By Brandon Simmons
Reaction to the Vikings/Lions
The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-9 to take the NFC North and homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs. It was the final game of the regular season and heavily anticipated for everything that was on the line. However, it was the Lions that drew a line that Vikes couldn’t cross. Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs shined with his 23 rushes for 139 yards. Minnesota found no answer for him defensively and offensively they were not much better. Their total rushing yards were 120 in addition to them only mustering up 3 field goals. On paper, it doesn’t seem like it was an eventful game by the final score but there are some takeaways to be made on both teams.
The Minnesota Vikings have been impressive throughout the entire season but this performance couldn’t have came at a worse time. Vikings offense looked virtually disrupted and helpless. A week after posting a career high in passing yards, Vikings QB Sam Darnold only had 166 yards with 0 touchdowns. The Lions broke up his connection with Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson which resulted in errant throws and missing out on other receivers. A defense that has been heralded all year for its front 7, generated minimal pass rush in the 2nd half and could not stop the run. Their first meeting was a lot closer than this, but to lose in this manner this close to the postseason, Minnesota should only hope this is a blip on their season.
As for the Detroit Lions, they ended the regular season as the true best team in the NFL. While their passing game was slowly developing , their ground game put them over the top, especially in the 2nd half. It may seem the 2nd half of this game was a real crucial point for both teams in this game and only one of them really responded. That’s going to be important in the postseason as games get tougher and players need to step up make plays. Speaking of stepping up, the Detroit defense really did their thing. As many injuries they have dealt, this unit stepped Sunday night. The Vikings were able to produce tons of pressure, including 7 QB hits and 2 sacks – one from defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and defensive end Zadarius Smith. This game was to decide homefield advantage, but also as an indicator as to who is ready for the postseason. Right now, the Lions look well equipped for a strong playoff run and have the bye week to get rested up for it.
Next Jets Head Coach
The New York Jets have started their head coaching search with a couple of early big name candidates. The first candidate they interviewed was Ron Rivera, who previously coached the Carolina Panters and Washington Commanders. He let go by both organizations after disappointing seasons but led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. The other candidate they interviewed was ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, who coached the Jets from 2009-2014, and led them to an appearance in the AFC championship. The last candidate they brought in was Mike Vrabel, who was the Tennessee Titans head coach for 6 seasons but also coming off a consulting job with the Cleveland Browns.
Of al these candidates, Vrabel seems to make the most sense as a hire. Unlike the other 2 coaches, Vrabel has some recency with coaching, so he really won’t be out of the loop with the day-to-day grind; he would most likely hit the ground running. He also comes across as someone who relates to the players a little more, probably because he is a former player, himself. The Jets could definitely use a voice that’s fresh and invigorating for the players, to get the best out of them. This team has been under the leadership of “career coordinators”, and probably needs to hear a relatable voice to help them play their best.
Who’s the Better Wild Card?
With the playoff seeding being set, there are some teams who have stumbled to where they are and others that have earned their position. Some of these non-division winning teams might be better than their division champ opponents. The obvious choice that comes to mind is the Minnesota Vikings. Despite their wonderful regular season, they came up short in the season finale against the Detroit Lions and are now the first 14 win Wild Card team in NFL history. Despite that title, they are still very much a dangerous team that will wreak havoc. The Washington Commanders also come to mind, surprisingly. While they are led by a rookie quarterback, it’s the clutch magic of QB Jayden Daniels that leverages this team to be a dangerous opponent.
The Commanders have had a great year thanks to Jayden Daniels’ late game heroics and that ‘s important in the postseason. Daniels has led 3 separate game winning drives this season, including the Hail Mary against the Chicago Bears. Even in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Commanders QB Marcus Mariota – Daniels’ backup – came in and led a game winning touchdown drive, so it’s embedded in this team. Should the Commanders find themselves in a late game situation, their opponents should probably take heed and anticipate how the Commanders lock in during this situation.
Shoutouts/Shutouts
Shout out to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mike Evans for getting a well deserved record. Sunday, the Buccaneers wide receiver needed 85 yards to get 1,000 yards for an 11th straight year. Well, the Bucs also needed to win the game against the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC South and get a home playoff game. Fast forward to less than 2 minutes left in the game, the Bucs go up 27-19 but Evans is only 5 yarss short of the record. The Saints march down the field to try and even things up, but turn it over on downs, with enough time to get some more plays in. On the ensuing possession, Evans is in the game and catches an out route that goes for 8 yards , putting him over 1,000 yards. He ties the record with Jerry Rice for most consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons.
Shut out to the possible end of the Tyreek Hill era in Miami. Sunday, after a loss to the New York Jets, the Dolphins wide receiver hinted at possibly leaving citing he has to do what’s best for him and his family whether it’s in Miami or “wherever”. The loss marked the first time that Hill will miss the postseason and he came up 41 yards shy of a 5th straight 1,000 yard season. Hill has embraced being a Dolphin from the beginning but has not enjoyed the title chasing success he hoped for when he first arrived. Probably worth noting that he checked himself out of the game as well. Should he decide to leave, many teams would be open to taking him on.
Well that’s all for the regular season. Playoffs are here and every game is a must watch. However, the Minnesota Vikings will once again be on front street as they visit the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round for a rematch from earlier this season. Minnesota lost the first game to Los Angeles but might have some extra adrenaline. But until then…I’ll holla.
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