Stanford in the NFL: Divisional RoundStanford in the NFL: Divisional Round
AP Photo
Football

Stanford in the NFL: Divisional Round

Stanford alums scored a combined 20 points in NFL Divisional Round action

STANFORD ALUMS ACCOUNTED for 20 points in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs and will be represented by six players in conference championship games, the second-most of any Atlantic Coast Conference program. Beyond that, the Cardinal will have players on each roster at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9.

Here is a summary of how former Cardinal fared in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs:

Washington starting tight end Zach Ertz had a touchdown catch among his five receptions as the Commanders emerged with a 45-31 upset victory at Detroit on Saturday. Washington reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991 with the help of Ertz, who caught a five-yard TD pass from Jayden Daniels to give the Commanders a 31-21 lead to cap off the scoring in a wild second quarter.

With Washington trailing 7-3 early in the second quarter, Ertz caught a short pass over the middle on fourth-and-3 for seven yards to keep a drive alive that resulted in the Commanders’ first touchdown. Ertz, whose catches totaled 28 yards, also recovered a Detroit onside kick with 4:57 left in the game and the Commanders up 45-31. Ertz was in on 51 offensive snaps and one on special teams. Including regular season and playoffs, Ertz has eight touchdowns this season and three career postseason TDs.

Kansas City starting strong safety Justin Reid had seven tackles in the Chiefs’ 23-14 victory over visiting Houston on Saturday. Reid had five solo tackles, broke up a pass, and had a quarterback hurry while playing 66 defensive snaps. The Chiefs advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the seventh consecutive season, including the past three with Reid. Houston tight end Dalton Schultz had four catches on four targets for 63 yards. His 34-yard reception in the first quarter set up a field goal that tied the game, 3-3. Three of Schultz’s receptions resulted in first downs, including an 18-yarder on third-and-11 in the fourth quarter. Schultz played 53 offensive snaps and five on special teams. Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford with 2:48 left, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 28-22 loss at Philadelphia on Sunday. Parkinson’s catch and a Rams’ defensive stand enabled L.A. to have a shot at a winning touchdown in the final minute only for the Eagles defense to hold and end the game. Parkinson caught two passes for nine yards while playing four offensive snaps and 13 on special teams. Joshua Karty kicked field goals of 30 and 34 yards to bring the Rams within three and then to tie the game, 13-13, with 7:37 left in the third quarter. Karty was perfect during the game, converting both extra-point tries in addition to his field goals. Karty closed out the season by making his final 17 field-goal tries and 20 consecutive kicks altogether. Including regular season and playoffs, Karty has made 87 percent of his field-goal tries (33 of 38).

Philadelphia defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV was in on five special teams plays.

Houston quarterback Davis Mills did not play.

Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee was inactive.

Buffalo defensive end Casey Toohill and Washington receiver Brycen Tremayne were on practice squads. 

NFL Championship Round

Sunday

NFC: Washington (Zach Ertz, Brycen Tremayne) at Philadelphia (Thomas Booker, Tanner McKee), noon
AFC: Buffalo (Casey Toohill) at Kansas City (Justin Reid), 3:30 p.m.