USA Today this morning
- Thread starter Ramhusker
- Start date
-
To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.
- Joined
- May 8, 2014
- Messages
- 37,269
Wild-card X-factors: Under-the-radar players who could swing NFL playoffs
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY Published 6:44 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018
SportsPulse: NFL Insider Lorenzo Reyes breaks down the x-factors in each NFC wild card matchup. USA TODAY Sports
Stars often shine brightest during the NFL playoffs. But overlooked players and aspects often decide which teams advance. As Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Tuesday: “It's not about one guy. It's about 11 on offense, defense, and special teams. A lot of contributing factors go into winning a game.”
Here are two X-factors for each team that could prove pivotal during wild-card weekend.
Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams
Rams WR Sammy Watkins: He ranks fourth on the team with 593 receiving yards, but Watkins is Los Angeles’ home run hitter. He's scored six touchdowns in his past eight games despite catching only 21 balls in that span.
Falcons DT Grady Jarrett: Along with the Rams' Aaron Donald, who is arguably the top interior lineman in the league, Jarrett tied for the NFL lead in tackles for loss. Facing L.A. RB Todd Gurley, Jarrett might not even need to rack up stops behind the line. Just creating pressure and penetrating the L.A. O-line could be enough.
More: Are Eagles cursed with Nick Foles? Key question for each NFL playoff team
More: NFL head coaching openings ranked: Which job is most appealing?
More: Chargers too high in power rankings?
Big passing plays: What made the Falcons so good last season was their ability to gash opposing secondaries. Under new coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Atlanta’s explosive passing plays have been fewer, but the team still ranks third in passing yards per play (7.2). The Rams pass defense doesn't give up many big plays, but opportunities should be there, especially with RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman able to open up the field on play-action.
Home woes: The Rams went 4-4 at the L.A. Coliseum, which doesn't provide a great home-field advantage in a city still re-acclimating to the team and the league. But this is the postseason, and fans should bring a little extra juice.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
More than Cam: Carolina QB Cam Newton has carried this team, even leading the Panthers in rushing with 754 yards. RB Jonathan Stewart's 3.4 yards per carry needs to be better to take pressure off Newton while opening up things through the air.
Panthers DT Kawann Short: One of the top interior run defenders in the NFL, he needs to have a huge impact in order to slow down New Orleans’ two-headed rushing attack of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Keeping trending: In the last two years, the Panthers have gone 1-3 against the Saints, with New Orleans sweeping this season's series. These squads know each other so well that there’s not much that will surprise either team. The Saints need to stick to their formula, which has been especially effective against Carolina: run the ball, clamp down on receivers and protect the ball.
Saints RT Ryan Ramczyk: The first rounder didn't miss a snap during his rookie season and consistently provided effective run blocking. New Orleans averaged 5.3 yards per rush behind Ramczyk, third-best in the NFL for right tackles.
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Bills RB Mike Tolbert: He likely needs to have a big game for Buffalo to win. Even if starter LeSean McCoy is able to play, the ankle injury he suffered Sunday will likely limit his effectiveness. But if there’s one area where Jacksonville’s D is susceptible, it’s against the run.
Short passing game: According to the NFL, Buffalo ran 385 short passing plays compared to only 90 deep ones. Despite frustrations Buffalo fans may have about a lack of down-field shots, this is how the Bills are most effective. They might be better off moving the chains and taking what Jacksonville gives them.
Turnovers: Of all playoff squads, the Jaguars pace the field with 33 takeaways. But the Bills don't make many mistakes, their 16 turnovers the sixth fewest in the league. Whichever team plays to form could swing the game.
Jaguars WR Keelan Cole: The shifty rookie has stepped up in the face of injuries at the position. Jacksonville butters its bread running the ball. But if Cole can make a few plays, it should open things up further for QB Blake Bortles and RB Leonard Fournette.
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
Ball security: The Titans' turnover margin (minus-4) is worst among playoff teams. And while Tennessee wasn’t especially effective creating turnovers, the main issue is giving the ball away, which has happened in 13 consecutive games. Playing in a brutal road environment like Arrowhead Stadium, committing turnovers is the quickest way to lose.
Titans WR Corey Davis: The No. 5 pick of the 2017 draft hasn't lived up to the hype during an injury-plagued season. Davis has the size (6-3) to overpower smaller corners yet hasn't scored on any of his 34 receptions. The Chiefs ranked 29th in passing defense (247 yards a game), so now would be the time for Davis to break out.
