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2014 NFL Playoffs: Each Teams Key Player

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions, Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson is going to be the guy that carries the Detroit Lions to wherever they go in the playoffs. Matthew Stafford struggled once again at times during the Lions’ game against the Green Bay Packers yesterday, and most of his big plays were to Johnson.

Throughout 13 regular season games this year with the Lions, Johnson caught 71 passes for 1,077 yards, and eight touchdowns. He is without a doubt the biggest playmaker on the team, and he is the go-to guy for Stafford whenever it comes down to clutch time. Johnson has proven himself to come through in those situations, and he will continue to moving forward.

Detroit is in a position that they haven’t been in quite some time, and are looked at as legitimate contenders in the NFC.

They had some holes shown against the Packers, but they still aren’t going to be easy for anyone to beat. Johnson is going to have to come through with big performances for their offense to play up to standards, but it isn’t going to be easy for them to win without him having those big games.

Next: Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson

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