Tag Archives: jermichael finley

5 X-Factors to Watch During the NFL Playoffs

[picappgallerysingle id="7114214"]

The playoffs finally start today and wile much attention will be centered on the stars –Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Brett Favre– often it’s the lesser known players that determine whether a team moves on or not.  Here are five guys who I’ll be watching closely these playoffs to see if they can deliver when their team needs it.

5. Mark Sanchez

The much talked about rookie quarterback managed to get his team into the playoffs, though some would argue the Jets made it despite of him.  Regardless, the Jets still need the young signal caller to deliver the goods in the playoffs.  The Jets can beat the Bengals by running the ball and masking Sanchez, but that won’t fly against the likes of the Colts and Chargers.  The Jets boast the leagues best running attack and defense, the only weak link is the passing game.  If the rookie stays turnover free and delivers a few big plays a game the Jets could surprise in the playoffs.

4. Jermichael Finley

I hyped the second year tight end in the preseason and despite getting off to a slow start including a knee injury, he played a vital role for the Packers in the final seven games, six of which the Packers won.  The Packers utilized his athleticism by splitting Finley out wide creating mismatches with the defense.  His emergence has also helped the offensive line, which struggled so much early in the season, as Rodgers targets him on shorter routes thus cutting down the time the line needs to protect.  He ended up being the most targeted receiver by Rodgers over the last seven weeks of the season.

3. Darren Sproles

The shifty back didn’t play a big role in the Chargers offense this season despite much thought to the contrary.  He topped 10 carries only twice the entire season and that came in weeks 2 and 3 when L.T. was hurt.  You would think that the Chargers would have given Sproles the ball more after seeing L.T. struggle to the worst season of his career, but perhaps they were saving him for the playoffs.  If you remember, Sproles dominated in the Chargers win over the colts in last years playoffs and was solid in their defeat to Pittsburgh.  He had over 250 total yards and three touchdowns in those games and while I wouldn’t expect him to repeat those numbers, he could come close. 

NFC North Breakout Players

We continue out look at the NFC with the North division today.  You can see the NFC East here.  Without further ado here are the breakout candidates from the NFC North.

Chicago Bears- Greg Olsen

Olsen will be Jay Cutler's favorite target this season.

Olsen has improved in his two years in the league and looks poised to have a breakout year this season. He has shared time with Desmond Clark but is now firmly the starter. Chicago also acquired this guy called Jay Cutler who is a hell of a lot better than Kyle Orton. Olsen will be the primary target in the passing offense which will pass more this season with Cutler at the helm.

Detroit Lions- Cliff Avril

Avril was one of the few bright spots on a win less Lions team. The rookie from Purdue was a constant force in rushing the passer and notched 5 sacks despite starting only four games. Now Avril will be starting from week one giving him a full season to wreck havoc. If the Lions improve this season he will be a big part of the success.

Green Bay Packers- Jermichael Finley

Finley didn’t play much as a rookie as he was considered raw coming out of college. Finley though, has improved his blocking dramatically and it has  earned him more playing time. He has drawn rave reviews for his play in training camp and has torn it up in the preseason. Finley will start the season splitting time with veteran Donald Lee but don’t be shocked when Finley takes over early in the season.