Temple University Athletics
Owls in the NFL: Week 18
1.9.24 | Football
PHILADELPHIA- With the NFL regular season coming to a close, many of our former Owls are poised for playoff football, while others will be set to get ready for next season. Let's see how our Owls performed this week and who will be moving on.
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On Saturday, Rock Ya-Sin (2018) and the Baltimore Ravens lost to AFC North division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-10. Ya-Sin recorded a season-high four tackles. The Baltimore Ravens will be the #1 seed in the AFC for the upcoming playoffs and have earned themselves a first round bye.
P.J. Walker (2013-16) and the Cleveland Browns lost to AFC North division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, 31-14. The Browns will head into the playoffs as the #5 seed in the AFC and will face off against the #4 seed Houston Texans.
Dion Dawkins (2013-16), Tyler Matakevich (2012-15), and the Buffalo Bills beat former Owl Robbie Chosen (2011-13, 2015) and AFC East division rivals, the Miami Dolphins, 21-14. The Bills offense was able to gain over 470 yards and 38 minutes of total possession. With the conclusion of this game, the Buffalo Bills became AFC East Champions, locking up the #2 seed in the AFC, and will face off against the #7 seed Pittsburgh Steelers. The Miami Dolphins will head into the playoffs as the #6 seed in the AFC and will match-up against reigning Super Bowl Champions and the #3 seed Kansas City Chiefs.
Haason Reddick (2013-16) and the Philadelphia Eagles lost to NFC East division rivals, the New York Giants, 27-10. Reddick recorded one tackle and one tackle for loss, as the starters came out in the second quarter. Nonetheless, the Philadelphia Eagles will be heading into the playoffs as the #5 seed in the NFC and will travel to the #4 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay, led by head coach and former Owl Todd Bowles (1982-85), earned its way into the playoffs by defeating Sam Franklin (2016-19) and the Carolina Panthers, 9-0.
Jacob Martin (2014-17) and the Indianapolis Colts lost to AFC South division rivals, the Houston Texans, 23-19. Unfortunately, this loss ended the playoff hopes for the Colts.
Brandon McManus (2009-12), Christian Braswell (2018-20), and the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to AFC South division rivals, the Tennessee Titans, 28-20, also ending the team's playoff hopes. McManus scored eight points (2 FGs & 2 PATs) in the loss.
Keith Kirkwood (2014-17) and the New Orleans Saints beat former Owl Arnold Ebiketie (2017-20) and NFC South division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, 48-17. Ebiketie was able to tie his season high of three tackles with one quarterback hit in the last game of the season for both players.
