In the NFC Wild Card games the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Detroit Lions 26-6 and the Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants 38-14. Here’s a look at what factors determined the results of both games.
Why the Seattle Seahawks Defeated the Detroit Lions
Thomas Rawls, who finished with 161 rushing yards, was a workhorse in the running game. He set a playoff franchise record and gave the Seahawks the best running attack since Marshawn Lynch retired. His performance included runs of 12, 14, 26 and 32 yards.
Russell Wilson and his receivers kept the Lions defense out of balance with enough plays that kept drives alive and took advantage of scoring opportunities inside the red zone. The air attack was led by Paul Richardson who had three spectacular catches and scored once.
Seattle’s defense didn’t allow Detroit to run a play inside Seattle’s 33-yard line, thus never allowed the Lions to get anywhere near the red zone. They effectively neutralized Matt Stafford and his receivers, who also hurt their team by repeatedly dropping some easy passes.
Why the Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants
-Giants failed to transform early scoring opportunities into touchdowns. The Giants dominated most of the first half (at one point before halftime they led in total yards 194 to 7), but they managed only two field goals by Robbie Gould before the break. In contrast, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led his team to two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the second quarter.
-New York’s Wide receivers did not bring their “A” game to the Frozen Tundra. Whether it was due to the cold temperatures or because of Green Bay’s tight defense, the Giant’s Odell Beckham Jr. and his fellow wide receiver Sterling Shepard were erratic at best, as they combined to drop four passes, one each in the end zone, on the Giants’ first two series.
-Aaron Rodgers and the offense caught fire and never looked back. Green Bay opened the game with five straight punts before heating up and finishing with 362 passing yards and four touchdowns, three of those to Randall Cobb. Two wide receivers finished the day with more than 100 yards (Devonte Adams 125, Cob 116) before fullback Aaron Ripkowski added a 2-yard touchdown on the ground late in the game.
-The Packers defense stepped up. Despite being ranked 21st in points allowed (24.3) and having a secondary decimated by injuries, the Packers’ D was able to limit the production of Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepherd and Beckham. The Giants’ three best receivers of the season combined for 121 yards and zero touchdowns.
