Wild Card Weekend: Where Hope Goes to Die
The NFL’s Wild Card Weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, but for four out of five teams, it was a crushing disappointment. However, one team stood out from the rest – the Washington Commanders, who managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a doink field goal.
But this article isn’t about the winners; it’s about the losers. After 18 weeks of covering the struggles of the league’s bottom dwellers, it’s only fair to shine a light on the teams that came so close, yet fell short.
Sad Stat #1: The Chargers’ Playoff Curse Continues
The Los Angeles Chargers have a knack for breaking hearts. In their last two playoff games, they’ve been outscored 63-9 from the one-minute mark in the second quarter onwards. It’s a staggering statistic that has become all too familiar for Chargers fans. Since 2009, the team has won a mere two playoff games, a record that’s even worse than the Titans, Panthers, and Jets.
Justin Herbert, the team’s supposed savior, has failed to make a significant impact on the franchise’s regular season record. The Chargers remain stuck in a perpetual state of mediocrity, always promising but never delivering.
Sad Stat #2: The Steelers’ Playoff Woes
Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers have a dismal 0-6 record in their last six playoff games. While Tomlin’s coaching has been questioned, it’s hard to ignore the lack of talent at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson’s brief stint with the team was a disaster, and it’s clear that the Steelers need a change.
The team’s inability to make progress is frustrating, especially when compared to other teams that seem to find ways to win. The Steelers are always good enough to make the playoffs but never good enough to make a deep run.
Sad Stat #3: Jalen Hurts’ Underwhelming Performance
Jalen Hurts became the first quarterback to win a playoff game with 131 yards passing or less since… himself in 2022. His lackluster performance against the Packers was a stark reminder that he’s not the quarterback many thought he was.
The Packers, on the other hand, have been fooled into thinking that Jordan Love is the answer. However, his body of work suggests otherwise. Love’s inability to perform under pressure and his lack of wins against quality opponents are red flags that can’t be ignored.
As the NFL playoffs continue, it’s clear that some teams are destined for disappointment. The Chargers, Steelers, and Packers all have their own unique struggles, but one thing is certain – they’ll be back next year, hoping to break free from their respective curses.
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