• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
NFC Wild Card - Key Matchups

NFC Wild Card – Key Matchups

January 8, 2021
Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

January 16, 2021
2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

January 16, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

January 16, 2021
Keys for Saints to Defeat Bucs in Divisional Round

Keys for Saints to Defeat Bucs in Divisional Round

January 16, 2021
Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy

January 15, 2021
In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

January 15, 2021
AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

AL Notes: LeMahieu Deal Helps Yankees With Luxury Tax Issues

January 15, 2021
Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

January 15, 2021

Chiefs vs Browns Preview: Three Keys To Victory

January 15, 2021
Jim Brown

Why Hall-of-Famer Jim Brown Has No Equal When it Comes to Respect From His Peers

January 15, 2021
Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract

Opening Night Win Affirms Bruins Have To Extend Tuukka Rask’s Contract

January 15, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: LB Zaven Collins

2021 Raiders Mock Draft 1.0: Bradley Heavy

January 15, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, January 17, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC North Chicago Bears

NFC Wild Card – Key Matchups

Kyle Senra by Kyle Senra
January 8, 2021
in Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, NFC, NFC Wildcard, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins
Reading Time: 5min read
0
NFC Wild Card - Key Matchups

Stephen Brashear / AP

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Fundamentally, football is a team sport. Eleven vs eleven. However, there will be those among the twenty-two players that will be larger factors in the outcome. For every team involved it is important to identify those opposing players. This creates key matchups throughout any NFL game, but that aspect is certainly magnified in the playoffs. As we prepare for the first round of post-seasons games, let us take a look at which players could make massive impacts in their respective contests. Here is NFC Wild Card – Key Matchups.

 

More FromFPC

2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

January 16, 2021

Keys for Saints to Defeat Bucs in Divisional Round

January 16, 2021

In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay

January 15, 2021

Die-Hard Ravens Fan Jason Song Predicts Baltimore Upset Over Buffalo

January 15, 2021

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints

Chicago Pass Rush vs New Orleans O-Line

Last year, the Saints lost at home during Wild Card weekend. While they enter this game has heavy favorites, there is a risk that history will repeat itself in New Orleans. The 2019 Saints season ended in part due to a potent pass-rush. The dominant duo of Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter terrorized Drew Brees for most of that game. The two of them alone combined for 3 sacks, and 6 QB hits. The intense pressure contributed toward two turnovers and the 26-20 loss for New Orleans.

Four of the five starters on the Saints offensive line in last year’s playoffs remain on the team. Therefore, that unit will need to play much better than they did in the previous Wild Card game. This is among the stronger offensive line in the league. However, according to Football Outsiders, the Saints line ranks 13th in adjusted sack rate. Barely above league average may be a disappointment for a group that is 4th in adjusted line yards (Football Outsides metric of run blocking). What we saw in 2020 was a group that was stronger in the run-game than they were in pass-protection.

Like their division rivals demonstrated last year, the Bears have a dynamic duo rushing the passer.The biggest name is Khalil Mack, but for good reason. He is dominant at getting after the passer and can do so from different positions. Both Saints offensive tackles, Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk, could be tasked with difficult one-on-one pass-protection duties. On any given play, either could be facing Mack. Although, Mack will also at times move to the interior to join Akiem Hicks. Both players need to be accounted for on every snap. Center Erik McCoy will have his hands full all game both with pre-snap reads as well as execution of the plays themselves.

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Metcalf vs Ramsey

As NFC West rivals, the Rams and Seahawks have played each other twice this season. In both of those meetings, cornerback Jalen Ramsey was tasked with a shadow coverage role. His matchup: D.K. Metcalf. The second-year receiver had an efficiently productive 2020 season with 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. In spite of such impressive numbers, he did struggle in certain games. The first time Metcalf and Ramsey squared off, the wide out only caught 2 passes for 28 yards. He fared a little better the second time around with 6 receptions for 59 yards. Still, 8 catches and only 87 is somewhat of a disappointing outing for Metcalf. Let alone two games combined.

All of this to say, that Ramsey has held Metcalf down in their two regular-season meetings. In those games, the Seahawks offense as a whole failed to produce to their lofty early-season standards. During the entire 2020 regular season, Seattle was held to 20 points or less in only 4 matches. Half of those were against the Rams. In fact, the second of those contests was the first time all year that the Seahawks offense produced less than 300 total yards.

The point is, that Seattle’s offense struggles when Metcalf is not producing as a top tier receiver. In those Rams games for instance, the defense’s trust in Ramsey to shadow allows other players to provide extra attention to other playmakers. If Metcalf wants to best help his team in the Wild-Card round, then he will need to get open and make catches against Ramsey both early and often. That will force the Rams safeties to provide help. That in itself could allow Russell Wilson more space to find other players and explode against this defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Football Team

Tampa Tackles vs Washington Defensive Ends

We have all seen enough of Tom Brady‘s career. At least enough to know the best chance at a victory against him. To beat Brady you need to get pressure with only four pass-rushers. Putting seven players in coverage has always been the best formula vs Brady. If given time, Brady will pick apart any defense, no matter how good the coverage. Defending against interior pressure is obviously a must but in rush-4 situations, there can usually be a double-team to handle priority problems. The key will be the edge rushers in one-on-one matchups vs the offensive tackles. The Buccaneers’ offensive production may hinge on how well the tackles can play.

