WASHINGTON — Terrapins win the race, cats bend steel and a foolproof system for bird watching: The NFL Divisional Round Recap is the natural habitat for all of it.
Vikings 29 What a day for former Maryland Terrapins. First, the Jags’ Yannick Ngakoue strip sacks Big Ben to set up Telvin Smith’s scoop and score; then, Stefon Diggs scores the first regulation walk off touchdown in NFL postseason history. Minnesota’s bid to become the first team with home-field advantage in the Super Bowl is so close, they can smell the logistical nightmare. Speaking of nightmares: It’s going to take awhile for Marcus Williams to stop waking up in a cold sweat. His third quarter interception got the Saints back in the game, but his blown coverage on the game-winning touchdown is what he’ll forever be remembered for. Football is a fickle game. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
Steelers 42 Pittsburgh is apparently Jacksonville’s home away from home: Leonard Fournette has more rush TDs (5) at Heinz Field than Le’Veon Bell (3) this season, and the Jaguars are the first team in 10 years to win in Pittsburgh twice in a season since … the 2007 Jaguars. The Jags’ swag is so real, they’re even calling their own shot. Though Ben Roethlisberger should be careful what he wishes for — yes, he flipped his 5 INT regular season game against the Jags into a 5 TD playoff game, but he’s just 1-5 at home against the Jags in his career — Todd Haley is the one with a lot to answer for. The Steelers offense had some questionable 4th down play calls that ended up the difference in the game. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Patriots 35 Another year, another hidden advantage for the New England Patriots that has them cruising to the championship round. The Pats’ Belichick era-record 8-sack performance not only clinched their seventh straight trip to the AFC title game, but their defensive coordinator a promotion when the season ends. And so much for Tennessee making Tom Brady look like Bortles: Instead, he sets an NFL record by notching his 10th career 3 TD playoff game and becomes the oldest starting QB to win a playoff game. The Titans never had a chance. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Eagles 15 Considering I was among the many to pick Atlanta to win this game, I really wish this stat was presented to me before the game:
The Falcons live by the breaks and die by the breaks: They have a +9 turnover ratio in last two postseasons, and Matt Ryan’s pirouette touchdown pass was as much luck as skill — but Julio Jones slipping on the fateful 4th down play toward the end was just a bad beat for a good team. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Dating back to 1947, the home team is now 10-0 in postseason games between the NFL’s bird teams: Cardinals, Eagles, Falcons, Seahawks, Ravens. H/T @EliasSports — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 14, 2018
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
