Wild Card Weekend X Factors

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 4, 2008

Wild Card Weekend X Factors

Greg White

The former Arena Football player leads the Bucs with eight sacks. His ability to pressure the quarterback makes life much easier for the rest of Tampa Bay's defense and should cause major problems for Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Najeh Davenport

The 250-pound Davenport finally gets his chance to start on a big stage after being a backup for most of his career. Davenport ran for 123 yards against the Rams in Week 16 and will likely get plenty of opportunities on Saturday against the Jaguars.

Michael Griffin

Tennessee's first-round pick will make rookie mistakes, but he has the ability to make big plays, like his forced fumble against the Colts in Week 17. He's a hard hitter who seems to get more comfortable at safety as the season progresses. He might also contribute as a kickoff retuner.

Kevin Boss

Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey broke his leg near the end of the season, and Boss has filled in admirably. The rookie out of Western Oregon caught four passes for 50 yards and a TD in Week 17 against the Pats. He appears to be a solid safety valve for Eli Manning.

Leroy Hill

Hill gets less publicity than other Seahawks defenders, but he's stepped up his game over the last two postseasons. Seattle needs Hill to make something happen against a Washington offense that has improved in recent weeks.

B.J. Askew

Askew missed the last two games with an ankle sprain and the Bucs offense doesn't move without him. He's quietly developed into one of the best blocking backs in the NFL and is effective as a receiver as well.

Darren Sproles

The Chargers have an important advantage over the Titans in special teams thanks to the shifty Sproles, who is tiny but explosive. The 5-foot-6 Sproles has returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown this year and usually gives San Diego good field position.

Reed Doughty

After a shaky start, Doughty has done a great job replacing the late Sean Taylor in Washington's defensive backfield. Doughty, a second-year player out of Northern Colorado, has been solid in coverage and should be up to the challenge of slowing Seattle's pass-oriented attack.

Justin Durant

The rookie out of Hampton has been solid in the starting lineup since Mike Peterson went down with a broken hand. Durant still makes mistakes, but he has confidence and speed, both of which he'll need against the Steelers.

Nate Burleson

Burleson is effective as a receiver, but the Redskins are more likely worried about him as a returner. He is a great open-field runner and could take a punt or kick to the house against Washington.

Ahmad Bradshaw

The rookie out of Marshall filled in for an injured Brandon Jacobs in Week 16 and ran for 151 yards. Jacobs is healthy again, but often gets hurt during games, so Bradshaw might have to fill in. And even if Jacobs is good to go, the Giants might turn to Bradshaw as a change of pace because he's capable of breaking off a big run at any time.

Nate Kaeding

Which Nate Kaeding will show up Sunday? The one who is among the NFL's most accurate kickers during the regular season, or the one who has hit just one of three postseason field-goal attempts. Kaeding is nursing a deep bone bruise and probably won't kick off. But the Chargers need their kicker to bring his A game if they hope to advance.