Cats in the NFL: Wild Card Weekend Recap

Brett Bibbinsby:Brett Bibbins•01/05/20

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Playoffs officially began this weekend with the Wild Card matchups. There were three former Kentucky Wildcats suiting up in the four games in the first round of the Playoffs. Let’s take a look at how the three performed, as well as how their teams fared in postseason action.

Tennessee Titans 20 – New England Patriots 13

The 6-seed Tennessee Titans pulled off the upset over 3-seed New England Patriots in what may be the end of the Brady-Belichick era in New England. The Titan defense held strong throughout the game, allowing just 13 points and forcing a field goal in a crucial goal line stand before halftime to give the Titans a chance to put up more points in the first half. The game was effectively ended on a pick-six late in the fourth quarter, and we’re all upset we don’t have a video of our own Drew Franklin celebrating at that moment. Former Cat Wesley Woodyard finished the game with four tackles. The Titans move on to take on the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens in Baltimore next week in the Divisional Round. The game will be at 8:15pm ET on Saturday, January 11 on CBS.

No word yet on how many tackles Drew had for the Titans, but he rocked the helmet like a true professional.

We all know that when the Patriots lose, the rest of America wins, so here’s the final interception set to the Titanic sound that you weren’t aware you needed to hear.

https://twitter.com/extremelysquid/status/1213680767869554688

Houston Texans 22 – Buffalo Bills 19

The Buffalo Bills ran out to a 16-point lead through two and a half quarters, but the Houston Texans and DeShaun Watson would not go away. The Texans then scored 19 straight points and had every opportunity to win the game in regulation, but a questionable decision to go for it on fourth down rather than punt, gave the ball back to the Buffalo with 1:16 left in the game. The Bills were able to convert on a 47-yard field goal try with 5 seconds remaining to force overtime. After the teams exchanged punts to begin the overtime period, Houston kicked a 28-yard field goal for the win to advance to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. They’ll take on the Chiefs on Sunday, January 12 at 3:05pm ET on CBS. Former Cat Lonnie Johnson was healthy for this weekend’s game, but did not register a snap played.

Minnesota Vikings 26 – New Orleans Saints 20

One of the best teams in the NFL all season, the New Orleans Saints somehow found themselves in the Wild Card match up with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings actually led by 10 in the fourth quarter, but a quick touchdown and a last second field goal for the Saints sent the game to overtime. The Vikings won the toss and got the ball first in overtime, marching down the field to score a touchdown and win the game. The Vikings move on to take on the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, January 11 at 4:35pm ET on NBC.

Former Cat Larry Warford was a stalwart on the offensive line as usual for the Saints. Unfortunately, the Saints didn’t try to rush the ball all that often, with just 17 attempts all game among four rushers. The lack of a running threat allowed for the Vikings to take some chances on blitzes and the Saints allowed three quarterback sacks and seven QB hits.

@BrettBibbinsKSR

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