The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs wrapped up with a handful of Maryland alums making their presence felt - and in some cases, raising some eyebrows - as the postseason picture narrowed to just four teams.
Let’s start in New England, where veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs delivered a timely spark in the Patriots’ 28-16 win over the Houston Texans. Diggs hauled in four catches for 40 yards, including a critical seven-yard touchdown in the second quarter that pushed the Patriots’ lead from four to 11. It wasn’t a stat-sheet-stuffing performance, but it was vintage Diggs: poised, clutch, and exactly what New England needed in a gritty playoff matchup against the league’s top-ranked defense.
This was Diggs’ first touchdown of the postseason and only his second since November - a reminder that while his numbers might not be gaudy, his impact is still felt when it matters most. For a Patriots squad navigating January football with a young core, having a steady, playoff-tested veteran like Diggs in the lineup is invaluable.
With the win, New England punches its ticket to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2019. As for Diggs, this marks his first conference title game appearance since 2021, back when he was still suiting up for Buffalo.
Next up? A road trip to Denver, where the Patriots will face the Broncos for a shot at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Around the League: Maryland Alums in the Playoffs
Not everyone saw the field this weekend, but several former Maryland Terrapins were still part of the playoff action - in one way or another.
Ruben Hyppolite II, a rookie linebacker for the Chicago Bears, was inactive for the Divisional Round. Meanwhile, Tommy Akingbesote, a rookie defensive tackle with the Buffalo Bills, remained on the practice squad.
In Chicago’s overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, wide receiver DJ Moore had a bit of a mixed bag. He rushed once for eight yards and added five receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown - solid production on paper.
But one moment stood out for the wrong reasons: a lack of effort on a route that led to a costly overtime interception. For a player of Moore’s caliber, that’s the kind of play that lingers, especially in the postseason spotlight.
Sam Okuayinonu, defensive end for the 49ers, recorded three tackles in San Francisco’s defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. It was a solid, if unspectacular, outing for the former Terp as the Niners’ season came to a close.
Darnell Savage, now with the Buffalo Bills, saw limited action in the loss to Denver. The safety played just three snaps and didn’t register any tackles.
With the Divisional Round in the books, the stage is set for Championship Sunday. The first game of the Conference Championship Round kicks off Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. ET, as four teams battle for two spots in Santa Clara - and a shot at the Lombardi Trophy.