Temple University Athletics
Owls in the NFL: Week 17
1.2.24 | Football
PHILADELPHIA- Week 17 in the NFL fell on New Year's Eve this season. Let's take a look at how our former Owls performed in the last game of 2023.
Rock Ya-Sin (2018) and the Baltimore Ravens beat former Owl, Robbie Chosen (2011-13, 2015) and the Miami Dolphins, 56-19. Ya-Sin recorded three tackles and the Ravens clinched the #1 seed in the AFC.
Dion Dawkins (2013-16), Tyler Matakevich (2012-15), and the Buffalo Bills beat AFC East division rivals, the New England Patriots, 27-21. The Bills offense was able to gain 280 yards in 32 minutes of total possession.
Keith Kirkwood (2014-17) and the New Orleans Saints beat Todd Bowles (1982-85) and NFC South division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-17.
Jacob Martin (2014-17) and the Indianapolis Colts beat the Las Vegas Raiders, 23-20.
Brandon McManus (2009-12), Christian Braswell (2018-20), and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat former Owl Sam Franklin (2016-19) and the Carolina Panthers, 26-0. McManus helped lead the Jaguars to victory, scoring 14 points (4 FGs and 2 PATs).
Arnold Ebiketie (2017-20) and the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Chicago Bears, 37-17. Ebeketie was still able to record one tackle, one sack, and one quarterback hit.
Haason Reddick (2013-16) and the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Arizona Cardinals, 35-31. Reddick recorded one tackle in the loss.
With the exception of Franklin and his Panthers, all other Owls, including P.J. Walker and his Cleveland Browns (Walker did not play this week but was the primary backup to Joe Flacco), still have their playoff hopes alive entering the final week of the season. Ya-Sin, Chosen, Walker, and Reddick's teams have secured a playoff spot. Dawkins, Matkevich, McManus, Braswell, Martin, and Bowles, control their own destiny and would move on to the playoffs with a win. Kirkwood and Ebiketie will face each other on Sunday but the winner will still need help to get in.
