Saturday, January 11, 2025

2025 NFL Wild-Card Overreactions: Mike Tomlin's Final Game with Steelers? Derrick Henry as Best Playoff RB?

The first day of the NFL playoffs in 2025 didn't quite meet expectations for excitement, but both the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens dominated their games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively, advancing to the divisional round. Despite the straightforward results, the games sparked numerous overreactions.

Mike Tomlin coached his last game with SteelersOverreaction or reality: Overreaction
The narrative around Mike Tomlin's tenure with the Steelers after their sixth straight playoff loss, including a lackluster performance against Baltimore, suggests this might be his final game. However, this seems to be an overreaction. Tomlin has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh, and while his playoff record since Super Bowl XLV isn't stellar, it's unlikely the Steelers will part ways with him. The team might consider a trade, but Tomlin is still expected to coach in 2025, albeit with increased scrutiny.


Steelers' collapse is one of worst in NFL historyOverreaction or reality: Reality
The Steelers' late-season collapse is unprecedented; going from a 10-3 record with a clear path to the AFC North title to losing their final five games (including the playoffs) marks a significant downturn. They join the ranks of the worst collapses in NFL history, like the 2023 Eagles and 1986 Jets, with a dismal scoring record and no victories against teams with winning records during this skid.


Derrick Henry is the best playoff running back everOverreaction or reality: Overreaction
While Derrick Henry has had stellar playoff performances, including a standout game in the 2025 wild-card round, labeling him as the best ever is an overreach. His stats are impressive, but Terrell Davis's legacy, including a Super Bowl MVP, sets a high bar. Henry's career playoff numbers are notable, but they don't yet surpass Davis's impact and achievements in the postseason.


Justin Herbert isn't a prime-time quarterbackOverreaction or reality: Reality
Justin Herbert's performance in the wild-card game against the Texans was far from stellar, with multiple interceptions and a low passer rating. While one game shouldn't define a quarterback, his record and performance in the playoffs to date suggest he struggles under the bright lights, supporting the narrative that he isn't yet a prime-time quarterback.


C.J. Stroud changed outlook of 2024 season with playoff victoryOverreaction or reality: Overreaction
C.J. Stroud's playoff win was impressive, particularly given the Texans' inconsistent regular season. However, claiming this victory changes the outlook of the entire season might be premature. Stroud has shown great promise, but to truly alter perceptions, he needs to demonstrate consistent performance, especially in future playoff games against top teams like the Chiefs or Ravens.


These overreactions from the wild-card games highlight the dramatic swings in perception that can occur in the high-stakes environment of NFL playoffs, where one game can significantly skew views on players and coaches.

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