Here’s what an intelligent football fan should have taken from the NFL playoffs this weekend:
- The final four quarterbacks all can beat you from the pocket, on the scramble and with the run. The Vikings believe J.J. McCarthy possesses the ability to succeed each way.
- Quarterback legacies are often built on others’ acts. When Baltimore was attempting to take control of the game in the second half Sunday night, tight end Mark Andrews caught a pass over the middle for a first down in Buffalo territory … then fumbled.
With 1:33 remaining, Andrews — a tremendous player — dropped a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the score.
Lamar Jackson is the one who will be cited as not having made it to a Super Bowl.
- Gophers football has built an impressive cast of NFL standouts. The Vikings’ Blake Cashman had an outstanding season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was a key player on a Super Bowl champ. On Sunday, the Ravens had two former Gophers among their starters: wide receiver Rashod Bateman and offensive lineman Daniel Faalele. Bateman scored a touchdown in both of Baltimore’s playoff games.
- For any franchise desperate for long-term stability and hope, someone like Jayden Daniels is the dream.
Daniels continued one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history by leading Washington to a 45-31 victory over top-seeded Detroit on Saturday night.
He’s accurate, throws an excellent deep ball, scrambles well, runs well, and is an excellent and unflappable decision-maker.
We have no way of knowing whether McCarthy can play at that level, but playing under Kevin O’Connell gives him a chance.
- On Dec. 5, what we now know was a flawed Green Bay Packers offense scored 31 points against the injury-ravaged Lions defense.
On Dec. 15, the Bills scored 48.
On Dec. 30, the injury-ravaged San Francisco 49ers offense scored 34.
