The X Factor (UK) - Season 14 ((BETTER))
It doesn't seem like five minutes since Matt Terry won The X Factor series 13; but somehow we're already at this season's Bootcamp - we might as well start playing Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas already.
The X Factor (UK) - Season 14
The show started being presented by Kate Thornton, but she left in Series 3 (2006.) Ben Shephard was hoping to present, but his offer was turned down. Instead, Dermot O'Leary took over in Series 4 (2007) and presented for 8 series, until his departure from the show in Series 10. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack became the first duo to host the show, but only lasted one season, mainly because they were very unpopular with the public. Dermot O'Leary returned to present the 13th series and has continued to present the show since.
The Xtra Factor was the spin-off show of the X Factor UK. It is broadcast on British Television channel ITV2. The hosts of the spin-off are well known for hosting for short periods of time. The first Xtra Factor host was Ben Shephard, and he quit in Series 3, because his offer of being the main presenter (after Kate Thornton's departure) was turned down by the show's producers. Fearne Cotton then hosted for the fourth series. Holly Willoughby, Cotton's close friend, replaced her during the following two series, but was replaced by Blue Peter former presenter, Konnie Huq in 2010, however, Konnie lasted only one series. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack became the first duo to host the Xtra Factor in Series 8, and they presented together for two seasons. Olly then left in order to focus on his music career. He was replaced by Matt Richardson, but then Caroline and Matt announced their leave. Sarah-Jane Crawford hosted for only the 11th season. The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes teamed up with Melvin Odoom to present the Xtra Factor's twelfth season. Matt Edmondson and Rylan Clark-Neal presented the thirteenth and final series[1][2]
These are the X-factors, those individuals who emerge -- or in the case of some well-traveled veterans, re-emerge -- in the searing spotlight of the postseason. While pregame coverage revolves around the superstars, postgame analysis often sings the praises of complementary players who provided clutch contributions.
Simmons has nearly reached a point of stardom where you can no longer deem him an X-factor, but considering he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, I wanted to shine a light on him here. The Titans' defensive dominance at the point of attack is fueled by the third-year pro's disruptive skills as an interior defender. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder is a heavy-handed power player with a freakish combination of athleticism and combat skills. Considering Simmons notched 8.5 sacks as a defensive tackle, the middle of Tennessee's defense will create problems for opponents in the tournament.
The former Pro Bowler, who came to Kansas City in a midseason trade, has infused the Chiefs' front line with attitude, energy and pass-rush skills. Ingram's arrival enabled Chris Jones to reprise his role as a dominant interior defender while also giving Frank Clark a capable playmate on the opposite edge. Although Ingram's raw stats don't pop off the page, the veteran's presence has helped the Chiefs' defense significantly improve over the course of the season.
Cincinnati's blue-collar defense has outworked opponents this season, with Trey Hendrickson and Hubbard setting the tone on the edges. While Hendrickson will certainly receive a ton of attention from opponents after racking up 27.5 sacks over the past two years, it is Hubbard's overlooked production (7.5 sacks in 2021) that steadies a defense looking to gradually overwhelm opponents at the point of attack. If Hubbard (and Hendrickson) get it going early in games, the Bengals are capable of suffocating opponents with their relentless effort and physicality.
The long-distance kicking specialist is a dangerous offensive weapon for "America's Team," but his inconsistency on extra points and short-range kicks could put Mike McCarthy in a bind in close games. The Cowboys' 12 missed kicks were tied (with the Saints) for the most in the NFL this season, as Zuerlein failed to convert six field goals and six PATs. While "Greg the Leg" has a track record of nailing big kicks over his career, Dallas will need the veteran to emerge as a more dependable point scorer to advance through the postseason.
After a prolific finish to the 2020 campaign, Akers was expected to be a focal point of the Rams' offense. A preseason Achilles injury appeared to knock him out for the season, but the second-year pro's superhuman recovery puts him back in the rotation at the perfect time. With Matthew Stafford struggling with turnovers of late, the Rams need their electric RB1 to team with Sony Michel to give Sean McVay the balance the offense needs to set up L.A.'s veteran quarterback for success. If Akers (and Michel) are able to bang out 100-plus yards on the ground, the Rams' offense becomes nearly impossible to defend, given the unit's explosive star power on the perimeter.
