
In the climactic Week 18 of the NFL regular season, former Virginia Tech Hokies delivered standout performances, leaving an indelible mark on the league’s finale.
Raheem Blackshear’s Breakout Performance
Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear seized the spotlight against the Atlanta Falcons, achieving a season-high 47 rushing yards on just four carries. His explosive 27-yard run late in the second quarter showcased his exceptional speed and vision, marking the longest rush by any Panthers running back that day. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized his efforts with impressive grades: 86.1 in total offense and 81.1 in rushing.
Khalil Herbert’s Commanding Ground Game
Khalil Herbert, serving as the Cincinnati Bengals’ primary running back, demonstrated his versatility in a 19-17 victory. He amassed 69 rushing yards on 20 carries and contributed significantly to the passing game with seven receptions. Herbert’s adaptability and consistent performance have been pivotal for the Bengals, even though their playoff aspirations were ultimately unfulfilled.
Divine Deablo’s Defensive Prowess
Linebacker Divine Deablo of the Las Vegas Raiders continued to be a defensive stalwart, recording seven tackles over 56 defensive snaps against the Los Angeles Chargers. A highlight of his performance was a critical tackle for loss on a screen pass to Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins. PFF awarded Deablo commendable grades: 80.3 in tackling, 79.5 in overall defense, 79.4 in coverage, and 70.7 in run defense, underscoring his all-around defensive capabilities.
Caleb Farley’s Resilient Return
Cornerback Caleb Farley of the Panthers made a notable return to the field after overcoming significant injuries. In Week 18, he logged a season-high four solo tackles over 57 defensive snaps, contributing to the team’s defensive efforts against the Falcons. Farley’s resilience and determination have been instrumental in his comeback, adding depth to the Panthers’ secondary.
Joey Slye’s Perfect Kicking Performance
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye delivered a flawless performance against the Buffalo Bills, successfully converting all three field goal attempts from distances of 50, 42, and 41 yards. He also nailed two extra points, contributing 11 points to the Patriots’ scoreboard. Slye’s consistency throughout the season is evident in his statistics, completing 26 of 33 field goals and 25 of 26 extra points, including a franchise-record 63-yard field goal in Week 4.
Anticipated Wild Card Weekend Matchups
As the playoffs commence, several former Hokies are poised to make significant contributions:
Tim Settle: The defensive tackle will be in action as the Los Angeles Chargers face the Houston Texans on Saturday, January 11. Settle’s experience and playoff acumen are expected to bolster the Chargers’ defensive front.
Coaching Connections: The matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 12, features coaching staff with deep Virginia Tech ties. Commanders’ defensive line coach Darryl Tapp, along with Buccaneers’ Senior Advisor Bruce Arians and safeties coach Nick Rapone, bring a wealth of experience and Hokie heritage to this playoff encounter.
The culmination of the regular season highlighted the impactful presence of Virginia Tech alumni across the NFL. As the playoffs unfold, Hokie Nation eagerly anticipates the continued excellence and influence of its former players on football’s grandest stage.