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Chicago Bears 15, Philadelphia Eagles 16
Bears:
NT Eddie Goldman: recorded four tackles (two solo) and a TFL. Chicago’s season came to an end when Cody Parkey’s game-winning field goal bounced off the left upright, ending Goldman’s season and dampening his birthday celebrations:
Happy birthday, @EddieGoldman! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dhCLUswt0x
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 6, 2019
Nonetheless, Goldman enjoyed a productive season, becoming the unsung hero on a talent-laden defense.
One word: underrated. @EddieGoldman continues to make an impact for the @ChicagoBears the season. pic.twitter.com/1rx5QwQCDc
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 3, 2019
Eagles:
LB Nigel Bradham: had a monster game, recording seven solo tackles, two TFL’s, and two passes defended.
Bradham was fired up after the game and will hope to take that momentum into next weekend when they take on New Orleans:
Nigel Bradham says keep doubting Eagles
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 7, 2019
“We’re going to keep winning. The best defense won today”#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/EHnC1DthIL
DT Timmy Jernigan: made the stat sheet with a solo tackle, one sack, a TFL and a QB hit.
Jernigan donned a ski mask (a symbol of motivation for Eagles players in recent weeks) and celebrated with his head coach after the victory:
— Nicky C (@Nicky____C) January 7, 2019
DE Josh Sweat: (Injured Reserve)
DB Ronald Darby: (Injured Reserve)
Los Angeles Chargers 23, Baltimore Ravens 17
Chargers:
S Derwin James: finished the first playoff game of his career with four solo tackles, a TFL, and a QB hit. The versatility of the first-round safety was on display as the Chargers switched up their defensive game plan by utilizing James at linebacker to aid in stopping the run:
The Chargers moved Derwin James to linebacker against the NFL’s best rushing team and it totally worked. That guy is the perfect modern defensive player.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) January 6, 2019
Chargers utilized 7 defensive backs on 58 of their 59 defensive snaps Sunday, per NFL Next Gen Stats. They used 7 defensive backs 50 times in the regular season, which accounted for just 5% of their snaps. No team had used 7 DBs on more than 18 snaps in a game this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2019
James can add making it to the the divisional round of the playoffs to the laundry list of feats he has accomplished in his first year as his team is set to take on New England in Foxborough next weekend. Last week, he was named to the Pro Bowl by the fans and this week he officially became an all-pro safety in his rookie year:
A trio of First Team All-Pros!
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 4, 2019
Congrats @DerwinJames, @blaqbadger14 & @Phillips_17 pic.twitter.com/vkv2dKfWdo
James also graded out as the top safety by Pro Football Focus, and was named their defensive rookie of the year:
The highest graded rookie safety and our Defensive Rookie of the Year in Derwin James is in action today against the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/ndw1Xyvhro
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 6, 2019
Safe to say James was excited after the game:
NOT FINISHED YET. pic.twitter.com/6tAmfYfpyy
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 6, 2019
Ravens:
(none)
Seattle Seahawks 22, Dallas Cowboys 24
Seahawks:
K Sebastian Janikowski: the 40-year old phenom made good on two kicks from 27 and 42-yards respectfully. However, he did miss a 57-yard attempt and was injured on the play and officially ruled out with a thigh injury.
Sebastian Janikowski is not on the field to start the second half.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2019
This is how the half ended... pic.twitter.com/1RfwO5fdxw
The unfortunate end to the season for Janikowski paired with his age makes it hard to imagine the kicker coming back for another year in the league. If that was his last rodeo, he will hang his cleats up sitting at number 10 on the NFL’s all-time leading scorers list with 1,913 points over a 19 year career.