NFL Wild Card Weekend: Winners and Losers
The excitement of the NFL playoffs is truly something special, and this year was no different. With the Wild Card Weekend now behind us, only eight teams remain in the hunt for Super Bowl LX and the prestigious Lombardi Trophy. The first round of playoffs was filled with nail-biting moments. In fact, we witnessed an astounding 12 lead changes in the fourth quarter and four game-winning drives in the final moments of the matches. This has set new records for the postseason, underscoring just how thrilling this time of year can be.
But amidst the cheers and heartbreaks, some players and coaches have emerged as clear winners and losers. Let’s break down who stood tall and who fell flat during this dramatic weekend, focusing particularly on stories that will continue to resonate as we move forward in the playoffs.
Winner: Bryce Young
First up, let’s talk about Bryce Young, the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. Even though the Panthers’ journey came to an end on Saturday, Young’s impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed. His ability to compete against NFL MVP favorite Matthew Stafford was commendable. In the fourth quarter alone, Young led the Panthers to a stunning touchdown that momentarily gave them a 31-27 lead over the Los Angeles team.
During that crucial drive, Young was nothing short of exceptional. He completed a stunning 16-yard pass to Tetairoa McMillan, pushing the Panthers deep into the red zone. Then, with precision, he threw a beautiful touchdown pass to Jalen Coker. It was a game that showcased Young’s skills and left fans feeling optimistic about his future with the Panthers. If he maintains this trajectory, the team has every reason to believe that 2026 could be a breakthrough year for them.
Loser: Matt LaFleur
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers. The Packers faced a bitter defeat against their rivals, the Chicago Bears, losing a staggering 18-point lead. The team was outplayed in the fourth quarter, allowing Chicago to score 26 points while they managed only six.
LaFleur’s reputation has taken a hit after this loss. With a postseason record of only 3-6 and a three-game losing streak, questions about his long-term future with the franchise have emerged. Once celebrated for leading the league’s best records in his first few seasons, he now finds himself in a tough spot as he approaches what could be a “lame-duck” season.
Emerging Star: Loveland
In a twist of fate for the Bears, rookie tight end Loveland had a phenomenal game, proving critics wrong who questioned his selection in the 2025 draft. He finished the game with eight catches, totaling 137 yards—122 of which came in the second half alone. His contribution was pivotal in the Bears’ comeback victory, making him one of the standout players of the Wild Card Weekend. With performances like this, Loveland is not just any rookie; he’s on the path to becoming a superstar in his position.
A.J. Brown’s Drama
The Eagles faced their own drama as they ended their season against the San Francisco 49ers. Star receiver A.J. Brown was visibly frustrated after dropping a pass, leading to a sideline confrontation with coach Nick Sirianni. Brown’s performance was far from stellar, ending the game with just three catches for 25 yards. With ongoing turmoil surrounding him, many fans are left wondering whether he has played his last game for the Eagles.
Winner: Robert Saleh
Then there’s Robert Saleh, the head coach of the 49ers, who saw his stock rise significantly. Despite facing injuries to key players, Saleh’s defense held the Eagles to just 19 points. His ability to adapt and lead the team through difficult times only enhances his chances of being pursued by other organizations looking for a strong head coach.
Loser: Mike Tomlin’s Steelers
Lastly, we come to Mike Tomlin, the long-tenured head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately for him and the team, they faced a devastating defeat against the Houston Texans, losing 30-6. This loss extended Tomlin’s postseason struggles to seven games—tying the record for the longest losing streak by a head coach in NFL history. The Steelers have gone “one-and-done” in the playoffs three times in a row, raising serious concerns about the team’s direction and Tomlin’s future.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Wild Card Weekend, it’s clear that some teams and players shine brightly, while others falter. The NFL playoffs never fail to deliver drama, excitement, and surprises. As we gear up for the next round of games, we will be eager to see how these teams adapt and evolve.
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Original Text – https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-wild-card-mike-tomlin-steelers-playoff-losing-streak-justin-herbert-struggles/