Gutty ground game: Kansas City ranked second in the NFL in runs up the middle with 187. The problem? The Chiefs gained just 3.3 yards on such attempts, ranking 27th. They'll need to get more production if they stick to that strategy given the Titans rank fourth against the run and have allowed a league-low five rushing TDs.
Butt kicker: Chiefs K Harrison Butker didn't join the club until Week 4 yet set a single-season franchise record with 38 field goals (in 42 tries), including 14 of 17 beyond 40 yards. Bend-but-don't-break against such a reliable scorer might not be sufficient for a Tennessee team that was outscored by 22 points this season.
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY Published 6:44 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018
SportsPulse: NFL Insider Lorenzo Reyes breaks down the x-factors in each NFC wild card matchup. USA TODAY Sports
Stars often shine brightest during the NFL playoffs. But overlooked players and aspects often decide which teams advance. As Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Tuesday: “It's not about one guy. It's about 11 on offense, defense, and special teams. A lot of contributing factors go into winning a game.”
Here are two X-factors for each team that could prove pivotal during wild-card weekend.
Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams
Rams WR Sammy Watkins: He ranks fourth on the team with 593 receiving yards, but Watkins is Los Angeles’ home run hitter. He's scored six touchdowns in his past eight games despite catching only 21 balls in that span.
Falcons DT Grady Jarrett: Along with the Rams' Aaron Donald, who is arguably the top interior lineman in the league, Jarrett tied for the NFL lead in tackles for loss. Facing L.A. RB Todd Gurley, Jarrett might not even need to rack up stops behind the line. Just creating pressure and penetrating the L.A. O-line could be enough.
More: Are Eagles cursed with Nick Foles? Key question for each NFL playoff team
More: NFL head coaching openings ranked: Which job is most appealing?
More: Chargers too high in power rankings?
Big passing plays: What made the Falcons so good last season was their ability to gash opposing secondaries. Under new coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Atlanta’s explosive passing plays have been fewer, but the team still ranks third in passing yards per play (7.2). The Rams pass defense doesn't give up many big plays, but opportunities should be there, especially with RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman able to open up the field on play-action.
Home woes: The Rams went 4-4 at the L.A. Coliseum, which doesn't provide a great home-field advantage in a city still re-acclimating to the team and the league. But this is the postseason, and fans should bring a little extra juice.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
More than Cam: Carolina QB Cam Newton has carried this team, even leading the Panthers in rushing with 754 yards. RB Jonathan Stewart's 3.4 yards per carry needs to be better to take pressure off Newton while opening up things through the air.
Panthers DT Kawann Short: One of the top interior run defenders in the NFL, he needs to have a huge impact in order to slow down New Orleans’ two-headed rushing attack of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Keeping trending: In the last two years, the Panthers have gone 1-3 against the Saints, with New Orleans sweeping this season's series. These squads know each other so well that there’s not much that will surprise either team. The Saints need to stick to their formula, which has been especially effective against Carolina: run the ball, clamp down on receivers and protect the ball.
Saints RT Ryan Ramczyk: The first rounder didn't miss a snap during his rookie season and consistently provided effective run blocking. New Orleans averaged 5.3 yards per rush behind Ramczyk, third-best in the NFL for right tackles.
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Bills RB Mike Tolbert: He likely needs to have a big game for Buffalo to win. Even if starter LeSean McCoy is able to play, the ankle injury he suffered Sunday will likely limit his effectiveness. But if there’s one area where Jacksonville’s D is susceptible, it’s against the run.
Short passing game: According to the NFL, Buffalo ran 385 short passing plays compared to only 90 deep ones. Despite frustrations Buffalo fans may have about a lack of down-field shots, this is how the Bills are most effective. They might be better off moving the chains and taking what Jacksonville gives them.
Turnovers: Of all playoff squads, the Jaguars pace the field with 33 takeaways. But the Bills don't make many mistakes, their 16 turnovers the sixth fewest in the league. Whichever team plays to form could swing the game.
Jaguars WR Keelan Cole: The shifty rookie has stepped up in the face of injuries at the position. Jacksonville butters its bread running the ball. But if Cole can make a few plays, it should open things up further for QB Blake Bortles and RB Leonard Fournette.
