NFL Hokies: Week 17 recap

BLACKSBURG – The penultimate week of the NFL regular season concluded this past Monday, wrapping up a week of high-scoring affairs and holiday festivities across the league. Former Hokies suited up for their teams once again over the weekend, displaying unique talents that have led Tech alumni to great success this season. In this week’s edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we review some of the most notable Week 17 performances from Hokies of the past and look ahead to enticing matchups to come in Week 18.  

RB Khalil Herbert 
After being traded from the Chicago Bears at the conclusion of Week 9, Cincinnati running back Khalil Herbert has steadily become more involved in the Bengals’ offensive production. Against the Denver Broncos on Saturday night, Herbert would rush for 23 yards on four attempts, including a 13-yard scamper that would serve as a catalyst to the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The former Hokie’s ability to weave through opposing defenses was on full display against Denver, taking the pitch from quarterback Joe Burrow and slicing through the Broncos defense for the 13-yard first down with two minutes left in overtime. Herbert’s 23 yards on the day were a season-high and indicative of his increased involvement under first-year offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. For his efforts on gameday, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native would earn a season-high 80.7 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).  

S Chuck Clark 
In his seventh NFL season, veteran safety Chuck Clark has posted consistent numbers during his first year with the New York Jets. Against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon, Clark posted eight total tackles, three of which were solo tries in the road game at Highmark Stadium. The former Hokie was only one of two defensive Jets players to play 100% of the snaps (70) on Sunday, joining outside linebacker Quincy Williams in the effort against Buffalo. While the Jets’ season woes continued in a 40-14 loss against a 13-3 Bills team, Clark’s defensive effort shined in an otherwise rough team outing. For his work on gameday, Clark posted an 81.9 run defense PFF grade, his second-highest of the year.  

LB Tremaine Edmunds 
It’s been no secret that Chicago linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has played extremely well throughout his seventh year in the league. Against the Seahawks on Thursday evening, the former Hokie tallied six total tackles (4 solo, 2 assists) alongside a pass deflection on Seattle quarterback Geno Smith. Edmunds, as he has done nearly all season, played 100% of the defensive snaps (52) on Thursday, the former Hokie being one of six Bears to play the entire game on defense. For his work in Week 17, Edmunds earned 71.6 coverage and 70.6 overall defense ratings from PFF.  

LB Divine Deablo 
After an impressive Week 16 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo continued his momentum with a solid performance in Week 17. In the contest against the New Orleans Saints, the former Hokie posted four tackles, and a quarterback hit on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. Deablo’s four total tackles were fourth on the team in the matchup, raising his season total to 56 through 13 games. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina native would earn a 78.9 PFF tackling grade for his efforts on gameday.  

QB Tyrod Taylor 
After three disappointing quarters of football from Aaron Rodgers (12/18, 112 yards, 2 interceptions), Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor took the field against the Bills for the first time since Week 1. Over 23 snaps in the fourth quarter, the former Hokie would propel the sputtering Jets offense to two touchdowns on back-to-back drives, the first a 9-yard jump ball pulled down by wide receiver Garrett Wilson and the second a 20-yard toss to tight end Tyler Conklin. For his limited offensive output on gameday, Taylor (11/14, 83 yards, 2 touchdowns) would earn high marks from PFF, including an 86.2 passing grade and a team second-highest 75.9 offensive grade.  

Notable Matchups in Week 18 

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers: Saturday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC 
The Bengals, who are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, will face a tough test when they travel to face the 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. Several outcomes must occur for the Bengals to make the playoffs this season, including a win on Saturday and losses from the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. While it’s unclear if Pittsburgh safety and former Hokie Terrell Edmunds will suit up for the contest, fans can be confident that Bengals back Khalil Herbert will dress for the high-stakes matchup. The Steelers claimed a 44-38 win in the Week 13 matchup behind quarterback Russell Wilson’s 414 yards and three passing touchdowns. 

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys: Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX 
The playoff-bound Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, will travel to AT&T Stadium to play division foe Dallas in Week 18. The matchup should serve as an indicator for the Commanders’ playoff matchup, as a win would confirm the sixth seed in the NFC and result in a road game against either the Los Angeles Rams or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Contrastingly, the Cowboys will look to end their season with their heads held high after being eliminated from the playoffs in Week 16. Dallas right guard and former Hokie Brock Hoffman will suit up for the game, pitting the third year Cowboy against a Commanders defensive line coached by Tech alum Darryl Tapp.