Divisional Round Doink

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

The Commanders won a playoff game for the first time in 19 years, Derrick Henry set another record, Justin Herbert threw four interceptions, the Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel, Deion is interested in the Raiders gig, Texas QB Quinn Ewers in entering the draft, and the Steelers have now lost their last six playoff games.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Bills, Josh Allen roll past Broncos, set up divisional round matchup with Ravens (ESPN)

• Eagles punish Packers, win defensive slugfest to advance (Yahoo Sports)

• Jayden Daniels, late field goal leads Washington Commanders to playoff win (ESPN)

• Mike Tirico delivered epic call of Commanders’ game-winning doink vs. Buccaneers (SI.com)

• Texans advance to divisional round with 32-12 win over Chargers (ESPN)

• Justin Herbert struggles, throwing four interceptions in loss (SI.com)

• Josh Allen, Bills crush Broncos to set up huge divisional clash with Lamar Jackson and Ravens (Yahoo Sports)

• Ravens’ 299 rushing yards were the most in a playoff game in 12 years (PFT)

• Ladd McConkey's 197 receiving yards were the most ever by a rookie WR in a playoff game (SI.com)

• NFL moves Vikings-Rams playoff tilt to Arizona due to fires (ESPN)

• Browns QB Deshaun Watson has surgery after tearing Achilles again, may miss entire 2025 season (ESPN)

• Patriots hire Mike Vrabel: Three-time Super Bowl champion bringing winning pedigree back to New England (CBS Sports)

• Cowboys to open talks with Mike McCarthy on new contract to keep head coach in Dallas (NFL.com)

• Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson emerges as name to watch in Raiders' search for head coach (NFL.com)

• Report: Deion Sanders has expressed interest in Raiders head coaching job (PFT)

• Patriots sources describe the chaos and lack of communication on Jerod Mayo’s watch (Barstool)

• Texas QB Quinn Ewers expects to enter NFL draft after CFP (ESPN)

• Penn State DE Abdul Carter will enter the draft (PFT)

• 2024 All-Pro Team: Lamar Jackson, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson highlight roster (NFL.com)

• ESPN, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery opt to discontinue Venu Sports (Yahoo Sports)

• New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars to play in 2025 NFL London Games (NFL.com)

WHO’S UP?

Running backs. It’s no secret that the 2024 NFL season has seen a remarkable renaissance for running backs, defying recent trends that devalued the position. Leading the charge are Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, who have put up MVP-caliber numbers and rejuvenated their teams' offenses.

Barkley made history by becoming the first 2,000-yard rusher since 2020, narrowly missing the all-time single-season record. His explosive playmaking ability has been a perfect fit for the Eagles' offense, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry out of 11 personnel formations.

Henry, meanwhile, has found new life in Baltimore's run-heavy system alongside Lamar Jackson. The duo made history in their playoff win over Pittsburgh, combining for 267 rushing yards - the second-most ever by a QB/RB tandem in postseason play. Henry's bruising style has been particularly effective against lighter defensive fronts.

Beyond these stars, the league has seen a broader resurgence in effective rushing attacks. The number of teams averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry has doubled from 2023, while those with positive rushing EPA have more than tripled.

This trend can be attributed to several factors, including defensive shifts toward lighter personnel, innovative offensive schemes, and a new crop of talented young backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson.

As the playoffs unfold, it's clear that elite running backs are once again difference-makers in the NFL. The position's obituary may have been written prematurely, as teams with strong ground games are finding success in today's pass-happy league.

WHO’S DOWN?

The Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff woes continued Saturday night as they fell to the Baltimore Ravens 28-14 in the Wild Card round. This marks the Steelers' sixth straight playoff loss dating back to 2017, raising questions about the team's future direction.

The Ravens dominated on the ground, setting a franchise record with 299 rushing yards. Running back Derrick Henry led the charge with 186 yards, exposing glaring weaknesses in Pittsburgh's run defense. The Steelers' 299 rushing yards allowed is the most in their playoff history and the most by any team since 2012.

Pittsburgh's offense sputtered, failing to generate momentum against Baltimore's stout defense. Star linebacker T.J. Watt, typically a game-changer, was held without a single stat - a telling sign of the Steelers' struggles.

The loss highlights Pittsburgh's recent pattern of regular season competitiveness followed by postseason disappointment. Head coach Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season in 17 years with the team, now faces scrutiny despite his consistent regular season success.

General Manager Omar Khan faces difficult decisions this offseason. Some analysts suggest exploring a trade for Tomlin to acquire draft capital and jumpstart a rebuild. Others point to potential trades involving key players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, T.J. Watt, and George Pickens to reshape the roster.

As the Steelers enter another early offseason, the organization must confront whether incremental changes are enough or if a more dramatic overhaul is needed to return to Super Bowl contention. Saturday's lackluster performance may serve as a catalyst for significant changes in Pittsburgh.

BEST LOOK 🔥 

Midnight green at The Linc

Bills have great unis 🦬 

Great matchup on Saturday night with two uniform heavyweights

Bucky Irving’s custom cleats 🔥 

STAT OF THE WEEK

Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry combined for 267 rushing yards in their win over Pittsburgh today.

That's the 2nd-most rush yards by a QB/RB teammate duo in a playoff game, behind Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore in the 2012 Divisional Playoffs vs. Green Bay (300). (via @OptaSTATS) Henry also tied Terrell David for the most games with 150+ rushing yards in NFL history (4).

Not surprisingly, Derrick Henry was named PFF's Best Runner in 2024 🏆

🐦‍⬛ 93.1 rushing grade (1st)
🐦‍⬛ 1,137 yards after contact (1st)
🐦‍⬛ 16 rush TDs (T-1st)
🐦‍⬛ 80 missed tackles forced (1st)
🐦‍⬛ 21 runs of 20+ yards (1st)

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