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The Best of the Day: January 9th, 2021
See the best of the day in sports from January 9, 2021 including IND-BUF, LAR-SEA, and TB-WSH in the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend, and more!
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The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant stories, highlights, and facts going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 1/9 here.
Super Wild Card weekend kicked off Saturday with three games. Josh Allen’s MVP performance lifted the Bills (13-3) over the Colts (11-5) in the first game. The Rams (10-6) upset the Seahawks (12-4) on the road behind their rookie running back’s historic performance. Finally, the Buccaneers (11-5) took down Washington (7-9) despite undrafted QB Taylor Heinicke’s valiant performance. Also, LaMelo Ball became the youngest ever with a triple-double in the NBA.
Here is the best of the day from January 9, 2021:
NFL Super Wild Card weekend begins
Super Wild Card weekend kicked off Saturday when the Indianapolis Colts visited the Buffalo Bills. Unlike last season against the Houston Texans, Buffalo ensured that it wouldn’t endure another second-half playoff collapse to end their season. The Bills, who led 27-16 with just over eight minutes remaining, stopped the Colts on the final plays of the game to secure the 27-24 win, the team’s first postseason victory in 25 years. Josh Allen proved why he’s an MVP candidate after accounting for nearly 400 total yards and three total TDs while leading Buffalo to its first divisional round appearance since he was born.
Before today, the city of Buffalo hasn't hosted a home playoff game since 1995.
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
Josh Allen was born in 1996. pic.twitter.com/ye0ZfME7q4
Josh Allen made history with his production across the board https://t.co/iGcSmZL8G6
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
NFC West rivals collided in the second game of the afternoon as the Rams and Seahawks squared off after splitting their two regular season meetings. Both QBs struggled, as Jared Goff, two weeks removed from thumb surgery, and Russell Wilson failed to complete 50 percent of their passes and were held to under 175 yards. However, Rams rookie RB Cam Akers carried the offense with 176 total yards and one TD in LA’s 30-20 win. It’s another early playoff exit for Seattle, who has failed to make it past the divisional round since their 2014-15 Super Bowl appearance, while Los Angeles won its first playoff game since their 2018-19 Super Bowl appearance.
Cam Akers had 1 of the most successful NFL playoff debuts ever https://t.co/qgVhPucTno
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
The Rams snapped the Seahawks' 10-game home playoff win streak. pic.twitter.com/XvInTrMTZn
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 10, 2021
Saturday’s night cap saw the Buccaneers defeat Washington by a closer-than-expected score of 31-23. Without QB Alex Smith, Washington turned to Taylor Heinicke, who in his second career start, threw for 306 yards with a beautiful TD in the back of the end zone, and led the team in rushing with 46 yards and a sensational score. However, he was unable to out-duel Tom Brady, who threw for 381 yards and two TDs. Brady earned his 31st career playoff win, while also leading Tampa Bay to its first postseason win in 18 seasons. Meanwhile, Washington, in its first playoff appearance since 2015, is still looking for its first playoff win since 2005.
Tom Brady has almost 2x more playoff wins than any other QB in NFL history https://t.co/M3Y6hKlf5m
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
Oldest players with a PASS TD in NFL Postseason history:
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
1. Tom Brady (43 years, 159 days)
2. George Blanda (43 years, 108 days) pic.twitter.com/tn996QT59e
Tom Brady has eliminated more teams (17) in the postseason than any other QB in league history even has NFL playoff wins pic.twitter.com/mKSqp8e9q5
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
Related: Stories of the Day
Cam Akers had one of the greatest playoff debuts of all-time
When opportunity knocked, Cam Akers answered the door and showed out. After Darrell Henderson went on IR with a high ankle sprain, Akers was moved up the depth chart and did not disappoint. He took advantage of the Seattle Seahawks’ injured defense and dominated, totaling 176 scrimmage yards, which was the most by a rookie in his playoff debut since 1960. Akers will likely take over the Rams’ running game for their playoff run after showing he is more than capable of doing so. The 2020 2nd Rd Pick’s future looks as bright as ever.
Related: NFL Takeaways of the Day
The undrafted QB put it all on the line in his 1st playoff game
TAYLOR HEINICKE. #WashingtonFootball
— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2021
📺: #TBvsWAS on NBC
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/yWHeL8jeLS pic.twitter.com/LsIkR1vyOV
Related: NFL Highlights | Washington Football Team Highlights
RB Cam Akers, LAR (@SEA): 28 RSH, 131 YDS, 1 TD; 2 REC, 45 YDS
#PlayerOfTheDay (1/9/21) - RB Cam Akers, LAR
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
THE FACTS:
- Most 1st half YScm (142) by any player in a playoff debut
- Most playoff RUSH YDS (131) by a rookie in LA history
- 2nd most YScm (176) in any playoff game by a rookie
- 2nd most YScm (176) during a rookie's 1st playoff GP https://t.co/JYwsCZy2Ja
Related: Players of the Day
Indianapolis Colts (24) vs. Buffalo Bills (27) [NFL Wild Card]
[Highlights] @BILLS (-340; $16.25) d. COLTS (+340; $13.75) 27-24 [IND +7 | o50.5] (NFL Wild Card)
Related: Games of the Day
Related: Facts of the Day
Most Interesting Facts NFL Wild Card Game by Arslan Ubul
The NFL’s first ever Super Wild Card weekend featuring six games kicked off Saturday with some incredible matchups and interesting facts to know about each team.
Before Sunday's NFL Playoff games kick-off, check out the most significant facts to know about every NFL Wildcard game ⬇️ https://t.co/iWob0hbXjY
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) January 10, 2021
Related: Latest PSO Posts
FULL ARTICLE: Most Significant Sports History on January 9th
YEAR: 1991 & 2005
SIGNIFICANCE: Pete Rose was banned from the HOF AND Randy Moss pretended to “moon” the GB crowd
Related: Significant Sports History
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