2023 NFL playoffs: How backup quarterbacks are playing a huge role in the wild card hunt

While some may point to Taylor Swift, the 2023 regular season is the year of the backup quarterback. What is an often-overlooked piece of roster building has showcased its importance throughout the first 15 weeks of the season and, in the process, has thrown the playoff picture for a loop. 

Case in point: Drew Lock leading the Seahawks to a come-from-behind victory over the Eagles on Monday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. Heading into the Week 15 finale, mystery clouded Seattle’s quarterback situation with starter Geno Smith officially listed as questionable for the prime-time showdown due to a groin injury. Even when he was active, it was unclear who’d start for the Seahawks until Lock ultimately trotted onto the field with the offense. 

The backup, who has been in Seattle since 2022, squared off with the defending NFC champions and orchestrated one of the more improbable comeback wins of the season. With a single timeout in his pocket and beginning at his 8-yard line coming out of the two-minute warning, Lock drove the offense 92 yards down the field and connected with rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 29-yard game-winning touchdown. 

This was Lock’s first win as a starter since Dec. 13, 2020, and is just the latest in what has been a remarkable year for QB2. And it’s setting off a chain reaction throughout the rest of the playoff picture in the NFL. This week, five playoff contenders overcame double-digit deficits to win with a backup quarterback and four of them trailed by at least a touchdown in the fourth quarter, including Lock. 

This win by Seattle significantly dented Philadelphia’s hopes of earning the No. 1 seed. It also sent them from the No. 2 seed in the conference to the No. 5 seed, while vaulting Dallas up to first place in the NFC East and the No. 2 seed. As for Seattle itself, the club now finds itself at 7-7 on the season and just behind the…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-playoffs-how-backup-quarterbacks-are-playing-a-huge-role-in-the-wild-card-hunt/

Author : Tyler Sullivan

Publish date : 2023-12-19 15:50:36

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