# NFL - PLAYOFFS - DIVISIONAL ROUND the World in 80 Days **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [January 9, 2020, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173 "2020-01-09T13:58:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![LoneRhino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lonerhino/32/1311_2.png) [@LoneRhino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LoneRhino)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/41 "2020-01-12T16:44:34Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > I think Derrick Henry deserves huge respect for his recent play and the win yesterday. Much more than Lamar Jackson deserves disrespect for one bad game and the loss. I wish the idea of crediting or blaming the QB for wins/losses would go away. The Titans beat the Ravens in every facet of the game. ---
**Author:** ![racepug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@racepug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racepug)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/42 "2020-01-12T18:16:41Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > No disrespect to Lamar Jackson, but tonight is an example of why people are skeptical of relying on the running quarterback/pistol offense. **It’s better to have a pass-first QB who can kill you with his legs than an athletic QB who doesn’t see the field.** I think you hit the nail on the head right there. Folks were dazzled by L.J.'s athleticism during the regular season but it would appear that the “jury is still out” on whether or not he has ALL the tools necessary to be an effective N.F.L. quarterback. ---
**Author:** ![racepug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@racepug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racepug)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/43 "2020-01-12T18:24:03Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > I think that **racepug** is referring to the Texans and Titans, neither of which has won a Super Bowl. I guess if you want to get technical about it the only team that can _truly_ do that is the Houston Texans as the Houston _Oilers_ won a couple of A.F.L. titles in the early '60s. ---
**Author:** ![racepug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@racepug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racepug)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/44 "2020-01-12T18:26:51Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > No disrespect to Lamar Jackson, but tonight is an example of why people are skeptical of relying on the running quarterback/pistol offense. To me it’s not “disrespect” to point out when somebody is inadequate in what they do. L.J. is as athletic as they come but I think what you point out about his mechanics and his other failings is pretty accurate. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/45 "2020-01-12T19:14:13Z")
This notion that a QB has to be the classic prototypical QB is kind of ridiculous. That’s not to say Lamar Jackson is destined to be a HoF QB, but this overemphasis on his mechanics is pretty silly given the QBs left in the playoffs. They all have different strengths and skillsets and only a minority would have been considered an acceptable pocket QB 20 years ago. All Jackson has done is win a Heisman, been a strong candidate for another, and done more than a credible job this season at the most important position on the field. So he didn’t get to the AFC championship game in his first full season as a starter. He had a bad game in his first playoff run. His mechanics aren’t what most people think will be ultimately successful. The rest of his team also got their butt handed to them. But sure, their offensive system is questionable, and clearly he’s the biggest reason they lost. Does anybody else feel this is a bit of a ridiculous standard to set? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/46 "2020-01-12T19:23:04Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > LJs passing mechanics are horrible. His elbow drops too low and his balls have a tendency to sail. First you criticize his passing and then you body shame him? Have some class! ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/47 "2020-01-12T19:38:37Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > This notion that a QB has to be the classic prototypical QB is kind of ridiculous. > > That’s not to say Lamar Jackson is destined to be a HoF QB, but this overemphasis on his mechanics is pretty silly given the QBs left in the playoffs. They all have different strengths and skillsets and only a minority would have been considered an acceptable pocket QB 20 years ago. > > All Jackson has done is win a Heisman, been a strong candidate for another, and done more than a credible job this season at the most important position on the field. > > So he didn’t get to the AFC championship game in his first full season as a starter. He had a bad game in his first playoff run. His mechanics aren’t what most people think will be ultimately successful. The rest of his team also got their butt handed to them. But sure, their offensive system is questionable, and clearly he’s the biggest reason they lost. Does anybody else feel this is a bit of a ridiculous standard to set? I pretty much agree with you with the caveat that the NFL is rushing SOME QBs to play too early. Examples for me besides LJ (amazingly talented but could use more seasoning and coaching on his throwing) are Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. Let em sit and learn for a couple of seasons. Despite the stereotype of dumb jocks, football is a very complex game and it takes time to absorb it all. And it certainly didnt hut Garoppolo. Also, it was those two missed 4th and 1s that did the Ravens it. Remember when it was 14-6 and Baltimore was in FG range…they could have made it a five point game. For me, that was the turning point in the game. So, yeah, it was a total systems failure. And thumbs down to Bal receivers for the drops. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/48 "2020-01-12T19:50:50Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > First you criticize his passing and then you body shame him? Have some class! I’m afraid that I’m a lost cause. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/49 "2020-01-12T20:33:37Z")
Boy, this game is just like last nights. Looks like Texas will grind down KC. If KC cant stop the run it wont matter how genius Mahomes is. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/50 "2020-01-12T20:38:11Z")
What a fucking train wreck. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/51 "2020-01-12T20:38:23Z")
Is there a mercy rule in the NFL? ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/52 "2020-01-12T20:42:21Z")
> [@Baker](#): > > I don’t want to go to work tomorrow if KC loses today. Our kitchen manager is a die-hard Chiefs fan, and she’ll be in a pissy mood if they lose. From what I’ve observed, they have a good chance, but anybody can lose on any day. **Baker** , looks like maybe you better call in sick tomorrow… ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/53 "2020-01-12T20:43:56Z")
There’s already boos coming from the KC crowd. Sounds like an Eagles home game. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/54 "2020-01-12T20:55:22Z")
I was just disappointed that they couldn’t get more than 21 in the 1st quarter. I was hoping Watson would air it out in the last minute. Oh well. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/55 "2020-01-12T21:23:02Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I was just disappointed that they couldn’t get more than 21 in the 1st quarter. I was hoping Watson would air it out in the last minute. Oh well. May I borrow your crystal ball, please? ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/56 "2020-01-12T21:25:10Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > **Baker** , looks like maybe you better call in sick tomorrow… Or not. Holy crap, just like that the Chiefs are right back in it! Go Chiefs! ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/57 "2020-01-12T21:47:03Z")
I know I’m likely over-analyzing, but the moment Bill O’Brien was late calling in the play on 4th and 1 deep inside the RZ and then decided to go for the FG, I felt like the Texans were pulling their punches and I felt like they were subtly telling the Chiefs that they still had some left life but that they’d better get off the mat ASAP. Chiefs haven’t looked back since. Still a lot of football left to play. Second half adjustments, as always, will be key. Bill O’Brien has generally been a better than average 2nd half coach and Deshaun Watson is a true play maker. Reid, OTOH, has historically been average or even below average in terms of making late adjustments, though to his credit, I felt like Andy Reid reinvented himself last postseason in this regard. Will be a good game to the end I think. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/58 "2020-01-12T21:55:14Z")
I would like the NFL to allow testosterone monitoring of a few players during the game. Why? It would be fascinating to see the spikes between KC and Hou players between the 1st quarter and the second. And I would like to study if there is a connection between spiking testosterone levels and momentum changes. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/59 "2020-01-12T22:11:31Z")
24 unanswered, then 34 unanswered. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2020, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173/60 "2020-01-12T22:42:08Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > Or not. Holy crap, just like that the Chiefs are right back in it! Go Chiefs! I am not actually watching, but I just checked the score online. Holy c…ow! 41-24 for the Chiefs. They still shouldn’t relax. I wonder what the sports bars are like now? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoffs-divisional-round-the-world-in-80-days/846173.md?page=4)