NFL Notebook: Conference Championships, Luke Kuechly, awards and more
By Zach Cohen
Conference Championship Rewind
Titans-Chiefs
Kansas City finally did it. No, I’m not talking about ending their 50-season Super Bowl drought — I’m talking about stopping Derrick Henry. The monstrous running back ran for a measly 69 yards, his lowest total since Week 9.
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On the offensive front, Patrick Mahomes showed why he is the best young quarterback in the NFL. His ability to create and evade is elite when coupled with his seemingly limitless arm. Prior to the game, I was worried about the Chiefs’ lack of run game. I’m not saying the Chiefs quieted my concerns entirely, but 112 rushing yards is not a bad outing. They might need to get more out of their running backs if they are to compete with the 49ers’ elite defensive front.
Packers-49ers
Sheesh. Aaron Rodgers looked less like a generational quarterback and more like that corny dude he does those State Farm commercials with. (So long to a potential State Farm Bowl with Rodgers and Mahomes, by the way.) Admittedly, Rodgers did have some Rodgers-esque throws, but it wasn’t enough to stop the 49ers from steamrolling through the Packers.
There’s a lot to dissect from this game, though I’m primarily focused on Rodgers. He started off the game going 8-of-9, which is a solid stat-line. However, an interception led to another Raheem Mostert score and, just like that, Rodgers looked human.
At 36 years old, could this be the closest Rodgers gets to another Lombardi Trophy? How does this affect his legacy? Unfortunately, those answers won’t come for a while.