2021 Super Bowl champion makes pick for Chargers-Jaguars matchup
At the outset of the playoffs, any number of outcomes are possible. Almost half the league, including the Chargers and Jaguars, can still win the Super Bowl. However, to get to the end of the playoff battle royale, it's going to take a win on Saturday.
Former Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth knows all about that as he went through the grind to the finish in his final season in the league.
The lineman backed the Jaguars over the Chargers in today's contest. Here's how he explained why:
"I think they're [Jaguars] really dangerous. And I think that they're young and really, 'Hey, you know what? We got nothing to lose and we're hot and we have momentum," said Andrew Whitworth.
Will Trevor Lawrence get the first playoff win of his career?
He continued, explaining that Doug Pederson could be the not-so-secret ingredient:
"I think it's a dangerous combination in the playoffs because I think the experience sometimes that you realize how big it is, but when you don't have any of it and you're like, 'Hey, we've got momentum, we got Doug Peterson, he's cool as can be. He's chill."
Andrew Whitworth played left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, protecting Matthew Stafford's blind side as he threw the team past the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, and finally, the Cincinnati Bengals.
I’m really excited to be part of the group bringing you Super Wild Card Weekend on @SNFonNBC Today I’m teaming up with the great Al Michaels for Chargers-Jaguars and I think we’re going to have a great game! https://t.co/d5rirpApBY
Doug Pederson set to be X-factor in Chargers- Jaguars showdown
Al Michaels and Tony Dungy will be on-site to call what many expect to be one of the games of the weekend. One of the main stories going into the weekend is how little playoff experience exists in both conferences.
While both the Chargers and Jaguars' rosters and staffs are loaded with playoff inexperience, the Jaguars have the edge in one of the biggest leadership positions.
Doug Pederson was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2018 run to the Super Bowl with backup quarterback Nick Foles.
The duo stared down Tom Brady at the height of his power and beat him in his own stadium, prompting many to believe that Pederson's history with untested quarterbacks in the postseason could be the difference.
A reminder: tonight the legendary Al Michaels will return to NBC to call the Jaguars vs. Chargers playoff game.
Michaels called Sunday Night Football with NBC from 2006-2021 before moving to Amazon, but remains in an emeritus role at NBC.
Tony Dungy will be his partner. https://t.co/cZ2iJdnyKP
Earlier this season, Pederson dominated the Chargers and coasted to their biggest blowout of the season, winning 38-10. Will history repeat itself on Saturday night or will the Chargers flip it on its head?
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit the Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda.