The Rush: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry run into history books and NFL playoffs
The Cleveland Browns reached the playoffs for the first time since 2002 with their 24-22 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to the top seed in the NFC, Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans’ playoff status is unclear after a Week 17 knee injury and Derrick Henry became the eighth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season as the Titans clinched a playoff berth of their own. PLUS: Steph Curry scores a new career-high 62 points, Jonathan Taylor put Indy on his back, Lamar Jackson put Baltimore on his legs, and Arizona put its season on Chris Streveler’s shoulders (SPOILER: it didn’t work).
Video Transcript
- Steph is running into the frontcourt. Draymond finds him another 3. Got it! 62! 62!
JARED QUAY: The NFL regular season has finally wrapped, and the playoff picture is set. But the real chase is about to begin. After their win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, which is so long ago quarterback Baker Mayfield was only seven years old at the time. I mean, he couldn't even get on most roller coasters.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears to secure the top seed in the NFC. The Saints and Seahawks also had a shot at the first round bye. But quarterback Aaron Rodgers took the ball out of their hands and put an end to those of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. 72-yard bomb ain't bad.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost receiver Mike Evans to an apparent knee injury, which is not what you want. They did beat the Falcons to secure the fifth seed in the NFC. Meaning, they get to face a seven-win Washington Football Team, which is definitely what you want. Hell, I'd want that.
Those might have been the biggest stories on Sunday, but they weren't the only ones. The Rams and Cardinals were both playing for their lives. Too bad too. Because a majority of the snaps were taken by John Wolford and Chris Streveler.
- Who?
JARED QUAY: No idea. But the Rams won, sending Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals home for the year. Quarterback Lamar Jackson led my Ravens to the fifth seed in the AFC and became the first quarterback to rush for a thousand yards in multiple seasons. Boy making history winning games and making me a happy man. Ain't a lot of money if you're watching "Mad Bets."
- Great show. God, I love that show.
JARED QUAY: Of course, that's nothing compared to Derrick Henry. On Sunday, the Titans running back became just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in one season.
- Oh, that's a lot.
JARED QUAY: He also got to celebrate after rookie Sam Sloman made the Titans divisional champs with a walk-off field goal.
KERMIT THE FROG: That was a close one.
RIZZO THE RAT: Yeah.
JARED QUAY: The Colts get to celebrate too. That's because rookie running back Jonathan Taylor carried them to the postseason with 253 yards on the ground. Good lord, that's a lot of yards.
And you thought the running back position was dead. No, they're on fire just in time for the postseason. Jonathan Taylor can play good, but I need Derrick Henry to slow down. I mean, they're playing the Ravens, and I've been practicing with Calais all year. Sometimes I just throw a couch at him. I'm like, look, tackle it!