The NFL Divisional playoffs have come and gone, and as we look back on the weekend’s action, there are plenty of takeaways to be had. From the dominant performances of the top-seeded teams to the surprise upsets, there was no shortage of drama and excitement. But perhaps the most significant observation of all is the changing of the guard at the quarterback position.
- The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, two of the top teams in the league, both have young, dynamic quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, respectively. These two signal-callers proved that they are among the best in the league, leading their teams to impressive victories and showing that the future of the NFL is in good hands.
- The Green Bay Packers and the Baltimore Ravens, both led by veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson, also advanced to the Championship game showing that experience and leadership can still be key for a successful QB.
- The New Orleans Saints, led by future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, were knocked out of the playoffs by the rising star of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady, who showed that he’s still got it and he’s not done yet.
- The Cleveland Browns, led by Baker Mayfield, were one of the most exciting teams in the league this season, but they were unable to overcome the experience and leadership of the Kansas City Chiefs in their Divisional matchup.
- The Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, both led by Russell Wilson and Jared Goff respectively, were knocked out of the playoffs by the Green Bay Packers and the Buffalo Bills, two teams with young and talented quarterbacks.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts, both led by veteran quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers respectively, were unable to advance to the playoffs, showing that the league is evolving and changing and it’s harder for older QBs to keep up.
- The Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals, both led by Mitchell Trubisky and Joe Burrow respectively, failed to make the playoffs, but their performances this season suggest that they have the potential to be future stars at the quarterback position.
- The San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, both led by Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins respectively, were also unable to advance to the playoffs, but their performances this season suggests that they have the potential to be successful in the future.
- The Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals, both led by Ryan Tannehill and Kyler Murray respectively, were unable to advance to the playoffs, but both QBs had impressive season showing that they are the future of the league.
- The New England Patriots and the Houston Texans, both led by Cam Newton and Deshaun Watson respectively, were unable to advance to the playoffs, but both QBs had strong seasons and proved to be tough competitors in the league.
These observations from the Divisional round of playoffs demonstrate that the NFL is in the midst of a changing of the guard at the quarterback position. Younger, dynamic signal-callers like Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson are leading the way, while veterans like Rodgers, Brees, and Roethlisberger are on the decline. It’s clear that the league is evolving, and the future looks bright for the next generation of quarterbacks.
In conclusion, the NFL Divisional playoffs this year was an exciting one, with many great moments and surprises. But perhaps the most important takeaway is that the league is in the midst of a changing of the guard at the quarterback position, with young, dynamic signal-callers
