NFL Dawgs: Huskies Go 0-2 In Divisional Round

Chiefs winning streak, season end

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their 11-game winning streak and season end in disappointment in the Divisional round of the playoffs Saturday at Gillette Stadium. The Chiefs struggled to get much of anything going on offense against the New England Patriots for the better part of three and a half quarters before making the score a respectable 27-20 final.

Defensive standout Marcus Peters finished what was one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory with another solid performance against the defending Super Bowl Champions. The former Husky had five total tackles, including four solo, and two deflected passes. Peters didn't record an interception in the game, finishing the season with a total of nine (eight regular season, one playoff).

It was a bitter end for Peters and the Chiefs, but both should take pride in what they accomplished this season. The Chiefs started the season 1-5, but managed to reach the playoffs with a protracted winning streak. Peters, finishing off his first NFL season, has already etched his name among the league's elite defensive backs.

Seahawks comeback falls short

Vying for a third straight trip to the NFC Championship game, the Seattle Seahawks spotted the Carolina Panthers a 31-point lead in the first half, and couldn't recover. The Seahawks were overwhelmed by the attacking Panthers in the first 30, and appeared to be out of it as the sides went into the locker room at the half. A different team emerged in the second half, scoring twice in the first first half of the third quarter, and eventually closing the gap to 31-24. However, they would get no closer, as a late onside kick was recovered by the Panthers to seal the victory.

Former Husky Jermaine Kearse was the leading receiver for the Seahawks on Sunday, catching 11 passes for 110 yards and two second-half touchdowns. Kevin Smith, another University of Washington receiving product, also had one reception for seven yards in the loss.

While the goal of a third straight NFC Championship wasn't realized, the Seahawks should find solace in the fact that supremacy in the NFL now runs through Seattle, and should for the foreseeable future.

Well, that's it, ladies and gentleman. While the rest of the NFL playoffs should provide plenty of excitement, it unfortunately will not feature any former Huskies. It was a productive season for many Dawgs, especially the new crop of rookies already putting their stamp on the league. We at UW Dawg Pound hope you enjoyed the weekly recaps of how your favorite former Huskies were performing in the pro ranks, and invite you to stick with us through the remainder of the playoffs and offseason for the latest news on everything UW and NFL.

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