A number of NFL groups completed the common season on a excessive observe (Payments, Steelers and Packers) whereas others hit excessive lows (Jaguars, Commanders and Panthers).
This is a have a look at 4 aftershocks from Week 18.
Trevor Lawrence could also be a bust
Heralded as a generational expertise coming into the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence has loads of doubters now.
After starting the season 8-3, the Jaguars watched their playoff hopes slip away with a 28-20 loss to the Titans. Jacksonville misplaced 5 of its final six video games to complete 9-8 and miss the postseason, so somebody is sure to be blamed. That blame is now falling squarely on Lawrence’s shoulders.
“He’s not the identical man he was a yr in the past. His agent’s not going to wish to hear that, however I can’t pay him like a high quarterback proper now,” an NFL common supervisor instructed the Washington Put up’s Jason La Canfora earlier than Sunday’s loss.
In November, former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman — now an analyst for Amazon Prime — criticized Lawrence, tweeting, “He has all of the expertise on this planet nevertheless that has not been showcased constantly.”
On Sunday, Lawrence — who was coming off an harm to his throwing shoulder — regarded shaky at finest within the Jaguars’ largest sport of the season, finishing 29-of-43 passes for 280 yards, two landing passes and two interceptions. He missed a number of key throws in huge moments, together with dangerous misses to Calvin Ridley and Evan Engram on Jacksonville’s closing drive.
Many anticipated Lawrence to take an enormous leap this season with extra weapons round him and extra familiarity with HC Doug Pederson’s scheme. But, the 24-year-old underperformed, posting 25 whole touchdowns, 14 picks and 5 fumbles this season. For comparability, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell had 26 TD passes and 23 turnovers.
Josh Allen must play cleaner
Allen’s curler coaster season was completely encapsulated by the Payments’ 21-14 win over the Dolphins, which secured the AFC East title for Buffalo. The star quarterback threw two interceptions ultimately zone and made a pricey fumble on the sting of the crimson zone. He additionally threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns and led the crew with 67 dashing yards.
Allen completed the season with 44 whole touchdowns, the most of any participant. He additionally ended with a career-high 18 interceptions and 22 turnovers total — the second most within the NFL.
Towards a banged-up Dolphins protection, Allen made a number of errors and nonetheless escaped with a win. But when the Payments are to make a deep run within the playoffs, he’ll have to restrict the psychological errors.
Justin Fields possible performed his final sport as a Bear
With a possibility to remove the Packers from playoff rivalry and solidify himself as Chicago’s franchise quarterback, Fields turned in an uninspiring efficiency that possible satisfied Chicago it’s time to transfer on. In a 17-9 loss to Inexperienced Bay, the 24-year-old accomplished 11-of-16 passes for 148 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.
Fields has performed properly sufficient this season to earn a beginning job within the NFL subsequent yr. However the Bears, who’ve the No. 1 choice on this yr’s draft because of final yr’s commerce with the Panthers, are unlikely to move on a quarterback first total in a second consecutive draft.
North Carolina’s Drake Maye and USC’s Caleb Williams are seen as can’t-miss prospects who could make a right away influence within the NFL.
Baker Mayfield has earned a payday
It wasn’t fairly, however the Buccaneers secured their third consecutive NFC South title with a 9-0 win over the lowly Panthers. Although Mayfield did not play a superb sport, finishing 20-of-32 passes for 137 yards and no touchdowns, his efficiency this season is basically how Tampa Bay made the playoffs.
Mayfield completed the common season with profession highs in passing yards (4,044), landing passes (28) and completion share (64.3%). The 28-year-old stuffed Tom Brady’s footwear properly in Tampa Bay and has earned himself a payday from the Buccaneers, who might be enjoying within the postseason throughout a yr that appeared to be the start of an extended rebuild.