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
Ball security: The Titans' turnover margin (minus-4) is worst among playoff teams. And while Tennessee wasn’t especially effective creating turnovers, the main issue is giving the ball away, which has happened in 13 consecutive games. Playing in a brutal road environment like Arrowhead Stadium, committing turnovers is the quickest way to lose.
Titans WR Corey Davis: The No. 5 pick of the 2017 draft hasn't lived up to the hype during an injury-plagued season. Davis has the size (6-3) to overpower smaller corners yet hasn't scored on any of his 34 receptions. The Chiefs ranked 29th in passing defense (247 yards a game), so now would be the time for Davis to break out.
Gutty ground game: Kansas City ranked second in the NFL in runs up the middle with 187. The problem? The Chiefs gained just 3.3 yards on such attempts, ranking 27th. They'll need to get more production if they stick to that strategy given the Titans rank fourth against the run and have allowed a league-low five rushing TDs.
Butt kicker: Chiefs K Harrison Butker didn't join the club until Week 4 yet set a single-season franchise record with 38 field goals (in 42 tries), including 14 of 17 beyond 40 yards. Bend-but-don't-break against such a reliable scorer might not be sufficient for a Tennessee team that was outscored by 22 points this season.
- Joined
- May 8, 2014
- Messages
- 37,269
Had a good laugh readin this one too... Haley "having a fall" too funny and you just know alcohol was involved lmao:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh police: Steelers OC Todd Haley OK; wife in bar scuffle
Tom Schad, USA TODAY Published 5:14 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018 | Updated 7:29 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018
SportsPulse: NFL Insider Lorenzo Reyes breaks down the x-factors in each NFC wild card matchup. USA TODAY Sports
TWEET 18 LINKEDIN 4 COMMENTEMAILMORE
The Pittsburgh Steelers said in a statement Tuesday that offensive coordinator Todd Haley was injured in a fall Sunday night but is expected to be able to coach when the Steelers return to action in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
A spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Police Department, however, said the incident in question actually involved Haley's wife, Christine, and that Haley was not injured.
Police spokesperson Alicia George told USA TODAY Sports in a written statement that the incident in question took place at a restaurant called Tequila Cowboy. There was a "minor scuffle" involving Haley's wife, according to the statement, but "the scuffle was quickly ended."
"Todd Haley was not involved nor injured," George wrote in the statement, adding that no charges were filed as a result of the scuffle. "Todd and Christine Haley were escorted out."
NFL Network reported earlier Tuesday that Todd Haley was "shoved down" outside a bar near Heinz Field, resulting in a hip injury. Team spokesperson Burt Lauten confirmed in a statement that Haley was injured Sunday but did not offer specifics.
"Offensive coordinator Todd Haley was injured in a fall Sunday evening following our Week 17 game," Lauten said in a statement. "We expect he will return to the office this week to participate in preparations for our upcoming playoff game."
Haley, who previously spent three seasons as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, is in his sixth season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh police: Steelers OC Todd Haley OK; wife in bar scuffle
Tom Schad, USA TODAY Published 5:14 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018 | Updated 7:29 p.m. ET Jan. 2, 2018
SportsPulse: NFL Insider Lorenzo Reyes breaks down the x-factors in each NFC wild card matchup. USA TODAY Sports
TWEET 18 LINKEDIN 4 COMMENTEMAILMORE
The Pittsburgh Steelers said in a statement Tuesday that offensive coordinator Todd Haley was injured in a fall Sunday night but is expected to be able to coach when the Steelers return to action in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
A spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Police Department, however, said the incident in question actually involved Haley's wife, Christine, and that Haley was not injured.
Police spokesperson Alicia George told USA TODAY Sports in a written statement that the incident in question took place at a restaurant called Tequila Cowboy. There was a "minor scuffle" involving Haley's wife, according to the statement, but "the scuffle was quickly ended."
"Todd Haley was not involved nor injured," George wrote in the statement, adding that no charges were filed as a result of the scuffle. "Todd and Christine Haley were escorted out."
NFL Network reported earlier Tuesday that Todd Haley was "shoved down" outside a bar near Heinz Field, resulting in a hip injury. Team spokesperson Burt Lauten confirmed in a statement that Haley was injured Sunday but did not offer specifics.
"Offensive coordinator Todd Haley was injured in a fall Sunday evening following our Week 17 game," Lauten said in a statement. "We expect he will return to the office this week to participate in preparations for our upcoming playoff game."
Haley, who previously spent three seasons as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, is in his sixth season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator.
