There are only two games left in the NFL playoffs before the Super Bowl, but in each game, you will still see a former USC Trojan trying to lead his team to the final dance. This past week, many former Trojans took the field in the biggest games of their NFL careers.
Here is my breakdown of how each former USC football star fared in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs:
Talanoa Hufanga
The Broncos’ defense gave up more than they would have wanted to, but still got the job done and forced star quarterback Josh Allen to have 4 turnovers. Hufanga was dominant and played a huge part in the Broncos’ defensive success as he had 10 stops in the game. He and the Broncos defense will have to be at their best to propel the Broncos to the Super Bowl without starting quarterback Bo Nix.
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold was that one partner in the group project who just showed up and still got an A. To the Seahawks credit, Darnold was able to take the day off simply because they dominated the 49ers in every facet of the game. Darnold did not turn over the ball or make things harder for his team like C.J. Stroud did with the Texans. Darnold finished the game 12-17 for 124 yards and a passing touchdown. Darnold had the game off, but soon enough, he will be asked to be elite, and I think he will answer that bell.
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams led the charge on the Seahawks’ defensive line and helped Seattle make the 49ers one-sided and completely eliminate their run game. Williams was also one of two Seahawks who were able to take Brock Purdy down. Williams is the heartbeat of this defensive line, and when he is at his best, it will be a long day for the opposing offense, as it was for the 49ers on Saturday.
Brandon Pili
Nose tackle Brandon Pili also got his hands dirty and played his part, limiting the 49ers’ run game on Saturday. Pili made 3 stops on Saturday and is becoming a nice, underrated piece on Seattle’s defensive line rotation.
Woody Marks
It was not the best day for Woody Marks; in fact, nobody on the Texans offense left Sunday’s game feeling good about themself. Woody Marks had a crucial fumble lost, and he was held to just 17 yards on the ground on 14 carries. This one playoff game should not overshadow the great rookie season Marks had, and he should enter next season as the starting back.
Calen Bullock
Calen Bullock did not get an interception, but he still made his presence felt with 5 tackles Sunday afternoon. He continued his elite play in year 2, and moving forward, he is a key piece on the best secondary in the NFL. He and Marks both should hold their heads high for the season they had.
Caleb Williams
It was a similar story as Caleb Williams struggled at points in this game and maybe more than usual with his 3 interceptions, one of which came at a very key point in overtime. Caleb still was better than the numbers suggest, and it is not a playoff game without Caleb Williams making his usual throw that many quarterbacks in the league can’t make. If you thought the 4th and 8 throw vs the Packers was special, Caleb Williams topped that with a Madden-level throw on 4th down once more to tie up the game in the 4th. It was a bittersweet end, but Caleb Williams proved he is a star quarterback and already the best quarterback the Bears have ever had. Williams finished the game with 257 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, and 40 yards rushing. Williams has a very bright future ahead of him in Chicago and many more crazy playoff moments ahead of him.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Former USC Trojans make their presence felt in NFL playoffs
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
