This past weekend’s NFL Wild Card Weekend kicked off the NFL Playoffs in incredible fashion, with plenty of comebacks, questionable calls and statement wins. Many former Clemson Tigers were featured in these critical matchups, and here are a few standout performances.
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence’s performance on Saturday night was a tale of two halves. In the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers, the second-year signal caller tossed four interceptions, three alone landing in the hands of Chargers’ cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Although at one point the Jaguars were down 27-0, the former Clemson standout rallied his team to a phenomenal comeback. He completed 28 of 47 passes for 288 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. The Jaguars sealed their epic comeback win on a field goal with zero seconds on the clock, making the final score 31-30.
Lawrence looks to continue his second-half success with the looming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.
Travis Etienne Jr., Running back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Alongside Lawrence in the backfield was Etienne, who made a heavy contribution to the comeback win for Jacksonville.
The tailback ran for 109 yards on 20 attempts, marking his fifth game with 100 or more rushing yards this season. What proved to be one of the game’s most crucial plays came at the hands of the second-year player, who got his number called on a 4th-and-1 in the fourth quarter and escaped for a 25-yard rush, which put the Jaguars into game-winning field goal range.
Etienne continues to be a game-changer for this Jaguars’ offense, which he will have the chance to prove again on Saturday.
Jayron Kearse, Safety, Dallas Cowboys
Kearse played a vital role for a dominant Cowboys defense on Monday night, racking in three tackles, two of which were solo. Kearse made his most impactful play in the second quarter, intercepting Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in the red zone — Brady’s first endzone interception since 2019.
Kearse and the Cowboys’ defense held the Bucs to only 14 points, cruising to a division playoff matchup with the red-hot San Francisco 49ers next weekend.
Dexter Lawrence, Defensive tackle, New York Giants
Lawrence continued his stout defensive showings this season with yet another game to remember against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The Second Team All-Pro finished with six total tackles (one for loss) and four quarterback hits. The nose tackle also played an important role during the Giants’ final defensive stand, stopping the Vikings on their final drive and leading New York to its first playoff win since Super Bowl XLVI.
Lawrence hopes to continue to display dominant performances with a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. EST.
Tee Higgins, Wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins had a relatively quiet game against the Baltimore Ravens, hauling in four passes on six targets for 39 yards. The wideout also brought in a vital two-point conversion in the Bengals’ win.
Despite the mediocre stat line, this former Tiger should not be slept on, as he has the talent to produce at a high level any week, including on Sunday when he and the Bengals take on the Buffalo Bills.
