Once again, the football fans were treated to exciting playoff fights last weekend.
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The club’s semi-finals offered spectacular moments and revealed the kind of wood the four still-contested teams are warming up with. Here are five takeaways from last weekend’s four duels.
The health of Patrick Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback suffered a sprained ankle late in the first quarter of his team’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He came into action again in the second half but limped. However, that didn’t stop him from throwing a key touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Mahomes said he will play in the American Conference Finals, which will see the Chiefs take on the Cincinnati Bengals. It will be very interesting to see how the Star Pivot fares when it’s unable to make spectacular moves when slipping out of its pocket.
The Bengals’ offensive line
The players assigned to protect quarterback Joe Burrow at the Bengals shed a lot of ink ahead of last Sunday’s win against the Bills in Buffalo. In fact, Cincinnati were missing three offensive starters for this duel. Never mind, the unit did a great job and only allowed a quarter sack.
The offensive line also shrugged off the harsh winter conditions. The Bengals offense amassed an impressive 172 yards on rushing plays.
The eagles are scary
The Philadelphia Eagles were in their first playoff game after enjoying a bye week in the first round of the postseason. Pennsylvania’s roster has been reckless for the New York Giants, surpassing them 38-7. The Eagles have talent in virtually every position and are consistent with head coach Nick’s game plan. Siriani. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was also excellent, despite a shoulder injury that hasn’t made a 100% recovery. The pivot threw two touchdown passes and also registered a middle finger with his legs.
A golden defense
In the other semifinal of the National Conference, the San Francisco 49ers won a defensive duel 19-12 against the Dallas Cowboys. The California club may be the only team that can match the Eagles’ powerful attack. The Niners’ defense ranked second in the NFL in most stats against the run. That could play offensive tricks on the Philadelphia team, which hasn’t really had to play catch-up football since hostilities began in 2022.
Another disappointment for the Cowboys
The Cowboys failed for the umpteenth time, much to the dismay of their many fans. Days after her departure, questions are already surfacing about head coach Mike McCarthy. The “Boys” decision to clear the ball in the fourth quarter when they fell behind through possession a good two minutes from time has been criticized from all sides. It’s also the second straight year the Cowboys have lost a one-night stand to the 49ers after some questionable late-game picks. Now it remains to be seen whether the patience of owner and CEO Jerry Jones will reach its limit in the McCarthy case.