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The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / The Grueling Truth's Top 10 Sports Lists / Top 5 Takeaways from this Weekends Playoff Games

Top 5 Takeaways from this Weekends Playoff Games: Cowboys Choke, Dolphins are Soft, and Stroud and Love Look Elite!

Publish Date: 01/15/2024
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

For the most part, Saturday and Sunday’s games were disappointing if you were looking for great games, except the Rams/Lions game. But we did get to see the future of the NFL as CJ Stroud and Jordan Love looked like elite quarterbacks. Coaching changes are needed in Miami and Dallas; it’s not because of losing playoff games; it’s because of how they lose football games. This has been a crazy season, and I still can’t tell you who I think is going to the Super Bowl, but don’t be surprised if at least one of the number one seeds gets eliminated next weekend.

1) Jordan Love looks like an elite Quarterback.

Jordan Love was flawless on Sunday during Green Bay’s 48-32 rout of the Dallas Cowboys (yes, it was indeed a rout, even with LaFleur taking his foot off of the gas at times nearing its conclusion). His passer rating came within one point of perfect at 157.2; moreover, his results on both eye tests and pass percentage were virtually equal – 16 of 21 attempts completed for 272 yards, three touchdowns, with no interceptions whatsoever.

He made impressive throws. Even his worst throw of the afternoon resulted in a 38-yard touchdown! Everything seemed to work correctly, and he looked worthy of inheriting Aaron Rodgers’ position from last spring.

The Packers’ offense is on fire, and it’s because of Jordan Love. Not many predicted this kind of performance from Love, but the Packers are a scary opponent for anybody, including the 49ers next week. The Pack can run the ball and throw the ball on offense, and they have a head coach that seems intent on throwing haymakers to win games.

Video: Jordan Love 'COOKED' Cowboys Defense (PERFECT PASSER RATING) 😳 Packers vs Cowboys 2023 Highlights

Jordan Love ‘COOKED’ Cowboys Defense (PERFECT PASSER RATING) 😳 Packers vs Cowboys 2023 Highlights

2) Mike McCarthy should be fired

I never thought he should have been hired in the first place, and on Sunday afternoon, he got out-coached once again on a big stage. He coached the game not to lose it, while Packer coach Matt LaFleur coached the game to win it.

The Packers first drive ended the game; after the Packers scored right away, the Cowboys looked shell-shocked. History got them, and the most significant issue was a coach who looked shell-shocked from the beginning. The Cowboys seemingly fail the same way every year, and McCarthy is the most considerable factor outside Jerry Jones. Jones can’t get fired, and he’s not going anywhere.

The saddest issue is that McCarthy will probably get a new Head Coaching job soon after being fired by Jones. But the good ole boy network is alive and strong in the NFL.

The Cowboy’s defence was non-existent, and Quarterback Dak Prescott was horrible. Of course, Dak made it look less like his fault by putting up big numbers after the game had already been decided.

Video: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys Game Highlights | NFL 2023 Super Wild Card Weekend

Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys Game Highlights | NFL 2023 Super Wild Card Weekend

3) Goff and Stafford put on a show.

The Lions and the Rams looked like the best matchup of Wildcard weekend, and the game did not disappoint! The Lions got their first playoff win since the 1991 season and just their second playoff win since 1957. Jared Goff played one of the best games of his life. Matthew Stafford was tough, and the Rams kept coming after the Lions.

Detroit’s defense stood strong in the second half to preserve the victory. Concerns still exist over the Lions pass defense, but concerns will have to wait as Detroit celebrates! Next up, the Lions will battle the winner of the Bucs/Eagles game, and the Lions should be significant favorites over either team. The Detroit Lions have a legitimate shot at getting into the Super Bowl.

Video: Goff BESTS Stafford, Lions win 1st PLAYOFF GAME since 1991 | Game Recap | CBS Sports

Goff BESTS Stafford, Lions win 1st PLAYOFF GAME since 1991 | Game Recap | CBS Sports

4) Tua and McDaniel choke on the big stage.

The Miami Dolphins are a soft team; in sports, the worst thing to be called is soft! Head Coach McDaniel looks to be in way over his head as a head coach. Say what you want about injuries, but this was a Dolphins offense with weapons all over the place on Saturday, and they could only score seven points!

The Chief’s running game pounded the defense, but the biggest concern would be the man under center for the Dolphins, as Tua once again proved that he is not an elite quarterback. Sure, he looks elite against the Commanders or any other bad team you can name, but when it’s time to answer the bell in a big game, Tua stays in the corner.

Watching the in-season Hard Knocks TV show gives you a glimpse into the Dolphins, which has been very revealing. Tua and McDaniel will never win it together, and this Miami team is too talented to give this coach another chance.

Video: Chiefs TAKE DOWN Dolphins in Wild Card matchup, advance to Divisional Round I CBS Sports

Chiefs TAKE DOWN Dolphins in Wild Card matchup, advance to Divisional Round I CBS Sports

5) CJ Stroud and Demeco Ryans are special.

The Texans didn’t just beat the Cleveland Browns on Saturday; they dominated and embarrassed them. Led by C.J. Stroud, the Texans looked like a Super Bowl contender. The defense was fast and aggressive, and with Stroud, the Texans have an elite Quarterback talent who should be in the same breath already as Mahomes, Burrow, and Jackson!

Ryans’s team was more prepared than Cleveland’s, and the Texans look to be a tough out for anybody they face. This team looks much like the Bengals team that went to the Super Bowl two years ago. They have a special quarterback a solid running game and a young underrated defense. This Texans defense will dominate the AFC South for the next decade with these two running the show.

Video: C.J. Stroud's Best Throws from Playoff Debut | Super Wild Card Weekend

C.J. Stroud’s Best Throws from Playoff Debut | Super Wild Card Weekend

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