Five Players to Watch During the Divisional Round
Added on Jan 11, 2013 by Scott in
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Eight teams remain in the race for Super Bowl XLVII. This weekend the so-called big boys will take the field, meaning the Patriots, Broncos, Falcons and 49ers. Obviously the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and Frank Gore will be in the spotlight, but for any of the final eight to advance, it will take excellent performances from players at positions all over the field. Here are five (okay, six) names to keep a close eye on.
Torrey Smith (WR, Ravens) – In the seven games Smith scored or eclipsed 100 yards, the Ravens were undefeated. In his first matchup with Denver in Week 15 — a 34-17 loss — Champ Bailey shadowed him almost exclusively and limited him to one reception for 14 yards. It’s no secret that Joe Flacco is better when he’s hitting on his deep balls. For Baltimore to have any chance of keeping it close, the speedy Smith must find a way to get open for big plays.
Aldon Smith (OLB, 49ers) - Smith led the NFC with 19.5 sacks and was an absolute terror for opposing quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers was dumped a league high 51 times in 2012. Something has to give. The Pack rarely try to establish a running game, so it will be a lot of dropbacks for the reigning MVP. Therefore, Smith should have plenty of opportunities to make Saturday night uncomfortable for Rodgers. The last thing the Niners want is a comfortable Aaron Rodgers.
Richard Sherman & Brandon Browner (CBs, Seahawks) – Due to Atlanta’s poor showing during the playoffs in recent years, a lot of pundits and talking heads are calling for Seattle to pull the upset. For this to happen, the Hawks will have to limit the dangerous receiving duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones, who combined for 17 touchdowns. This all important task will fall on Sherman and Browner — two big, physical corners who netted eleven interceptions for the league’s best scoring defense.
Matt Schaub (QB, Texans) – The Texans will find that New England is a much taller order than Cincinnati. Houston’s defense was shredded by Brady and Co. in Week 14; they hope to do better this time around, but if they don’t, the onus will be on Schaub to answer on the scoreboard. He’s been efficient this season, but has rarely had to win games with his arm. Odds are he will have to on Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski (TE, Pats) – Is the Patriots most lethal receiving weapon fully healthy? No one seems to know. If he’s the Gronk of old, the Texans could be in for a long day. If he favors his left arm at all, the Texans could be able to take advantage. Tom Brady can dissect a defense in multiple ways, but he’s a much better surgeon when #87 is abusing secondaries and spiking the ball with extreme prejudice.
