From two enigmatic veteran running backs to an under-appreciated punter, there were a few different heroes that stood out around the NFL world on championship Sunday. And at the end of the day, the top seed in each conference came through with wins to set up what promises to be a great Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
Here is a look at five players who stepped up the most when their teams needed them in the clutch. Sadly, we couldn’t find a way to put either Russell Wilson or Jermaine Kearse in this article. Instead, it focuses on five players who put up great all-around performances, not a couple good plays here and there.
1. Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks
If it weren’t for Lynch, there is no way that Seattle would have come back from a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. With Russell Wilson struggling to do anything through the first three quarters of the game, Seattle’s only real offensive force was this veteran running back.
And when the team needed a big play at the most opportunistic time, Lynch came through. He recorded 183 total yards on 26 touches, including a go-ahead 24-yard score with a 1:25 remaining in regulation. Before that, Lynch took a wheel route down the right hash for 26 yards to set Seattle up with a scoring opportunity, his only catch of the game.
Star players come through when needed the most, and this is exactly what Lynch did in helping Seattle earn a second consecutive conference championship. The simple fact that he racked up 110 yards after contact is a testament to both his resolve and pure strength. Say what you want about Seattle’s Legion of Boom, but Lynch was the team’s true MVP on Sunday.
2. LeGarrette Blount, Running Back, New England Patriots
Remember when Blount “quit” on the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this year? Remember when he was popped for marijuana even before that? This seems like such a long time ago. Not even on the Patriots radar heading into the postseason (80 rushing yards in final three games, divisional round included), Blount came in and absolutely bullied a talent-stricken Colts defensive line on Sunday.
He put up 148 yards and three scores on a whopping 30 rush attempts. It’s this type of physical presence in the running game that enabled New England to dominate the trenches in the 45-7 white-washing Andrew Luck and company. It’s also this type of physicality that will be needed in the Super Bowl against Seattle.
3. Richard Sherman, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks
Playing with an injured shoulder for about half the game, Sherman had absolutely no problem shutting down one side of the field against the wide array of receivers that Green Bay threw at him on Sunday. Sherman intercepted an Aaron Rodgers pass the first time he was targeted and saw the ball thrown his way just once more throughout the afternoon.
While an injured shoulder won’t necessarily impact a defensive back’s ability to keep up with receivers, it’s readily apparent that Sherman was in pain in the second half. Showing toughness that he has displayed throughout his career, the All-Pro cornerback gave us a first-hand view of what the best cover guy in the NFL looks like.
4. Jamie Collins, Linebacker, New England Patriots
There is little doubt that Collins has stepped up to become a leader of the Patriots defense. And that was on full display Sunday. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will have nightmares of Collins’ presence throughout the entire offseason. Not even taking into account a 25-yard interception return, this former second-round pick displayed a vision for the ball and made plays both in the running game and against the pass. Overall, Collins recorded four tackles (three solo), a pass defended and an interception.
Not showing up on the stat sheet was Collins’ ability to flash coverage in order to prevent Luck from hitting open windows in the middle of the field. He was also solid in the blitz game and against the run. An under-the-radar performer, Collins will look to continue his stellar play in the Super Bowl.
5. Jon Ryan, Punter, Seattle Seahawks
A punter? Ryan’s importance to what Seattle has built will usually fly under the radar a great deal, but he was front and center Sunday against Green Bay. Not only did Ryan pin the Packers back inside their 20 two times on five punts (42.4 average), he also started Seattle’s second-half comeback with a 19-yard touchdown to reserve tackle Garry Gilliam on a fake punt in the third quarter. That play represented the first time that a punter has thrown a touchdown in NFL Playoff history. More than that, Ryan’s ability to force opposing offenses into long fields is a central part of what Pete Carroll and company have done in recent seasons. For this, he deserves some recognition.
Photo: USA Today