NFL Hokies: Divisional Playoffs Recap

BLACKSBURG – The Divisional Round is now behind us as the NFL gears up for the Conference Championships, where four teams remain in the hunt for a coveted Super Bowl spot. With key NFL Hokies still in contention, both players and coaches, Virginia Tech fans have plenty to cheer for as their favorite former players continue their pursuit of glory. In this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we’ll review standout performances from the Divisional Round and preview the exciting matchups ahead in the Conference Championships. 

S Chamarri Conner
In just his second NFL season, Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner emerged as a crucial contributor to the team’s dominant 2024 campaign, which culminated in a 15-2 regular-season record. After battling back from a shoulder injury, Conner made a triumphant return against the Houston Texans—a game featuring fellow Hokie alumni defensive lineman Tim Settle. Conner’s impact was immediate. He added five tackles to his season total of 58, including a tackle for loss. Late in the fourth quarter, the former Hokie delivered the defining moment of the game, sacking Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud with three minutes remaining. The play marked his second career sack and sealed Kansas City’s 23-14 victory, punching their ticket to a sixth consecutive AFC Championship game. 

Beyond the stat sheet, Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized Conner’s performance with impressive grades: an 80.7 in run defense, an 80.9 in tackling, and a 74.3 in pressure. The Hokie alumni’s resilience and playmaking ability have solidified his role as a key piece in Kansas City’s defense as they aim to secure another Super Bowl berth.

DL Tim Settle  
Facing one of the most formidable fronts in the NFL, defensive lineman Tim Settle lined up against the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive unit in a critical matchup. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading a high-powered offense, the Chiefs boasted a seasoned and dominant interior line anchored by star center Creed Humphrey and veteran guard Joe Thuney. The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a powerhouse throughout the season, ranking first in run-block win rate and fifth in pass-block win rate. 

Despite lining up against this top-tier protection unit, Settle made his presence felt. The former Hokie tallied two total tackles, including a tackle for loss. Unfortunately for Settle and the Texans, their postseason dreams came to an end against the Chiefs. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud put up 245 passing yards, while running back Joe Mixon contributed 88 rushing yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kansas City’s dominance. 

Defensive Line Coach Darryl Tapp
In his first year leading a position group, Daryl Tapp has made an immediate and significant impact. After spending the previous three seasons as the assistant defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers, including a Super Bowl appearance, Tapp now leads Washington’s defensive line with a clear vision and commitment. The Commanders have responded to his leadership, making an unexpected run through the playoffs. 

After clinching a spot in the postseason and defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, the Commanders faced their biggest challenge yet—the top-seeded Detroit Lions—in the Divisional Round. Despite being considered underdogs, Washington came out strong, led by Tapp’s defensive line, and delivered a 45-31 victory.  

Tapp’s influence was especially evident in the performances of his defensive linemen. Jonathan Allen was the highest-graded player, earning an 80.5 defensive grade from PFF after a standout performance. Allen posted 1 tackle for a defensive stop, 2 QB hits, and 5 hurries, leading the team with 7 total pressures and a 29.2% pressure rate, which is impressive for an interior defensive lineman. Tapp’s coaching allowed Allen to reach this level of dominance. On the edge, Dorance Armstrong also showcased the results of Tapp’s guidance. Armstrong recorded 2 sacks, including a strip sack that forced a turnover, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 solo tackle. Every pressure was crucial in Washington’s victory, and Armstrong’s big plays proved the effectiveness of Tapp’s defensive schemes. 

Conference Championship Matchups

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs: Sunday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS 
The Buffalo Bills face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, Jan. 26, following a narrow 27-25 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. This marks quarterback Josh Allen's first AFC Championship appearance since 2020, when Kansas City defeated Buffalo at Arrowhead Stadium. Although the Chiefs are 3-0 against the Bills in the playoffs, Buffalo has made history heading into this matchup: On Jan. 21, the NFL announced that the Bills are the first team ever to go four consecutive postseason games without a turnover. That being said, Conner will play a key role for the Chiefs, having recorded two interceptions, four passes defended, and a sack in the regular season. Conner will be a crucial test for Allen as both teams vie for a Super Bowl berth in the former Hokie’s second AFC Championship appearance. 

Washington Commanders at Philidelphia Eagles: Sunday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX 
The Washington Commanders are in the NFC Championship Game after a 12-5 regular season and two playoff wins, marking their deepest postseason run in over 30 years. This turnaround followed a complete organizational overhaul, including the hiring of general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn. Key veteran signings like Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, along with rookie QB Jayden Daniels, set the stage for one of the most surprising seasons in franchise history. As they prepare to face the Eagles, an intriguing stat offers optimism for both teams: In the last four divisional rematches in a conference title game, the winner went on to win the Super Bowl. Their two regular-season matchups were thrilling, with the Eagles winning 26-18 in Week 11 and the Commanders rallying to a 36-33 victory in Week 18. Washington’s defense ranks third in passing yards allowed (189.8 per game), and Tapp will be key in leading the front, aiming to replicate their success from forcing five turnovers against the Lions.