Watt's past his prime and hasn't played since Week 7 due to shoulder surgery, but the three-time Defensive Player of the Year returned to practice this week and could be ready to rock on Monday night. Watt's return would add more explosiveness to a potent pass rush that creates havoc and chaos, fueling defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme. If the energetic playmaking specialist is able to give the Cardinals 20-plus snaps on obvious passing downs, Joseph's blitz packages could devastate opponents in the postseason tournament.
With the 2022 NFL campaign in the books, it's time to look forward to next season -- and beyond. Who currently has the biggest Super Bowl window? Bucky Brooks provides his ranking of the top eight contenders for the next few Lombardi Trophies.
The star power in the NFL postseason makes the tournament must-see TV, but these games are routinely decided by lesser-known playmakers who rise to the moment. With that in mind, Bucky Brooks spotlights one X-factor for each of the 14 playoff teams.
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The star power in the NFL playoffs makes the postseason tournament must-see TV, but these games are routinely decided by less-ballyhooed playmakers who rise to the moment. These players might be overlooked Pro Bowlers, rising rookies or designated role players, but their impact is felt immensely in this single-elimination format.
After taking a couple months to evaluate the offensive lineup without Tyreek Hill, Andy Reid and Co. pulled the trigger on a trade for Toney to add speed and big-play potential on the perimeter. Although injuries have limited Toney's contributions as a WR3/WR4, the second-year pro has flashed as a playmaker on jet sweeps, reverses and vertical routes. As Reid tinkers with his playbook heading into the postseason, the offensive guru could design a few "winners" to take advantage of Toney's extraordinary explosiveness in space.
While the Bills have enjoyed plenty of success in simply relying on The Josh Allen Show, the offense will need contributions from the running backs to balance the attack in the postseason. As an electric runner/receiver out of the backfield, Cook has the potential to put up 100-plus scrimmage yards in a variety of ways to keep defenders from exclusively keying on No. 17. In fact, he did just that in December wins over the Patriots and Bears. If the rookie can give Buffalo a few explosive plays (runs of 10-plus yards/receptions of 20-plus yards) in the playoffs, opposing defensive coordinators will have a tough time matching up against a diverse offense with dazzling playmakers all over the field.
The Ravens need another pass catcher to emerge as a credible threat to alleviate some pressure on Mark Andrews to carry the passing game. Likely could fill the void as a crafty route runner with enough speed and quickness to separate from linebackers and safeties down the field. If opponents elect to take away Andrews with brackets and double teams, the rookie could see an increase in targets and touches. It doesn't hurt that he just posted season highs in targets (13), catches (eight) and yards (103) against the Bengals, who are about to host the Ravens for the second time in as many weeks.
The do-it-all playmaker anchors a secondary that feasts on the overthrows and errant passes forced by a ferocious pass rush that just piled up 15 more sacks than any other team during the regular season. Gardner-Johnson's ability to man the middle of the field enables cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry to take chances on calculated guesses on the outside. Not to mention, Gardner-Johnson is tied for the NFL lead in picks himself with six, despite missing five games to injury. Given the inconsistent quarterback play we have witnessed from the postseason field generals in the NFC, this first-year Eagle could come through with a timely pick that seals the deal for Philly.
Minnesota's marquee trade acquisition has settled in as a designated chain-mover over the middle. Kirk Cousins has increasingly targeted Hockenson in key situations when opponents attempt to take away Justin Jefferson with double coverage. With defensive coordinators intent on forcing the Vikings to abandon their preferred approach, the big-bodied pass catcher could become the a primary option in the passing game during key stretches. The Vikes' open their postseason adventure on Sunday against the Giants, a team they just beat in Week 16. Hockenson's line in that game: 13 catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
The triple XL defender teams with Akiem Hicks to form an impenetrable wall at the point of attack. Vea's size, strength and run-stopping skills eliminate opposing ground games and force quarterbacks to throw into the eye of a blitz-heavy storm. Given Todd Bowles' desire to make opponents utilize a one-dimensional approach (pass only), Vea is a key component to the team's winning formula. Oh, and he also just set a new career high with 6.5 sacks in the regular season. 041b061a72