Gators in the NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round
As compared to wild card weekend, the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs wasn’t nearly as successful for former Gators. Still, six of them will advance to conference championship games next weekend, with three of the four remaining teams (everybody except the Carolina Panthers) featuring at least one Gator on their roster.
Now, Inside the Gators takes a quick look at how each Gator who participated this weekend performed.
ADVANCED TO THE AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
Andre Caldwell, Denver Broncos wide receiver: Caldwell was targeted twice Sunday during the Broncos’ 23-16 win over the Steelers, but he caught only one ball for -1 yard. The former Gators receiver has 71 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches this season.
Max Garcia, Denver Broncos offensive lineman: Battling a groin injury he suffered late in practice this week, Garcia came off the bench while Evan Mathis and Louis Vasquez earned the starting nods at both guard spots. As a unit, the Broncos offensive line was solid Sunday, allowing only one sack while Peyton Manning threw for 222 yards and the rushing attack amassed 109 yards.
Lerentee McCray, Denver Broncos linebacker: McCray played as a reserve Sunday for the Broncos but did not log a stat in the contest.
Inactives: New England Patriots linebacker Jon Bostic (coach’s decision), New England Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley (IR), Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (coach’s decision)
LOST IN THE DIVISIONAL ROUND
Jaye Howard, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle: This season, the 6-foot-3, 301-pound Howard has been a force at nose tackle for the Chiefs with 57 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble. However, a game after racking up four tackles including a sack in a 30-0 road blowout win of the Houston Texans, Howard didn’t fill up the stat sheet nearly as much in a 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots. During Saturday’s defeat, Howard recorded just one tackle.
Frankie Hammond, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver: Hammond caught one ball for only 2 yards in the Chiefs’ loss, but he did return two punts for 27 yards with a long of 19 against the Patriots. Hammond finishes the season with two catches for 5 yards (all coming in the playoffs) while returning 20 punts for 171 yards.
Marcus Gilbert, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle: Gilbert started at right tackle for the Steelers on Sunday but overall didn’t have an easy afternoon against Denver’s dynamic pass rush. Gilbert notably got beat by Von Miller to allow the pressure to get to Ben Roethlisberger and DeMarcus Ware to eventually sack the Steelers signal-caller on 4th and 5 late in the contest -- a play that essentially sealed a win for the Broncos. Pittsburgh’s offensive line allowed three sacks on Sunday.
Inactives: Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (IR), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver David Nelson (IR)