2015 NFL Playoffs: top 10 performers of the Divisional Round
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) runs the ball in for a touchdown after intercepting a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
1. Kam Chancellor, S, Seattle Seahawks
It’s fitting that the best player of the Divisional Round is a defensive player. However hackneyed the expression, defense does indeed win championships. Chancellor is one of the best safeties in football.
No one plays Cover 3 better than Chancellor at SS.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) January 11, 2015
Chancellor made big play after big play in Seattle’s 31-17 victory over Carolina, from big hit to almost-blocked field goal (two times). Speaking of that, I have no clue how he didn’t manage to get a piece of that first Graham Gano field goal attempt:
Chancellor got another chance because of a false start on the above play. Here’s what happened:
Chancellor didn’t block the kick, but he clearly altered it enough to make Gano miss. Unfortunately for Seattle, Chancellor ran into Gano, knocking him down – and since Chancellor didn’t block the field goal, running into the kicker was called. On Gano’s third attempt, the Seahawks’ safety didn’t attempt to come across the line and Gano drilled it. With that said, it was still a heck of an athletic play to jump over the line twice and alter two field goal attempts.
Chancellor also made bone-jarring hits like this one:
He capped off his amazing performance with this game-sealing pick-six, courtesy of SB Nation:
Kam Chancellor was the best player on any field last weekend. His performance shouldn’t be overshadowed by performances from flashier offensive players.
Honorable mentions: Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers; Jermaine Kearse, WR, Seahawks; C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos.