Bengals win their first playoff game in 31 years

Super Wildcard Weekend was one for the ages and saw six of our former Huskers playing roles in the games. Whether it was the crazy ending to the Dallas game, Cincinnati’s big win or the Bucs blowing out the Eagles. Here is a look at how each former Husker did in the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Husker of the Week

Zach Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

It’s been a wild three years for Taylor. When he was hired he became the joke of only getting the job because of Sean McVay. After a disastrous first year there were many that thought he was bound to get fired. However in year three with Joe Burrow the Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 years.

Solid Game

Ndamukong Suh, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Eagles got to the playoffs behind a strong rushing attack that featured quarterback Jalen Hurts. That rushing attack was no match for Suh and Vita Vea who clogged up the rushing lanes and limited them to only 95 yards rushing. Suh did finish with two tackles in the game and ended up playing less than half the defensive Snaps because of the blowout.

Jack Stoll, Philadelphia Eagles

The more the Eagles were going to run the ball the more Jack Stoll was going to play against the Bucs. But with Philadelphia only rushing for 95 yards that limited Stoll to just fourteen offensive snaps. Stoll still played well in his limited snaps blocking on the edge while also having a tackle on a punt.

Randy Gregory, Dallas Cowboys

For most part Gregory was his typical self providing a good pass rush and getting to Jimmy G a couple of times. However Gregory will be known for the ending of the game where he randomly decided to tackle the pulling lineman drawing a five yard holding penalty and extending the 49ers drive. Now the Cowboys still had a shot for the win, but Gregory’s penalty was still pretty confusing.

Rough Game

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After missing the last few weeks of the regular season with a foot injury, David was activated for the playoffs. David was clearly playing hurt and not only was noticeably limping but also didn’t have his normal explosiveness. While David only finished with two tackles, his presence on the field was more valuable. Devin White struggled in David’s absence but with Lavonte back White was back to his playmaking self.

Limited Snaps

Luke Gifford, Dallas Cowboys

After Micah Parsons went down with an injury in the first quarter we saw Gifford on the field playing meaningful snaps in a playoff game. Gifford was solid but was only out there for five snaps before Parsons returned to the game. From there Gifford played only on special teams and finished with a single tackle.

Inactive

Stanley Morgan, Cincinnati Bengals - Hamstring
Matt Farniok, Dallas Cowboys
Carlos Davis, Pittsburgh Steelers

Injured Reserve

Brent Qvale, Tennessee Titans
Richie Incognito, Las Vegas Raiders

Practice Squad

Devine Ozigbo, New England Patriots
Will Compton, Las Vegas Raiders
Khalil Davis, Pittsburgh Steelers
Dicaprio Bootle, Kansas City
Nate Gerry, San Francisco 49ers
Darrion Daniels, San Francisco 49ers