3 players who filled up the box score in the Divisional Round
The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs had plenty of heart-stopping moments, and it's time to salute the statistical standouts who made them happen. Featured this week are an accomplished quarterback, a well-respected wide receiver and a rumbling running back.
Tom Brady, quarterback, New England Patriots
The Patriots beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20, in the first game of the weekend. Brady was in his usual form, completing 28 of his 42 pass attempts (66.7 percent) for 302 yards. He threw two touchdown passes to tight end Rob Gronkowski -- one from eight yards out, one from 16 -- and ran in a third. New England’s ground game was next to non-existent, as Brady finished the game tied with running back Steven Jackson for the team lead in rushing attempts (six). The Patriots produced fewer yards of offense (340 to 378) and lost the time-of-possession battle (22:09 to 37:51), but their 38-year-old signal-caller still found a way to win the game.
Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals turned to their veteran playmaker on Saturday night, and he lifted his team to a 26-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Fitzgerald caught eight passes for 176 yards, and his two biggest receptions came during the overtime period. On the first play of the extra period, quarterback Carson Palmer found Fitzgerald wide open across the field. The 32-year-old receiver sliced through Green Bay’s defense for 75 yards and was tackled five yards short of the end zone. Two plays later, he caught a shovel pass and scooted in for the game-winning score.
Jonathan Stewart, running back, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers shot out to an early lead over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a hot start from their top ball-carrier. On the first play from scrimmage, Stewart ripped off a 59-yard run. He capped off the opening drive with a four-yard scoring plunge. The 230-pound back scored again on a one-yard touchdown dive early in the second quarter, leading the Panthers to a 31-0 lead by halftime. The Seahawks fought back in the second half, but Stewart helped his team seal a 31-24 victory. He finished the game with 19 carries for 106 yards, along with one reception for five yards.
