State of the Playoffs

While the Ravens are ready to take on the Miami Dolphins this weekend, there are still some other important playoff games taking place. BaltimoreRavens.com talks with Baltimore director of pro personnel George Kokinis, who constantly evaluates all players in the NFL, to break down the other matchups this weekend.

With the Atlanta Falcons playing the Arizona Cardinals at Phoenix University Stadium, what are some key matchups we can look for?

When Arizona Has The Ball. . .

Kokinis: "I think [Anquan] Boldin is a key to their offense. Teams will roll coverage over to [Larry] Fitzgerald, but Boldin is such a red zone threat that he can do some damage. He’s a tough, big, quality receiver, that he makes it tough for anyone to cover in the red zone. It’s a physical matchup, because he’s so thick and strong.

“But, the Falcons’ secondary is a quick, tough and aggressive group. I think [Atlanta head coach] Mike Smith will change things up to give them some different looks and disguises, which is tough because Kurt [Warner] has seen a lot of things. It’s not like he’s going to get baited easily, but if they can get a little bit of pressure and couple it in the back, sometimes you can get a turnover.”

When Atlanta Has The Ball. . .

"I think Matt Ryan has done a good job. He’s really smart and understands the game. He’s a clutch player, and I don’t think the term ‘clutch’ is determined by how many years you’ve played. It’s about who you are. Matt’s proven that everywhere he’s been. A lot is going to fall on his shoulders, but they’ve also been doing it with a great running game, and their receivers have stepped up. I don’t see Ryan faltering through the playoffs.

“For Arizona, their D-line is pretty good. Antonio Smith has done a good job, along with Darnell Dockett. Those two guys play the run well, but can also bring pressure in the pass rush. As down D-lineman, they do a good job that way.”

In Minnesota, Philadelphia and the Vikings are in the Wild Card game. Where are your key matchups?

When Minnesota Has The Ball. . .

Kokinis: “Well, it starts with the best, right? I don’t think anybody can run with him, so I think Philly will take a swarming philosophy. That’s what they do. They don’t just send one or two guys to the football, and you have to corral [Peterson]. They have good athletes on the defensive side. They play hard and can swarm the football.”

When Philadelphia Has The Ball. . .

“Donovan [McNabb] looks like he’s really dialed in at this point. He’s been a great player for so long, that it was only a matter time before he rose up.

“Minnesota is strong up front. They may have Pat Williams back, but I think they have depth to rotate guys in and out. They don’t have depth in terms of Pat, but they have a lot of players that can contribute. That’s where they get their ability to go all four quarters, get after the quarterback and stop the run.”

In the AFC, what are some players that fans should keep an eye on?

When San Diego Has the Ball…

“With [linebacker Gary] Brackett not playing, I think that can hurt them a little bit. He make a ton of plays for the Colts. He’s been a very productive guy for a lot of years. For Indy’s defense playing the run, Brackett was huge.

“And, it seems that L.T. [LaDainian Tomlinson] is playing well. When the great players get on that stage, they usually rise to the occasion, and L.T. does that.”

When Indianapolis Has The Ball…

“Peyton Manning is playing so well, especially lately. The Colts’ run game has been inconsistent all year, so maybe the matchup between their offensive line and San Diego’s defensive line isn’t as big as in the other games. Otherwise, I would say that is a huge key.

“But really, Peyton has had an unbelievable season, so the question I have is if San Diego can generate any pass rush. So far, it’s not been what it was in the past, but they will run some different things. Their linebackers Marques Harris and Jyles Tucker do a good job of getting in the backfield, as defenses tend to focus on Shaun Phillips after Shawne Merriman’s season ended.”