Divisional Round Quarterback Grades

In his playoff debut, Bo Nix spearheaded multiple grueling drives which were capped off with points. His receivers did him little favors, as drops stymied his potent play. Despite that, he stepped up in big moments, and the 12 rushes for 66 yards on the stat sheet don’t do the importance of those rushes justice. Regardless, Nix was able to go blow for blow with Josh Allen, and secured his first playoff win in exciting fashion.

Josh Allen: C+

Buffalo lives and dies by the sword that is Josh Allen. Allen at times displayed his dominance against a top flight Broncos defense, particularly when he rallied his team back into the game after facing a 23-10 defecit. Simultaneously though, he lost his footing and recorded four turnovers. The benefit of hindsight shines a particularly damning light on his end of half fumble. It was a strange play that rookie Josh Allen would make. The three points seemed innocuous at first, but as we’ve learned during these playoffs, those points on the scoreboard can make a world of difference.

Sam Darnold: B

It’s a common narrative that Sam Darnold falters come playoff time. Seattle’s solution to that was to simply run the ball. All jokes aside, though the state of the game didn’t necessitate a dominant QB performance, Darnold pulled his own weight. He completed 12 of his 17 passes, some of them being tougher throws in high-leverage situations. It was a dominant performance, and unlike other QBs, Darnold didn’t cost his squad the win.

Brock Purdy: B-

Without his weapons and with constant pressure in his face, every dropback was a death sentence for Purdy. It was a valiant effort, even if it was for naught. He did his best to stay alive within the pocket, only taking two sacks. He also displayed some uncharacteristically aggressive runs. Still, it was clear that the team was outmatched and outgunned, and Purdy simply couldn’t help his team get over the hump.

Drake Maye: B

In the harsh New England weather, it was setting up to be an uphill battle for Maye against Houston’s defense. Fumbles were the theme of the match, and Maye had his fair share of them with Danielle Hunter and WIll Anderson terrorizing the Patriots offensive line all day. Nevertheless, the throws that Maye did complete were what launched his team to the victory. Three touchdowns against that defense in those conditions is very commendable.

CJ Stroud: D-

The records Stroud broke were not ones you wish to beat as a signal-caller. The decline of Houston’s man under center after his rookie season culminated in perhaps one of the worst playoff performances by a QB ever. Granted, Stroud was missing his top targets and was down his starting right tackle. However, even if Nico Collins was in, he wouldn’t be catching Stroud’s errant throws. Stroud looked jittery for the duration of the entire game. That led to him making horribly inaccurate throws and even worse decisions, failing a defense that otherwise did enough to win the game.

Caleb Williams: B-

Entering the fourth quarter, the cardiac Bears were met with a situation they were all too familiar with. Due to inefficiency and mistakes on offense, the team was trailing late, and needed another miracle. Williams’ backpedaling touchdown throw is one that incapsulates his season as a whole, reigniting hope for Chicago’s super bowl aspirations. Unfortunately, he still needs to improve his ball security, as his third interception put a bow on this one.

Matthew Stafford: B

Rounding up the performances from this round is another unassuming but solid statline from Stafford. The likely MVP played up to expectations when the team needed him most, and recorded zero turnovers. Sure, it’s not as exciting as his other performances from this year, but in the snowy weather he executed at a high level.