Four teams remain in the NFL playoffs after an eventful divisional round that saw the Eagles dominate, the 49ers survive, the Chiefs overcome, and the Bengals deliver.

The four quarterbacks who won (Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow), all faced different obstacles and their performances were uniquely impressive. But the one thing they all had in common was their poise.

Jalen Hurts injured his shoulder late in the year, and there were some questions heading into their matchup with the Giants. According to the Fox broadcast, Hurts said before Saturday’s contest that he is “nowhere near 100 percent,” adding that he also came down with an illness late in the week. However, his stabilizing presence (just as he showed all season) confidently led the Eagles to a 38-7 win.

In San Francisco, despite the pressure of unfamiliar territory for third-string, rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, his ongoing composure and poise throughout the game brought a 19-12 win over the Cowboys’ challenging defense.

His tight end, George Kittle, described Purdy this way: “Confident. The whole time. It was awesome. I thought Brock did really well, especially when our offense wasn’t doing well early. … Brock wasn’t getting distraught. There was no, like, jitteriness to him. He was just Brock Purdy. Walking in the huddle, calling the play and delivering.”

The Buffalo Bills were this year’s Super Bowl favorite, but it was last year’s Super Bowl runner-up, the Cincinnati Bengals, who put on a show during yesterday’s matchup, thanks in large part to the play of their quarterback, Joe Burrow.

The Associated Press put it, “Instead, it was ‘Joe Cool’ showing poise while playing in a persistent snowfall.” 

Joe Burrow was cool, steady, unflappable, and ready to handle the snowstorm, Buffalo’s hostile crowd, and his decimated offensive line. Once again, he’s confidently led the Bengals to the AFC Championship game.

Burrow will face the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off a gutsy performance himself, as he played through an injured ankle for much of their game against Jacksonville.

Despite not being able to physically do what he normally does, Mahomes remained calm and poised. By keeping his composure and playing with the assurance he could still help his team, they ended up winning 27-20.

Sean Beckwith writes on Deadspin.com, “When the game comes as easy to a QB as it does to Mahomes, fans want to see him pushed to the limit. And that’s what the playoffs are about. Murphy’s law is in full effect, and the hurdles spring up at random. The fun part is seeing who can keep their poise when the house is a smoldering ember, and Mahomes passed his first test of 2023 with relative ease.”

When we consider the poise of each of these winning quarterbacks, I want us to unpack whether or not we have poise in our own lives.

When we face adversity, do we remain cool and stay under control?

When we find ourselves under pressure, do we stay calm and keep our composure?

While dealing with an injury, limitation, or experiencing a hostile environment in the middle of a storm, are we steady and unflappable?

Being a stabilizing presence can be very challenging, especially based on our own strength and ability. However, as followers of Jesus, we can consistently carry ourselves with poise, confidence, and self-control during difficult situations when we focus on the reality that God is with us and empowering us.

As He tells His people in Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV), “…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

We must remember what it says in 2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP): “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”

We, too, can remain confident just as David declares in Psalm 27:3 (NLT): “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.”

Just like an NFL quarterback, tests and hurdles will come our way. But when they do, let’s remain cool with poise and confidence because, “…blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him (Jeremiah 17:7; NIV).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, my confidence is in You and I will remain calm because I trust You. Please allow me to have poise and be steady in the midst of life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.