Philip Rivers, quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
Rivers played a solid game in the third game of the Wild Card round, in a 23-17 win. Rivers threw for 160 yards, his lowest mark of the season, on 69 percent completion, and rushed for 15 yards, his most this season, on three carries. Rivers did not put up huge numbers in the game, as he did not throw for a touchdown or interception as well as his low total yardage, but kept the Chargers on top for the entirety of the game with solid passes and play.
Rivers passed to receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and tight end Antonio Gates for 114 of his 160 passing yards. Rivers is set to play another strong game as the Chargers take on the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs in what will surely be an interesting and close matchup.
Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
In a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys, 22-24, Wilson barely threw the ball in the first few quarters, before mounting a comeback late with multiple deep looks to wide receiver Tyler Lockett, only to fall short on a failed onside kick attempt. Wilson finished with 233 passing yards on 67 percent completion for one touchdown and 14 rushing yards on three carries, including a clutch touchdown late in the game. Wilson also threw zero interceptions in the game, further showing his accuracy.
Wilson put the team on his shoulders multiple times in the game, proving that he is a top seven, and maybe higher, quarterback in the league.
Wilson and the Seahawks should not feel terribly; despite the loss, their team started the season 4-5, and was projected by many to have an off year due to the loss of multiple defensive starters such as defensive tackle Michael Bennett via trade and safety Earl Thomas via injury. The Seahawks will have draft picks and some cap space in order to help bring Wilson some more weapons on offense.
Justin Jones, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
Jones played a huge role in the first half destruction of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, with Jones earning a sack on Jackson, the former Louisville Cardinal. This was Jones’ first career postseason sack, and his first full career sack as he had .5 sacks in the regular season. Jones’ presence was felt on the inside during the entirety of the game as he recorded four total tackles, two of which were solo tackles and one was a tackle for loss.
T.Y. McGill, defensive tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
McGill has mostly served as a backup rotation piece that does not play many snaps for the Chargers, but having a quality veteran in that place is helpful for any contending team. McGill finished the contest against the Ravens with one tackle.
J.R. Sweezy, guard, Seattle Seahawks
Sweezy has been an integral part of the Seahawks’ offensive line this season, but played a less-than-stellar game against the Cowboys in the second game of the Wild Card round. Sweezy was not totally to blame, as the offensive line needs five strong players all coming together in order to be effective, but the offensive line let up multiple pressures on Russell Wilson, causing less effective passes to be thrown.
Note: Colts running back Nyheim Hines, New England Patriots guard Joe Thuney and Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett all reached the postseason as well, but Hines and Brissett did not record any stats.
