Analysis: Backup QBs saw plenty of action in NFL playoffs
Jameis Winston threw a 56-yard trick-play touchdown pass to Tre’Quan Smith on his first playoff action after 76 regular-season games over six seasons. In his 72nd NFL game, Henne atoned for an end zone interception with two huge plays to allow the Chiefs to escape with a 22-17 win over the Browns. Rodgers and Tom Brady, making his 14th conference championship appearance in 21 seasons, square off next week at Lambeau Field. If this was it, Brees went out with a whimper: 134 yards passing and three interceptions in the worst playoff game of his career. The Chiefs forced a punt and Henne got the ball back with just over four minutes left.
Bills advance to AFC championship with 17-3 win over Ravens
Johnson’s pick-6 of Jackson’s pass with 41 seconds remaining in the third quarter helped secure a 17-3 win over the Ravens in a divisional-round playoff game Saturday night. He finished 14 of 24 for 162 yards passing, while being limited to 42 yards rushing on nine carries. The fifth-seeded Ravens (12-6) had their season come to an end after leading the NFL in yards rushing for a second consecutive year. “I’m not frustrated at all,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in announcing Jackson sustained a concussion. Bills: Advance to AFC championship game for first time since 1994, where they’ll face Cleveland or play Kansas City for a second time this season following a 26-17 loss to the Chiefs on Oct. 19.
Rams' Goff dislocates thumb, Jets' Gore has chest injury
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)Jared Goff popped his dislocated right thumb thumb back into place and kept playing. “It’s OK right now," said Goff, who was 23 of 42 for 224 yards and an interception in the Rams' 20-9 loss at Seattle on Sunday. In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Frank Gore ran his way to another career milestone and then was forced to watch the New York Jets' second win from the sideline. — Baltimore center Patrick Mekari left the Ravens' 27-13 win over the New York Giants with a back injury. — Carolina left tackle Trent Scott left early in the third quarter of the Panthers' 20-13 win over Washington with a shoulder injury and did not return.
Torrid Ravens get jump on Giants, roll to easy 27-13 victory
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks to throw a pass against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)BALTIMORE – Lamar Jackson directed four scoring drives during the decisive first half, and the surging Baltimore Ravens beat the New York Giants 27-13 Sunday to gain control of their own fate in the AFC playoff chase. Baltimore's fourth straight victory, combined with Pittsburgh's win over Indianapolis, lifted the Ravens past the Colts in the AFC wild-card hunt. With a victory in Cincinnati next week, the Ravens (10-5) will earn a playoff berth for the third year in a row. The Giants (5-10) lost their third straight and were left with only a miniscule chance of making the postseason.
Short-handed Ravens hope for negative COVID-19 tests & depth
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)The Baltimore Ravens are considerably short-handed at practice this week after moving two starting offensive linemen to injured reserve and placing eight players on the COVID-19 reserve list. Following Humphrey's diagnosis, the Ravens put starting linebackers Patrick Queen, Matthew Judon and L.J. Fort on COVID-19 reserve, along with starting safety DeShon Elliott and reserve linebackers Malik Harrison and Tyus Bowser. “It creates opportunities for a few younger guys and for some guys to play some different spots. “We know that any given week you could be down a key player or key players,” starting strong safety Chuck Clark said.