What we learned from NFL playoffs divisional round, Day 1: From Eagles' resurgence to Patrick Mahomes' harm - CBS activities

The next wave of NFL playoff football is smartly underway. The divisional round kicked off Saturday with a pair of typical-season rematches, and, boy, do we have lots of floor to cowl simply within the wake of that action. The Chiefs are headed lower back to the AFC Championship, due to a 27-20 victory over the upstart Jaguars. And the Eagles will host the NFC Championship for the second time in 5 years after routing the Giants, 38-7.

here are some immediate and big-photo takeaways from the outlet day of the divisional round:

Hurts and the Eagles are lower back

we are saying "lower back" as a result of, frankly, it felt plenty like they "left" over the ultimate month. Ever seeing that Jalen Hurts, once a virtual lock to head face to face with Patrick Mahomes for this yr's MVP honors, went down with a shoulder injury, Philly form of plateaued, if not regressed, on the way into the postseason. but on Saturday nighttime against a Giants group clean off an awesome upset of Minnesota, they regarded again to peak kind. Hurts, for one, had apparently no obstacles, excelling early as a passer and, perhaps greater specifically, on the ground. And the Haason Reddick-led defense received after Daniel Jones and Co. all nighttime, handing new york what Brian Daboll later called a "crash touchdown." it be time to believe the Birds actual title contenders once again.

The Giants need greater aid than we idea

This yr was nonetheless a hit for manhattan. The G-guys weren't even purported to make the playoffs, when you consider that the torn-down roster Brian Daboll inherited. Daniel Jones certainly registers as a unique prospect than he did even months in the past. but in contrast to even Jacksonville, which took Kansas metropolis to the wire under a first-yr instruct (extra on that under), the Giants had hardly any battle or urgency in Philadelphia. that is not primarily the fault of either Jones or Daboll, however quite a lineup nonetheless severely undermanned at top class spots. standard supervisor Joe Schoen badly must prioritize upgrades along the offensive line, out vast and at linebacker, among other positions.

Mahomes' ankle is a sound issue

The huge story of the Chiefs earning a fifth straight AFC title-video game look had nothing to do with the exact win, or the highlights that led to it -- Isiah Pacheco's open lanes, Kadarius Toney's heavy involvement, some huge D-line moments. As soon as megastar quarterback Patrick Mahomes in brief exited with an ankle injury in the 2nd quarter, his fitness grew to be paramount. The MVP candidate become visibly proof against clinical consideration and fought through a major limp to keep Kansas metropolis in entrance and seal the win. 

CBS activities' Doug Clawson also features out that Mahomes, who is used to counting on his mobility, has accounted for 41% of the league's touchdown passes outdoor the pocket (15 of 36) in the last 5 postseasons. 

He'll most likely do every thing in his vigor to stay beneath center relocating forward, but that doesn't suggest it may not have an effect on his mobility and/or Andy Reid's play-calling, notwithstanding just to a moderate degree. luckily, for the Chiefs ...

It doesn't really depend who's under center; few avid gamers produce so consistently when it concerns most. No. 87 changed into everywhere, working the core against Jacksonville to the tune of 14 catches for 98 yards and two rankings. there is definitely no longer plenty else to be talked about other than: Kelce's presence, with or with out an imposing No. 1 receiver drawing attention on the backyard, is often sufficient to keep ok.C. relocating up and down the box. At 33, he's still on the precise of his game.

The Jaguars are here to dwell

it be been obvious for a long time that Jacksonville made the correct name by using hiring ex-Eagles educate Doug Pederson, but this crew's efficiency in the postseason -- just the 2d Jaguars' playoff bid in the closing 15 years -- justifies the brewing optimism in Northeast Florida. Coming returned from down 27 to beat the Chargers turned into a dazzling affirmation that Trevor Lawrence and Co. are on the upward thrust. however preserving the Chiefs on their toes at Arrowhead changed into arguably simply as astounding, even with Mahomes limping round for lots of the day. Pederson referred to as the video game with his trademark aggressiveness. Lawrence flashed veteran-degree self assurance. better of all, reinforcements should be coming as Calvin Ridley and others be a part of play-makers like Travis Etienne Jr., Christian Kirk and Jamal Agnew; the latter two showed with untimely miscues they may shine in additional secondary roles.