Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The first round of the NFL Playoffs wrapped up this past Monday, concluding a series of both dominant wins and thrilling endings across Super Wild Card Weekend. Former Hokies both on the field and in coaching roles were represented across the contests, showcasing their skills on the game’s biggest and brightest stages. In this week’s edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we take a look at the most noteworthy contributions from Tech alums and forecast how their skillsets will be seen in the Divisional Round.
DT Tim Settle
Defensive tackle Tim Settle has had an impressive year in his seventh NFL season. In his sixth career playoff game, Settle’s defensive presence over 32 snaps was key in forcing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to throw a season-high four interceptions in the contest. Settle and the Texans defensive line would also accumulate four sacks for a total loss of 31 yards, marking the seventh time the defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks four or more times this season. For his efforts in the 32-12 Texans victory, Settle earned a 70.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), his second highest grade in the category this season.
Defensive Line Coach Darryl Tapp
Darryl Tapp, who was the co-defensive line coach for the Hokies in 2020, has earned respect in his first year with the Washington Commanders. Tapp’s work has translated into a defensive line that ranks seventh in sacks (43.0), with defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. leading the charge at 10.5. In the contest against the Buccaneers on Sunday, the defensive line thrived against a young Tampa Bay offensive front (oldest starters drafted in 2020), piercing through protection for two quarterback hits and two half-sacks on quarterback Baker Mayfield. After the thrilling 23-20 win on Sunday, Tapp and the defensive line will have to prepare for a divisional test against a Detroit team that boasts this season’s top-ranked offensive line according to PFF.
Assistant Secondary Coach Anthony Midget
In his first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, assistant secondary coach Anthony Midget has done a solid job at transforming a group that ranked tenth in opponent passing yards allowed in 2023 (244.9). Under the assistant coach, seventh-year safety Minkah Fitzpatrick tallied his career third-highest season tackling grade (78.6), and rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop registered three interceptions over a two-game span in the month of October. While the Steelers had trouble limiting Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Saturday (16/21, 175 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns), Midget’s work has been a highlight of a Steelers season that ended rather poorly.
Safeties Coach Nick Rapone
Nick Rapone’s sixth season at the helm of the Tampa Bay safeties room was a successful one. Against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, 2023 First Team All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. tallied a team-high eight total tackles in the contest, earning himself a 70.9 tackling grade from PFF over 69 defensive snaps. Additionally, second-year safety Kaevon Merriweather’s work on Sunday would contribute to his third-highest tackling grade (75.2) through twelve games. While Tampa Bay’s season was cut short in a nail-biting 23-20 loss that saw five lead changes through four quarters, Rapone’s work in the safeties room was commendable.
Notable Matchups in the Divisional Round
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs: Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans will open the NFL Divisional Round when they visit the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. The Texans, who are 0-5 in the divisional round as a franchise, last reached the game in 2019 against a familiar foe in the Chiefs. Houston will look to change their losing ways against a Kansas City team that, in Week 16 of the regular season, beat them 27-19 at Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams will see former Hokies suit up on the defense, as Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle and Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner are both likely starts for their squads.
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions: Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX
Fresh off a thrilling game-winning “doink” in the Wild Card Round, the Washington Commanders will travel north to meet the well-rested Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Saturday night. The Lions, who scored the most points per game of any team this season (33.2), will look to continue their record-setting year against a Commanders team that hasn’t reached the divisional round since 2006. Against a formidable offensive line led by fourth-year tackle Penei Sewell and seventh-year center Frank Ragnow, former Hokie and Commanders defensive line coach Darryl Tapp will be tested throughout the contest. While it’s unclear if Lions tight end James Mitchell will dress for the contest, fans can expect an intense clash from two high-caliber NFC squads.