The NFL Roundup 2018: Wild Card Weekend - What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Wow, Wild Card Weekend truly lived up to its namesake, didn’t it? Because we were witness to some incredible games this past weekend, ones that left us in complete surprise, and if the Wild Card round is any indicator of what to expect in the weeks to come, well we are in for a real when it comes to the remainder of the NFL Playoffs. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the weekend that was, and discuss what we learned from all the thrilling storylines that presented themselves during Wild Card Weekend.
 
The Tennessee Titans proved to everyone they deserve to be in the playoffs.
I know I’m not the only person out there who had a firm belief in the back of their mind that Tennessee was likely going to be blown out by Kansas City since they really hadn’t wowed any of us during the regular reason and boy…was I wrong about that. Because the Titans played a game for the ages on Saturday Night, defeating the Chiefs in stunning fashion and well, not only do I need to eat a little crow when it comes to thinking that they couldn’t get it done, but I also need to tip my cap in respect their way. Because the adjustments made at halftime by the team on defense, and the incredible play from QB Marcus Mariota, demonstrates that this team completely deserves to be in the postseason, and I look forward to seeing what other surprises they have in store for us come this weekend.
 
The Los Angeles Rams weren’t quite ready for prime time.
We like to think that nerves simply don’t play a part of football. That these groups of intrepid men are supposed to be made of iron internally and nothing gets in their head. But that’s simply not the case. These guys have the same nerves that we do, and in turn, they get jittery when they know what’s at stake on the national stage and sadly, it would seem that nerves got the better of the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. Because the normally confident Rams seemed apprehensive in both their play calling and play and it allowed for the Falcons to take full control the game and secure the win. But you know what? While there are no moral victories in the NFL, the fact of the matter is, this will serve as a great learning experience for the Rams as they look to rebound next season.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars reminded all of us of the importance of having a solid defense.
Speaking of nerves, they were also on display in the Jacksonville/Buffalo game as well since it took quite some time for both teams to settle down. But once the Jaguars did, they accomplished wonders, and the defense quickly took full advantage the jitters running through Tyrod Taylor’s veins and well…thanks to their incredible defensive play and ability to impose their will upon the Bills, the Jags are headed to the Divisional Round and this game just serves as another fine reminder, that defense truly does win championships and if Jacksonville can keep this up, they will certainly go far in the playoffs.
 
The New Orleans Saints continued to dominate the Carolina Panthers.
I heard plenty of talk before the final Wild Card game on Sunday about how the regular season series between these two teams didn’t matter when it came to this matchup and well, it’s obvious the day after, that everything that happened in the regular season, DID matter. Because despite a late game rally by the Panthers, for three and a half quarters, they looked like a team that was completely and utterly afraid of their opponent and well, that’s quite the incredible feat for the Saints to accomplish. So, if anything, this loss will allow the Panthers to spend the offseason doing a little soul searching, wherein they can learn how to enter a game with a clean mind so that none of their AFC South opponents can find a way to rattle their psyche once the 2018 regular season starts this fall. ​

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