Wild-Card Weekend Recap: The Jayden Daniels Show, Herbert, Love, and Tomlin Questions, QB Legacy Updates and the Arch Manning Future at Texas With Chris Simms
Jan 13, 2025
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Chris Simms, NBC Sports analyst and host of "Unbuttoned," dives into the NFL wild-card weekend's excitement. He discusses Jaden Daniels’ rookie brilliance and whether Justin Herbert deserves his criticism. The conversation touches on Mike Tomlin's future with the Steelers and the thrilling Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen matchup. Simms also shares his thoughts on the Eagles' dominance this season. The light-hearted banter later shifts to quirky dilemmas, including stolen AirPods and dealing with a sweaty friend.
Jaden Daniels' exceptional performance in the playoffs has positioned him as a rising star among rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.
The Ravens' victory over the Steelers signifies a potential shift in their longstanding rivalry, highlighting Lamar Jackson's growth under pressure.
Concerns about Jordan Love's inconsistency for the Packers arise amidst playoff challenges, prompting discussions on his future as a starter.
Deep dives
Washington's Historic Playoff Win
Washington secured a thrilling 23-20 walk-off victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking their first playoff win since 2006 and just their fourth playoff win since their Super Bowl victory in 1991. The game featured Jaden Daniels, a rookie quarterback who demonstrated remarkable poise and skill in leading his team down the field for the game-winning field goal. His season performance has already garnered attention, with 12 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime, setting a record for rookies in NFL history. This win not only breaks a long-standing playoff drought for Washington but also signals the potential rise of a new star quarterback in Daniels, whose confidence has been a key factor in his success this season.
Philadelphia's Strong Defense Stifles Green Bay
The Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Green Bay Packers with a 22-10 victory, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities. The Packers struggled early, fumbling the opening kickoff and allowing the Eagles to capitalize quickly. Despite a poor performance by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had just returned from an injury, the defense held strong, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting Green Bay's scoring opportunities. The game highlighted not only Philadelphia's defensive strength but also the growing concerns about Jordan Love's performance as the Packers' quarterback amidst injuries to their receiving corps.
Lamar Jackson Dominates Against the Steelers
In a decisive matchup, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14, emphasizing the changing dynamics in their long-standing rivalry. This game showcased Lamar Jackson's ability to perform under pressure and potentially signaled a shift in the historical dominance the Steelers have held over the Ravens in previous seasons. Jackson's performance demonstrated his growth as a quarterback, while the Steelers' struggles continued to expose weaknesses in their defense after a successful start earlier in the season. The Ravens' offensive prowess was evident as they outperformed the Steelers significantly in total yards, ultimately solidifying their position in the playoff race.
Buffalo's Command Over Denver
Buffalo asserted its dominance in a convincing victory over the Denver Broncos, closing the game with a score of 31-7. The Bills displayed a mix of strong offense and solid defense, effectively shutting down Denver’s attempts to establish any rhythm. Josh Allen's performance was highlighted by smart decision-making and effective play execution, which led to a series of scoring plays that maintained pressure on the Broncos throughout the game. Meanwhile, Denver’s struggles, particularly against a determined Bills defense, revealed ongoing vulnerabilities that need addressing if they hope to compete with top-tier teams.
Stroud Shines Amidst Chargers' Collapse
C.J. Stroud's resilience was on full display as he led the Houston Texans to a shocking victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, who fell apart despite holding a 27-0 lead at one point in the game. Stroud faced adversity early with an interception but quickly recovered, showcasing his ability to maintain composure under pressure. The Chargers' defensive collapse highlighted ongoing issues that have plagued them in crunch time situations, while Stroud's performance offered hope for the Texans' future. This dramatic turn of events underscored the unpredictability of the NFL and the importance of perseverance in high-stakes moments.
Quarterback Legacies in the Spotlight
Throughout the wild card weekend, discussions around quarterback legacies emerged, particularly regarding Jaden Daniels, Jordan Love, Lamar Jackson, and others. Daniels has emerged as a rising star in the league, challenging the norms for rookie quarterbacks and setting records along the way. Conversely, Love's inconsistency has raised questions about his future with the Packers, amid comparisons to past figures like Carson Wentz. As playoff ambitions intensify for teams and players, how these quarterbacks perform will significantly influence their respective legacies in the evolving landscape of the NFL.
Ryen opens with his thoughts on NFL wild-card weekend, including Jayden Daniels not playing like a playoff rookie and some QB legacy updates from the other matchups (00:40). Then, he chats with NBC’s Chris Simms on whether the Justin Herbert criticism is fair, Mike Tomlin’s future with the Steelers, the huge Ravens-Bills, Lamar vs. Allen showdown, and why he thinks the Eagles might be the best team in football (15:57). Finally, Ceruti and Kyle join for Life Advice, including tracking down stolen AirPods and what to do with a sweaty friend (56:49).
