The NFL Conference Championships are here, and it should be one hell of a Sunday filled with lots of scoring in Kansas City, and defensive showdown in Philly. The stars are here in Mahomes, Kelce, Chase, Burrow, McCaffery, Samuel, Hurts, and Brown – but which non-stars are liable to their team’s success?
After all, while stars make a world’s difference for each respective team – there are 22 men who will undoubtedly impact the game. Patrick Mahomes can’t throw it to Travis Kelce every down, nor can Joe Burrow to Jamar Chase. And Jalen Hurts can’t do everything himself… can he?
So, which non-stars should we pay attention to in the NFL conference championships?
NFL Conference Championships Non-Star: Bengals
Tee Higgins
Safe to say, Tee Higgins is damn near one of the most talented – and productive – WR2’s in the league. But ever since the Damar Hamlin incident – which he unitentionally happened to be a part of; it’s like he’s been a different player. Sure, on a human level – I can understand if he’s scarred, I can’t blame him there. But scarred or not – he’s going to need to come up big.
Especially when you consider the Kansas City Chiefs pass defense, who ended up ranked in the bottom half all throughout the season. They don’t have a big name DB that they can simply glue on Chase, so they’ll most likely need to double Jamar. Thus, in theory, opening up Higgins – who will need to show up big time, and get back into his groove in order for the Bengals to return to the Super Bowl.
NFL Conference Championships Non-Star: Chiefs
Chris Jones
With all of the talk circulating around each respective offense, as well as Patrick Mahomes’ ankle – we’ll go defense here. Sure, Chris Jones isn’t much of a wild card – he’s an absolute beast, hell, there’s a reason he’s nominated for DPOY. But seeing how well the Bengals (mostly) second string O-line played last week, surprisingly – it appears that pressuring Burrow will be harder than previously thought.
That said, we could obviously point the finger at George Karlaftis or Frank Clark – but to be fair, they haven’t moved the needle much this year. So let’s call a spade a spade – when you’re in consideration for such a prestigious NFL award; you’re expected to play like you deserve that slot. And if you can’t get consistent pressure against a back up O-line; then you simply dropped the ball. But, stranger things have happened…
NFL Conference Championships Non-Star: 49ers
Fred Warner
To be fair, the more crucial player in my opinion is Elijah Mitchell, considering the necessity for the 49ers to have an effective run game against this sturdy Philly defense. BUT, it’s hard to say how much usage Mitchell will get with an injury, and CMC also in the backfield. Not enough to necessarily be “liable”… so he gets a pass here.
Luckily, this choice is another All-Pro; so it’s not like a big game is outside of his range. But when you’re going up against a quarterback with the rushing ability of Jalen Hurts – there’s no doubt a spy will be utilized… at least for some of the game. On that note, designed QB runs, RPO’s, and options are well within’ Philly’s wheelhouse – which means that the “Mike” (middle) linebacker will need to wear two hats; stop the run, but also keep an eye out for the shots over the middle. Tough task, if you ask me…
NFL Conference Championships Non-Star: Eagles
Dallas Goedert
While we could really pick anyone in the Eagles secondary or linebacker crew as they face the bevy of weapons that the 49ers feature, it’s paramount that the Eagles themselves will need to put points up on the board if they want a shot at winning. And with the level of the 49ers pass rush, it’s hard to think that Hurts will be able to sit back in the pocket all day and take deep shots to AJ Brown. Furthermore, the 49ers secondary has played insanely well, so Smith and Brown may not be too open to begin with.
When evaluating the 49ers defense – there really aren’t any holes to poke. The closest one, however, would be their defense against tight ends. Plus, this position has always been known as the “safety valve” for quarterbacks – which Jalen Hurts will definitely need with Nick Bosa charging at him. Goedert had a hell of a game last week with an athletic touchdown, spiraling into the end zone – and the Eagles will need him to show up big time if they want to continue their roll to the Super Bowl.
NFL Conference Championships Non-Stars: Conclusion
Sure, it’s almost a given that Burrow and Mahomes will have a prominent say on whether or not their team wins, but football is more than one player – no matter what position. Even if Burrow went out there and threw for 500 yards, it wouldn’t mean anything if he had one three and out which the Chiefs capitalized on.
Never underestimate the power of “role players” – many of which, who could be considered stars in their own right… cough, cough – Fred Warner and Chris Jones. But these days, the offense is king, and unless you’re a prolific gunslinger on a successful team or a 1,500+ yard receiver, chances are; you’re an afterthought or only in the “guru” pundit analyses.
Tomorrow should be a lot of fun, and these players could determine whether or not their team punches a ticket to the Super Bowl. I’ll get the popcorn ready…
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