The addition of an elite pass-rushing prospect with the 2nd-overall pick has transformed the Washington defense. Chase Young entered the NFL as advertised and has completely turned around this pass-rush. The rookie has produced in the pros in spite of all the attention he has received for opposing offensive lines Young’s presence has allowed Motez Sweat to produce a career-high 9 sacks.

Latest Packers News
  • 2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless
  • In Goff We Trust: Rams Ready for Green Bay
  • The NFL’s 500 Club Hasn’t Been Very Fortunate
  • Know the Foe: Los Angeles Rams
  • NFC Playoffs – Most Important Non-QB

The men tasked with keeping Sweat and Young at bay are Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs. The pass-protecting duo brings a mix of experience and energy. Smith is a six-year veteran who finally gets his first taste of the NFL playoffs. Meanwhile, Wirfs is a rookie who was a first-round pick himself. It will be interesting to see if Wirfs and Young end up squaring off in one-on-one matchups. This will be a great showcase on the national stage for both rookies.

Thank you for reading NFC Wild Card – Key Matchups. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available through Full Press Coverage.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.

Tags: akiem hicksChase YoungChicago BearsD.K. MetcalfDanielle HunterDonovan SmithDrew BreesErik McCoyEverson GriffenFootballJalen RamseyLos Angeles Ramsmontez sweatNew Orleans SaintsNFC Wild-cardNFLNFL PlayoffsNFL wild cardrussell wilsonRyan Ramczykseattle seahawksTampa Bay BuccaneersTerron ArmsteadTom BradyTristan WirfsWashington Football TeamWild CardWild Card round
Share605Tweet378
Previous Post

Jets Own the Best Top-Six in the North, and it Isn’t Even Close

Next Post

WWE: Four Underrated Royal Rumble Performances

Kyle Senra

Kyle Senra

Next Post
Royal Rumble

WWE: Four Underrated Royal Rumble Performances

Bruins

Possible Last Chapter Of Bruins’ Tale Of Two Centers Starts Now

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 7 Matchup Vs. Los Angeles Rams

October 21, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

Are The Mets Bidding Against Themselves with George Springer?

January 16, 2021
2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

2020 NFL Divisional Playoffs: The Young and the Ageless

January 16, 2021
Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win

January 16, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 59: Harden To Brooklyn/NFL Playoffs/NHL Season Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7358694631.mp3
  • DJ LeMahieu is back, and Corey Kluber is coming to the Bronx!!!
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7481049719.mp3
  • Ep 46: Santino Marella
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8843915318.mp3
  • Ep 21: The Best Weekend of the Year
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9554796639.mp3
  • Ep 166: Divisional Round
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 4:21 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9495604360.mp3
  • Ep.169: Tequila and Triscuits
    by Full Press Coverage on January 16, 2021 at 3:13 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1539594975.mp3
  • Ep #84: Chiefs vs Browns Preview w/ Nick Swanson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2474736703.mp3
  • Episode 2: Wild Card recap/ Divisional round preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/42951902/fps_2_thu_1137_edited.mp3
  • Vino, NFL Playoffs Key Stories and Predictions, CFP Championship game, Wandele Robinson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/42950573/ep_11_fpr.mp3
  • Episode 29: An EmBEARassing Press Conference, Rams @ Packers Preview with Alexis Kraft of Downtown Rams
    by Full Press Coverage on January 15, 2021 at 3:41 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7842310093.mp3

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 46: Santino Marella
    by Evan Gomes on January 16, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Recap, Grades, and Opinion: January 13th, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 4:14 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where It’s New Year’s Smash Night Two […]

  • NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 13, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 14, 2021 at 3:24 am

    NXT Results: January 13, 2021 A.K.A. The One With The Rascalz Debut Results: Candice LeRae def. […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: January 11, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 12, 2021 at 4:55 am

    WWE Raw Results: January 11, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Hunter Shows Up Results: Lacey Evans def. […]

  • WWE Champion Drew McIntyre Tests Positive for COVID-19
    by Evan Gomes on January 12, 2021 at 12:47 am

    WWE announced on Monday that current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19. The […]

More Wrestling News

  • Same Bad Results to Start Season for “New Look” Sabres
    by Michael Augello on January 16, 2021 at 11:34 pm

    The Buffalo Sabres were hoping the additions of big-name veterans would help the group improve and […]

  • IIHF World Championships – The Ultimatums Are Rolling In
    by Aivis Kalnins on January 16, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    It's January of 2021 and we still don't know who and where will the 2021 IIHF World Championships […]

  • Ottawa Senators First Game in 310 Days is a Win
    by Murray Pam on January 16, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Senators netminder Matt Murray, making his first appearance with the club since being acquired from […]

  • Andrei Vasilevskiy Favorite To Win The 2020-21 Vezina Trophy
    by Jim Biringer on January 15, 2021 at 9:33 pm

    The NHL season is finally here and Andrei Vasilevskiy is the early favorite to take home the Vezina […]

  • Devils Show Promise In Opening Night Loss
    by Jim Biringer on January 15, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    The 2020-21 New Jersey Devils have begun their season and despite a good effort early indications […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
  • Ep 40: Former Bruin Jay Miller Joins the Show
    by Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Former Bruin, Jay Miller, joins Ian and Chris to talk Bruins, UNH, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/19652154/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F78efb8b40427b178fea3e054267f01b4.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage