Craig's Corner: Previewing the Big Game
The NFL season has come and gone, with 18 weeks of regular season action and nearly an entire playoff slate showcasing great action and storylines. Former 7th-round selection Brock Purdy has continued to set the league on fire, while rookie Puka Nacua emerged as one of the best receivers in the NFC. Swifties started watching football, and the Cowboys remain a yearly regular-season powerhouse.
The Baltimore Ravens secured the top seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs. Another rookie, CJ Stroud, along with his rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, led the Houston Texans from the doldrums of the NFL to a blowout victory against 39-year-old Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns. The Kansas City Chiefs, last year’s champions, were forced to go on the road for the first time in Patrick Mahomes’ professional playoff career. The Chiefs did not disappoint in Buffalo against the Bills. In the battle between two supernovae quarterbacks, Josh Allen did all he could to will his team to victory, but ultimately, it was Patrick Mahomes who prevailed.
In the AFC Championship, Mahomes and the Chiefs faced the aforementioned Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Taylor Swift made the trip for the game. All year long, the Ravens ran through teams on the backs of an all-star defense and MVP-level QB play from Lamar Jackson, finishing 13-4, and handily dismantling the San Francisco 49ers on the road in week 16. The AFC Championship was poised to be a great one, with Lamar expected to be the league’s savior from Travis-Kelce-and-Taylor-Swift-induced mania. However, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and the Chiefs’ two biggest stars got into a disagreement pregame when Tucker tried to warm up on the Chiefs’ side of the field.
Then came the game.
Initially, it was close, with both teams scoring early, leading fans to believe they were in for a shootout. Lamar Jackson even completed a pass to himself! For the home team, wide receiver Zay Flowers emerged as his team’s biggest asset, proving to be the only consistent offensive threat. For Kansas City, Travis Kelce once again proved to be his quarterback’s best and most reliable target. Overall, Kelce caught each of his 11 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown, putting Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton in a blender. Mahomes went 30/39 passing for 241 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, called a masterful game, containing Lamar Jackson and virtually shutting down the Ravens’ offense. Todd Monken, Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, inexplicably went away from the running game, which had been successful all season, leading to their downfall. Despite great performances by Zay Flowers and the Ravens’ defense, the Chiefs emerged victorious with a final score of 17-10. Once again, it was the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes.
On the NFC side, the San Francisco 49ers, a juggernaut, secured the first seed and bye. In the Wild Card round, the Cowboys faced off against the Packers and their young quarterback, Jordan Love. All year, Dallas was hailed as one of the best teams in the league, led by the dynamic duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Despite high expectations, the Cowboys came out flat, with Prescott throwing interceptions to Jaire Alexander, including a pick-6, resulting in a halftime deficit of 27-7. Packers RB Aaron Jones led the charge with 118 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing, continuing the Cowboys’ trend of playoff disappointments.
In another matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by former first overall pick Baker Mayfield, dominated the Philadelphia Eagles 32-9 at home. Mayfield threw for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns, with 89 yards going to tight end Cade Otton. The Detroit Lions won their division and made the playoffs for the first time in nearly 30 years, defeating the Rams with a 24-23 victory. Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs shined with 74 yards and one touchdown, leading the Lions to victory.
In the Divisional Round, the Lions faced the Bucs in a rematch of their week seven game. Strong performances from Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans were overshadowed by two costly interceptions thrown by Mayfield, leading to a Lions victory. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs continued his stellar play, securing the win for Detroit.
In their first playoff game, the 49ers hosted the Packers in an ugly, defensive battle. Brock Purdy struggled, forcing coach Kyle Shanahan to rely on running back Christian McCaffrey, who delivered with almost 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 49ers barely managed to score in the first half, but Purdy and the offense came alive in the second half, securing a victory.
The NFC Championship featured the 49ers against the Lions, with Detroit surprising everyone by taking a 24-7 lead at halftime. However, San Francisco staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring the Lions 27-7 in the 3rd and 4th quarters, ultimately winning the game 34-31. Purdy showcased his skills as a runner, leading the 49ers to victory.
Now, both the Chiefs and the 49ers are preparing to face off in Super Bowl 58, overcoming various challenges throughout the season to reach this momentous occasion.
