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The NFL had a six-game slate throughout wild card weekend for the primary time in league historical past. There was a former USC participant that took the sector in virtually each recreation of the playoffs, apart from the New Orleans Saints win over the Chicago Bears.
The weekend began with 12 groups in motion, however solely six superior to the divisional spherical, whereas the remainder of the squads went house. Let’s dive into how former USC Trojans carried out in the course of the first spherical of the 2021 NFL playoffs.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Within the greatest upset and shock of the weekend, the Cleveland Browns jumped out to a 28-0 first quarter lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been favored by a landing previous to the sport. With out Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, and a number of other different gamers [due to COVID-19 protocols] the Browns have been in a position to demolish the Steelers of their first playoff look since 2003, for a 48-37 win.
The Pittsburgh offense regarded shaky within the first half, as QB Ben Rothlisberger threw three interceptions which allowed QB Baker Mayfield and Cleveland to capitalize on the errors and blow the sport open with a 28-0 first quarter lead.
The Steelers offense regarded higher for the rest of the competition, however as time narrowed, a comeback appeared lower than possible. Extensive receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster balled out and had his greatest recreation of the season, ending with 13 receptions for 157 yards and one landing.
Despite the fact that Smith-Schuster performed nice, he nonetheless obtained some criticism after the sport. The broad receiver made feedback earlier this week when requested in regards to the wild card matchup with Cleveland.
“They’re nonetheless the identical Browns that I’ve performed yearly. I believe they’re anonymous grey faces,” JuJu mentioned to reporters previous to the sport. Even after the loss, the 24-year-old had no regrets about his feedback and stood by what he mentioned, giving Cleveland some credit score on the finish.
TO WATCH: JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Feedback Click on The Video Above
After finishing his fourth NFL season, Smith-Schuster has some selections to make concerning his future in Pittsburgh.
As for the Browns USC alumni, linebacker Malcolm Smith had 4 tackles and performed good zone protection whereas defensive finish Porter Gustin had one of many three interceptions within the first half for Cleveland on a tipped interception.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans
Lamar Jackson lastly obtained by way of his first street block as an NFL quarterback, after securing his first playoff win within the league with a 20-13 victory.
The Baltimore Ravens obtained their revenge on the Tennessee Titans, after they knocked out John Harbaugh and firm final season. Adoree’ Jackson has been again the final two weeks for the Titans, and his job was to stick with the speedy wideout Marquise Brown.
Jackson had eight tackles and a deflection within the loss. The Tennessee protection performed nicely, however the offense could not decide up sufficient of the slack.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Soccer Crew
The Bucs vs. Washington recreation was a lot nearer than Tom Brady and head coach Bruce Arians would’ve preferred, however Tampa Bay was in a position to escape and get the 31-23 win.
Washington was with out QB Alex Smith and turned to backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke in Maryland. Whereas Heinicke performed nicely, it wasn’t sufficient to beat the mighty Bucs. Former USC operating again Ronald Jones II, who had a fantastic 12 months, missed the sport with a quad contusion, as Leonard Fournette crammed in on the RB spot.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
One other division matchup was highlighted on Saturday when the Los Angeles Rams performed the Seattle Seahawks, and L.A. got here to play. With the assistance from the protection, the Rams beat Russell Wilson and Seattle 30-20.
Former Trojan WR Robert Woods had 4 catches for 48 yards and the lone receiving TD from 15 yards out because the Rams superior to the subsequent spherical.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Payments
Within the first recreation of the playoffs, the red-hot Buffalo Payments discovered themselves in a heavyweight battle with the 11-win Indianapolis Colts.
The sport went back-and-forth with Indy enjoying nicely within the first half. The offense got here alive early due to rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr. The primary-year receiver had good chemistry with QB Philip Rivers earlier than halftime, because the tandem related for 5 receptions and 90 yards, in addition to an 11-yard finish round play.
Within the second half, Pittman Jr. was shut down, and did not achieve a single yard from the road of scrimmage within the groups 27-24 loss in Buffalo.
The Divisional Spherical of the 2021 NFL Playoffs begins subsequent Saturday, January 16, 2020.
[How To Watch: 2021 National Championship]
[READ: JuJu Smith-Schuster Sends Message To Steeler Nation]
For extra USC information go to www.alltrojans.com. Observe us on Twitter.
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