Nittany Lions In The NFL: Wild Card Weekend Roundup
The NFL’s first-ever “Super” Wild Card Weekend is in the books, folks.
Quite a few Penn Staters suited up for their respective teams during the first round of the playoffs. Chris Godwin stood out among the bunch by scoring a touchdown to help propel the Buccaneers to victory over the Washington Football Team.
Here’s a closer look at how Nittany Lions in the NFL performed during Wild Card Weekend.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin played a significant role in the Buccaneers’ 31-23 win over the Washington Football Team Saturday night. He totaled five receptions worth 79 yards on a team-high 12 targets. Additionally, he hauled in a 27-yard touchdown from Tom Brady early in the second quarter to give the Bucs a two-score lead.
It was the first playoff win of Godwin’s career, as well as the first playoff win for the Bucs since their Super Bowl win all the way back on January 26, 2003.
The Bucs will need a repeat performance from Godwin when they travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints Sunday night.
Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
Robinson was one of the only bright spots for the Bears in their 21-9 loss to the Saints. He posted a team-high six receptions worth 55 yards on seven targets and picked up two first downs in the contest.
On a day when the Bears struggled to get anything going offensively, Robinson accounted for nearly 28% of all of Chicago’s receiving yards and almost 32% of its receptions.
Robinson’s future is very much up in the air as he enters free agency this offseason. He has expressed frustration with his situation in Chicago in the past, so it’s very much possible that he suits up for a different team next season.
Nick Scott, Los Angeles Rams
Scott didn’t play many defensive snaps in the Rams’ win over the Seahawks, but he made the most of the time he received. Late in the game, he made a huge pass deflection to break up a pass intended for Seattle wideout Tyler Lockett.
Overall, Scott played 21 snaps on defense (33%), contributed 31 more on special teams (84%), and totaled one tackle.
Scott and the Rams have a tall task ahead of them Saturday afternoon when they travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers.
DaQuan Jones, Tennessee Titans
Jones made an impact in the Titans’ 20-13 loss to the Ravens. The defensive lineman totaled three tackles and one sack while playing 88% of the defensive snaps.
He was part of a Titans defensive line tasked with stopping a dominant Ravens running game led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite Jones’ solid game, the Ravens rushed for an impressive 236 yards and two touchdowns.
Jones, like Robinson, is an impending free agent and it’s unclear where he’ll end up next season. However, the Titans will likely make a strong push to keep him as an important part of their defensive line.
Heading into the next round of the playoffs, seven Nittany Lions are listed on active playoff NFL rosters. Chris Godwin and the Bucs will attempt to take down the division-rival New Orleans Saints, while Adrian Amos and the Green Bay Packers will try to hold off the Rams to advance to the NFC Championship.
Penn Staters On Active Playoff Rosters
- OT Ryan Bates, Buffalo Bills
- S Adrian Amos, Green Bay Packers
- OL Stefen Wisniewski. Kansas City Chiefs
- S Nick Scott, Los Angeles Rams
- WR Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
- WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- OT Donovan Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Divisional Round Schedule
Saturday, January 16
Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers — 4:35 p.m. on FOX
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills — 8:15 p.m. on NBC
Sunday, January 17
Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs — 3:05 p.m. on CBS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints — 6:40 p.m. on FOX
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