefs versus Texans: Saturday 18 January at 21:30;
Lions versus Commanders: Sunday 19 January at 01:00;
Eagles versus Vikings or Rams: Sunday 19 January 20:00;
Bills versus Ravens: Sunday 19 January 23:30.
Mike McCarthy Will Leave the Cowboys
NFL.com has reported that Mike McCarthy has left the Dallas Cowboys: it appears the Cowboys were unwilling to meet McCarthy’s contract duration. The 2010 Superbowl winning coach (Green Bay Packers) departed Dallas after five seasons. This season’s 7-10 record was disappointing, with fans contending the disarray at board level hampered McCarthy: who could forget Dak Prescott’s contract was only signed JUST before the start of the season: on the eve of the Cowboys versus the Browns?
NFL Announce London Home Teams for 2025
European NFL fans reacted with mixed opinions upon the announcement of the London teams for 2025. The “same teams AGAIN!” was one fan’s dismayed reaction: when the Jets, Jags and Browns were confirmed as home teams. Here’s hoping Spain (and IRELAND!!) will have some exciting fixtures announced later this month!
Well there we have it: some more memorable drama on the field, and even more exciting news off the field! Will you get to see YOUR team in Europe in 2025? Who do you think will make it through this weekend’s divisional round? Sit back and soak it all in, dear reader! We go again!