Nolan Smith had a big game in the Eagles' playoff win over the Packers. As always, win, lose, or tie, we hand out 10 awards. The Eagles had the No. I thought the signature physical play from this game was Nolan Smith taking on a block by Packers LG Elgton Jenkins, and just burying him.
Jenkins, who some believe is the Packers' best offensive lineman, left with a stinger after that play and did not return. His two replacements combined for four holding penalties the rest of the game. By the end of the game, much of the Packers' offense was unrecognizable. In addition to the aforementioned physical play, Smith had two sacks, one of which he left Packers RT Zach Tom in the dust.
Smith was labeled a bust by some after his disappointing rookie season, but he has become a good starter in his second season, and has improved as the season has progressed. During the regular season, Eagles cornerbacks had zero INTs.
Against the Packers, they got two. Darius Slay got the first one on gorgeous coverage on a deep shot to Dontayvion Wicks. Of his own pick, Slay said, "My pick was smooth Baun received the most votes among all linebackers in All-Pro voting, and his magical season carried over into the playoffs.
Admittedly, the following throw by Jordan Love was awful, but there's also something to be said for always being around the football, which has been Baun's M. Picked off by zackbizzaun! Burks delivered a monster hit on the very first play of the game, forcing a Keisean Nixon fumble. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Dean left the game with a knee injury, was carted off the field, and then was very quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. To be determined what the severity of Dean's injury is, but it feels like it's of the long-term variety.
