Two former Blue Devils are headed home after losses during Wild Card weekend, while two are just a pair of wins away from the Super Bowl:
Ross Cockrell, CB
The Steelers defender failed to record a tackle or pass deflection all evening in his team's 18-16 win against the Bengals. But the one play Cockrell did make may have been the saving grace for his team. With Cincinnati leading 16-15 and in possession of the ball, the former Blue Devil recovered a fumble forced by linebacker Ryan Shazier.
The cornerback's recovery turned the tide for the Steelers as the team capitalized on its final drive of the game by tacking on the game-winning field goal with 14 seconds remaining. Cockrell will have his work cut out for him this weekend as he faces Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
Jamison Crowder, WR
The former Duke star's rookie season came to a close in a 35-18 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. After recording 59 receptions in the regular season, Crowder hauled in three receptions for only 15 yards Sunday. The wide receiver also failed to make an impact in the return game as he returned only one punt for five yards. In retrospect, Crowder appears to be a draft steal for a Redskins team that far exceeded expectations his season.
Vincent Rey, LB
Rey was a non-factor in his team's season-ending loss to the Steelers. The linebacker finished with two total tackles and one pass deflection in the contest, but couldn't help his team shut down a group of backup running backs who finished with 123 yards for Pittsburgh. The Bengals defense wasn't much better in pass defense as the team fell behind 15-0 before making a late comeback.
Cooper Helfet, TE
The Seahawks tight end failed to record a reception in a 10-9 victory against the Vikings in freezing conditions. With Seattle only accumulating 129 yards through the air and both teams sticking to the ground game in temperatures that started near zero degrees, Helfet did not have much of a role on offense for his team. The former Blue Devil will look to be more involved Sunday when his team faces the Carolina Panthers in the Divisional round.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.