Rebels in the Playoffs: Ole Miss shows out on Wild Card weekend

Seven Ole Miss alumni competed in Wild Card weekend as the NFL opened up its playoffs and road to the Super Bowl. Three former Rebels scored touchdowns, but sadly, only two will advance to the next round.

Let’s dive into the Cup’s weekly round-up of Rebels in the pro’s with a playoff edition.

Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills

Knox helped to lead the Buffalo Bills to a win, 27-24, over the Indianapolis Colts with a touchdown. While he only had two receptions, it was enough to ensure the Bills would move on to the next round.

It seems like this was a busted play drawn up for quarterback Josh Allen on a designed run, but Knox released into the end zone and was all alone for the touchdown. It turned out to be a very critical score and marked Knox’s fifth career NFL touchdown grab.

This was the first playoff win for the Bills since 1995, which was a full year before Knox was even born. Next up, the Bills face the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.

AJ Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans

The Mississippi native and current mayor of Starkville made Rebel fans proud with his 83 yards and one touchdown against the Ravens. The Titans were unable to pull through and fell short of advancing to the next round, losing 20-13.

Brown finished his season with 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Here’s The Mayor doing what he does best.

DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Metcalf finished out his record breaking season with 96 yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks were unfortunately eliminated by the Rams, 30-20. Despite the loss, Metcalf was the sole reason the Seahawks were able to stay in the game. He carried the team, if you will.

Metcalf set the single season receiving yards record for the Seahawks with nearly 1,400 yards and added 12 touchdowns to boot. The Pro Bowl WR would undoubtedly trade some of those accomplishments for a deeper playoff run, but Metcalf will have to wait until next year for his shot.

Bobby Massie, OL, Chicago Bears

Massie was unable to be a difference maker in the loss to the Saints this weekend, 21-9. He started eight games this season for the Bears, and just finished his ninth season in the NFL.

Mike Hilton, DB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Hilton had a rather quiet game in his Sunday night loss to the Browns, 48-37. He had only two tackles on the night, finishing his 2020-2021 season with 51 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and three interceptions.

Jordan Wilkins, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Wilkins did not see the field in Saturday’s loss versus Buffalo, but he did have 308 rushing yards and one touchdown on the season.

Javon Patterson, OL, Cleveland Browns

Patterson is in his second season at center for the Cleveland Browns. The Petal, Miss. native didn't see the field on Sunday night, but he is one step closer to the biggest game of the season.

Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Lol. Just kidding.

WHY FLORIDA $TATE, CAM? WHY?

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The NFL playoffs continue next week in Divisional Rounds on Saturday. Keep an eye out for Patterson and Knox as the Cup continues to follow the Rebels on the road to the Super Bowl.