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5 Questions Stemming From The NFL Divisional Playoffs

By Andrew Porter

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- It was an incredible NFL weekend that displayed jaw-dropping quarterback play, strategic coaching moves, stiffing defensive moments, and even trick plays. We had it all.

Now, with the Seahawks, Packers, Patriots, and Colts advancing to Championship Weekend, here are five burning questions spurring debate at water coolers in offices across the country.

 

5. Is this Seahawks defense the best ever?

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Carolina Panthers v Seattle Seahawks
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 10: Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks runs a 90 yard touchdown off of an interception in the fourth quarter thrown by Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers during the 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game at CenturyLink Field on January 10, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks are two wins away from repeating as Super Bowl Champs, which has only happened three times. Prior to Sunday's game, in which Seattle let up a modest 17-points, the Seahawks yielded just 39 total points in its previous six regular season games.

Furthermore, this Seahawks defense is the first to lead the NFL in scoring for three straights seasons since the Minnesota Vikings did it from 1969-1971, and only the third defense ever. Seattle has also led the NFL is fewest points and yards in back-to-back seasons, the first team to do that since the 1985-86 Chicago Bears.

 

Listen to Andrew Porter on the 94WIP Mike & Ike Show:

 

4. Is the 2014 WR class the best ever?

Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 11: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 11, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

We all know the first-round, big names. Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Kelvin Benjamin. But check out the list of non first-rounders, highlighted by the performance of Davante Adams (7 catches, 117 yards, and a touchdowns) this weekend:

Jordan Matthews, Eagles (second round)

Martavis Bryant, Steelers (fourth round)

John Brown, Cardinals (third round)

Allen Robinson, Jaguars (second round)

Allen Hurns, Jaguars (undrafted)

Donte Moncrief, Colts (third round)

Davante Adams, Packers (second round)

Jarvis Landry, Dolphins (second round)

Taylor Gabriel, Browns (undrafted)

 

3. Is Bill Belichick a genius?

Divisional Playoffs - Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2015 AFC Divisional Playoffs game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Belichick, for three plays in Saturday's Divisional Playoff game between his Patriots and the Ravens, decided to use only four offensive lineman. The Pats would have running back Shane Vereen or tight end Michael Hoomanawanui check-in as ineligble, confusing the Ravens defense and infuriating their coach John Harbaugh.

And how about that Julian Edelman WR-pass touchdown? Wow.

 

2. Did the refs get the Dez Bryant drop correct?

Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 11: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys waits for a replay on a call late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field on January 11, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

What does New York Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. think?

 

1. Should Peyton Manning retire?

manning luck
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 11: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts meets Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos following a 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 11, 2015 in Denver, Colorado.The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

It feels like we've experienced the passing of the torch, officially, on Sunday from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck. Reports on Monday indicated Manning, who struggled the last four games of the regular-season, has been playing through a torn quad.

"I can't answer every what-if circumstance," Manning told 850 KOA of planning in 2015. "What if you're not as healthy? What if certain coaches leave? I can't answer every what-if situation. I think I'll have to take some time to see how I feel, see how I feel physically."

 

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