NFL Playoffs: Broncos 'Red River Team-Up' & Seahawks Domination
The AFC and NFC Championship games are set, and alumni from the Red River Rivalry played pivotal roles in sending their teams to the next round.
From a defensive masterclass in Seattle to an overtime thriller in Denver, here is how former Sooners and Longhorns impacted the Divisional Round.
Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30 (OT)
The Red River Team-Up
The story of the weekend comes from Denver, where a rare partnership between a Sooner and a Longhorn helped propel the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game.
- Nik Bonitto (Oklahoma): The edge rusher continued his breakout season, constantly harassing Bills QB Josh Allen. Bonitto recorded a crucial sack in the third quarter that stalled a Buffalo drive and forced a punt. His speed off the edge was a nightmare for the Bills’ offensive line all afternoon.
- Brandon Jones (Texas): Patrolling the secondary, Jones was instrumental in limiting Buffalo’s deep shots. He finished with 8 tackles and a key pass breakup in overtime that set the stage for Denver’s winning field goal.
Seeing a Sooner pass rusher and a Longhorn safety celebrate together might be strange for rivalry purists, but Broncos fans are loving the “Red River connection” in Mile High.
Note: The victory was bittersweet, as Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in the game, a devastating blow to their title hopes.
Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6
Defensive Domination
In a shocking blowout, the Seattle Seahawks completely dismantled the 49ers.
- Byron Murphy II (Texas): The rookie defensive tackle was a force in the middle. While the stats sheet shows modest numbers, his ability to eat up double teams allowed Seattle’s linebackers to flow freely. Murphy helped hold the 49ers’ rushing attack in check, contributing to a shutout performance until late in the game.
- Trent Williams (Oklahoma): On the losing side, the legendary tackle’s season comes to an abrupt end. Despite his individual excellence, the 49ers’ offense couldn’t find a rhythm against the Seahawks’ onslaught.
New England Patriots 28, Houston Texans 16
Stevenson Advances
- Rhamondre Stevenson (Oklahoma): The powerful back helped the Patriots grind out a tough win over Houston. Stevenson found the end zone on a short yardage plunge and was key in killing the clock in the fourth quarter.
- Joe Mixon (Oklahoma): Mixon’s strong season with the Texans ends in disappointment. He was bottled up by the Patriots’ defense for most of the day as Houston played from behind.
Los Angeles Rams 20, Chicago Bears 17 (OT)
Heartbreak for Roschon
- Roschon Johnson (Texas): The Bears’ gritty running back saw his playoff run end in overtime. Johnson provided tough yards in a defensive struggle but couldn’t help Chicago overcome the Rams in the extra period.
