Longhorns in the NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

Well, Texas entered the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs with eight alumni remaining, but now only one is left standing heading into the Conference Championships. The Rams, Ravens, and Saints were eliminated and thusly sent home seven Texas Exes. Alex Okafor and the Chiefs are left standing.

Buffalo Bills 17, Baltimore Ravens 3

We’re going to blame the wind for Justin Tucker’s double doink. Bills kicker Tyler Bass also missed two field goals in the freezing cold and windy conditions. It wasn’t the best postseason for Tucker, who missed the same amount of field goals (three) in the playoffs as he did in the regular season. It was also the first time Tucker missed two field goals in one game under 50 yards IN HIS ENTIRE CAREER.

DeShon Elliott capped off an impressive season with five total tackles in the Ravens loss but it was hardly on the defense. Elliott and the Baltimore secondary held Josh Allen to just 206 passing yards and gave up only 10 points.

Devin Duvernay finished his rookie season with zero catches and wasn’t able to get in on the return game due to the ridiculous windy conditions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30, New Orleans Saints 20

It was a tough night for Austin natives and Texas Exes as the Saints fell short of a Super Bowl once again. Malcolm Roach was inactive, Lil’Jordan Humphrey wasn’t targeted, and Malcom Brown didn’t record any stats. It was also Westlake Alumni Drew Brees’ final game in the Superdome, announcing he plans to retire.

Brown enters next year on an expiring contract but with NFL experts predicting the Saints to rebuild next year, Brown could be cut to save money but shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new team.

Kansas City Chiefs 22, Cleveland Browns 17

Alex Okafor recorded one tackle but more importantly, the Chiefs stayed alive after losing Patrick Mahomes to injury. Side note: Was anyone else surprised to see Chad Henne still in the league? He lost to Texas in the 2004 Rose Bowl.

Okafor and the KC defensive line held Nick Chubb to just 69 rushing yards and 112 yards total. If Texas wants to extend its streak of Super Bowl champions, it’ll be up to Okafor.

Green Bay Packers 32, Los Angeles Rams 17

Malcolm Brown didn’t receive a single carry in the Rams loss, with his only touch coming on a four-yard catch. Brown enters next season as an unrestricted free agent.