Texas Longhorns in the NFL: Regular Season Week 16

From a thrilling game in Philadelphia between the Texans and Eagles, all the way until an incredible Sunday nightcap between the Chiefs and Seahawks, this past week in the NFL was filled with action. D’Onta Foreman caught a touchdown in his season debut, Jordan Hicks returned to the field at middle linebacker for Philadelphia, and Michael Dickson displayed some dropkick wizardry, once again.

As we enter the final week of the regular season, one playoff spot remains up for grabs in each conference. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are fighting for the AFC North divisional playoff spot while the lone wildcard spot in the NFC comes down to the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Last week, three Longhorns were selected to participate in this season’s Pro Bowl. Rookie punter Michael Dickson (SEA), Adrian Phillips (LAC), and Quandre Diggs (DET) all were deservedly selected to represent their teams in the Pro Bowl.

After only receiving 11 defensive snaps, Bengals special teams specialist Malik Jefferson was placed on injured reserve this past week. He finished his rookie season with 10 total tackles (five solo).

Check out how all the NFL Horns performed throughout Week 16 as we enter the final stretch of the regular season.

Week 16 Inactives: Geoff Swaim (shoulder), Brian Orakpo (elbow)

Injured Reserve: DeShon Elliott (fractured forearm), Chris Warren III (knee), Fozzy Whittaker (ACL), Earl Thomas (broken left tibia), Sam Acho (torn pectoral muscle), Marcus Johnson (torn ligament), Adrian Colbert (ankle), Phil Dawson (hip), Colt McCoy (fractured fibula), Malcolm Brown (shoulder)

D’Onta Foreman (RB-HOU):

Last Week: 32-30 loss at Philadelphia Eagles

After suffering a season-ending Achilles injury nearly a year ago to this day, Foreman made his 2018 season debut on Sunday. While he was bottled up in the run game (seven carries for -1 yard), the second year running back hauled in a 20-yard touchdown reception on a beautiful throw on the run from DeShaun Watson. With Lamar Miller still injured, Foreman should see some valuable reps at running back this Sunday just as the postseason is approaching.

Despite the touchdown, Foreman expressed his disappointment in his play with the media.

Next Week: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Sun. 12:00 p.m. CBS)

Marquise Goodwin (WR-SF)

Last Week: 14-9 loss vs. Chicago Bears

Goodwin totaled 29 yards on three receptions against a stingy Chicago Bears defense. Goodwin’s numbers have been down without Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, as expected.

This Week: at Los Angeles Rams (Sun. 3:25 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 23 receptions for 395 yards (17.2 YPC) — 4 TDs

Malcom Brown (DT-NE)

Last Week: 24-12 win vs. Buffalo Bills

Brown recovered his first fumble of the season on a play 25 yards downfield. Jason McCourty jarred the ball loose and Brown’s effort put him in position to secure the turnover.

This Week: vs. New York Jets (Sun. 12:00 p.m. CBS)

Season Totals: 35 tackles (17 solo), FR

Poona Ford (DT-SEA)

Last Week: 38-31 win vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Ford had another notable performance as a backup defensive tackle. Seattle has used Ford in run and pass situations to give their starters a quick breather. While he doesn’t play a significant number of snaps, his impact is felt when he’s in the game. He had a tackle and a quarterback pressure on Sunday night. His pressure forced Patrick Mahomes to throw an errant pass.

Check out Poona Ford’s header on Twitter @PoonaF_95. Think he needed any more motivation to go out there and prove people wrong?

This Week: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Sun. 3:25 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 12 tackles (8 solo)

Alex Okafor (DE-NO)

Last Week: 31-28 win vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Okafor recorded two solo tackles and recovered a fumble from Sunday’s wild home win against the Steelers.

This Week: vs. Carolina Panthers (Sun. 12:00 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 35 tackles (25 solo), 4 sacks, PD, FR

Jordan Hicks (LB-PHI)

Last Week: 32-30 win vs. Houston Texans

Hicks returned from a calf injury just in time for Philadelphia’s big matchup against DeShaun Watson and the Texans. The defenses’ leading linebacker had five tackles (three solo) and a pass deflection in his first game back. The Eagles remain to be a team of destiny with Nick Foles at quarterback.

Philadelphia would sneak their way into the playoffs with a win and a Minnesota tie/loss this week.

This Week: at Washington Redskins (Sun. 3:25 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 90 tackles (61 solo), 3 sacks, FR, 5 PDs

Holton Hill (CB-MIN)

Last Week: 27-9 win at Detroit Lions

While he didn’t record any statistics, Hill saw some action at cornerback after Xavier Rhodes went out for the game. Hill currently holds a 72.0 PFF grade on the season.

This Week: vs. Chicago Bears (Sun. 12:00 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 29 tackles (24 solo), INT, 7 PBUs

Quandre Diggs (SS-DET)

Last Week: 27-9 loss vs. Minnesota Vikings

Diggs led the Lions with seven tackles (six solo) in a blowout loss. His effort level won’t be lost in a disappointing season for Detroit. He’s brought his best effort to the field week in and week out all season long.

This Week: at Green Bay Packers (Sun. 12:00 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 73 tackles (61 solo), 2 INTs, 7 PBUs — TD

Adrian Phillips (SS-LAC)

Last Week: 22-10 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens

Phillips led the Chargers defense with nine tackles (seven solo) and a tackle for a loss. Given the Ravens style of play, he was used effectively as an extra run stopper against their draining rushing attack.

The Chargers win the AFC West with a win and a Chiefs loss this week.

This Week: at Denver Broncos (Sun. 3:25 p.m. CBS)

Season Totals: 82 tackles (57 solo), INT, 8 PBUs

Kenny Vaccaro (SS-TEN)

Last Week: 25-16 win vs. Washington Redskins

Vaccaro had two total tackles as the Titans took another step towards a playoff berth with a win.

This Week: vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sun. 12:00 p.m. CBS)

Season Totals: 47 tackles (32 solo), 2 sacks, INT, 3 PDs

Michael Dickson (P-SEA)

Last Week: 38-31 win vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Dickson’s has had much better days as a punter. The Aussie averaged just 34.7 yards per punt on three punts against the Chiefs. While it didn’t affect the outcome of the game, not flipping the field against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense could have been costly.

With their win against the Chiefs, Seattle officially clinched an NFC wildcard berth.

The dropkick kickoff was back, though.

This Week: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Sun. 3:25 p.m. FOX)

Season Totals: 71 punts — 48.3 YPP, 27 downed inside-the-20

Justin Tucker (K-BAL)

Last Week: 22-10 win at Los Angeles Chargers

Tucker had an underwhelming performance for his standards against the Chargers on Saturday night. He went 3-for-5 on field goals, connecting from 24, 35, and 56 yards out while missing from 53 and 65 yards out. That 65-yard attempt would have set the NFL record for the longest field goal.

More importantly, the Ravens are now just a win or a Steelers loss away from winning the AFC North.

This Week: vs. Cleveland Browns (Sun. 12:00 p.m. CBS)

Season Totals: 31-for-35 FGs (88.6%), 34-for-35 XPs (97.2%)

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