NFL Notes & Numbers: NFC Playoff Edition

By Tim Byrnes

5 LA Rams (12-5) @ 4 Carolina Panthers (8-9): LAR 34-31

I heard a wise man say “Carolina is a pesky bunch” and that proves to be an accurate assessment. After jumping out to a 17-7 lead, and in field goal range, Rams Coach Sean McVay chose to go for it on 4th-and-3. The Panthers held Los Angeles, and a 16-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bryce Young (264 yards passing-TD/ 20 yards rushing-TD) turned a possible LA blowout into a 17-14 halftime game. Read more »

NFL Notes & Numbers: AFC Playoff Edition

By Tim Byrnes

6 Buffalo Bills (12-5) @ 3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4): Buf 27-24

Quarterback Josh Allen shrugged off his 0-4 record on the road in the playoffs, amassing three total touchdowns, including a game-winning 1-yard run with 1:04 remaining. Allen (273 yards passing-TD/ 33 yards rushing-2 TDs) accounted for 64 of the 65 yards on the final drive, going 5-for-5 through the air and rushing for 12 yards. Allen made multiple trips to the medical tent during the game, but passed a concussion protocol, and played through an injury to his knee and throwing hand. Read more »