For Michigan’s football fans, last week was the best they’ve had in a very long time. The Detroit Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams in a close game on Sunday Night Football to win a postseason game for the first time in thirty-two years, in addition to the Michigan Wolverines taking home the national championship.
Throughout the entire season, the Lions have been among the best teams in the NFL, and a few former Michigan Wolverines have contributed to their success.
Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was outstanding in this game, as he has been the entire season. In his playoff debut, he recorded six tackles, five quarterback hits, and two sacks. Additionally, nine pressures were placed on him, per Pro Football Focus.
Although he was the first player to touch Matthew Stafford when he stumbled in the pocket, he was still given one of the sacks on a technicality.
Guard Graham Glasgow led an offensive line that included Hutchinson and gained 79 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, but Glasgow also allowed three sacks. Additionally, Donovan Peoples-Jones recovered a punt for four yards after it was caught.
These guys will always be associated with the Lions team that ended a more than three-decade playoff win drought, regardless of what occurs during the remainder of this postseason.
Brandon Graham turns back the clock
The Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are out of the postseason; however, veteran defensive end Brandon Graham had a strong performance.
Graham had five tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss. He is the former Michigan Wolverine with the longest contract in the NFL. Since 2011, Graham has participated in 11 playoff games. During that time, he has recorded 17 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
He also had a moment with Howie Roseman, general manager of the Eagles. Roseman selected Graham as his first draft pick.
Over his 14-year career, Graham has only played for the Philadelphia Eagles; he is currently a free agent. If he re-signs with the Eagles, he has hinted to the media that the upcoming season will probably be his last.
Watching the Wolverines in the Divisional Round
On Saturday, January 20, the Green Bay Packers’ Rashan Gary and Jon Runyan take on Ambry Thomas, Ronnie Bell, and Jake Moody at 8:15 p.m. on FOX, while the Houston Texans’ Nico Collins plays the Baltimore Ravens at 4:30 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sunday, January 21: Aidan Hutchinson, Graham Glasgow, and Donovan Peoples-Jones of the Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 3 p.m. EST on NBC; Mike Danna of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills at 6:30 p.m. EST on CBS
Other noteworthy performances
-Rashan Gary, a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, had a solo tackle in an unexpected victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Along with him, Jon Runyan formed an offensive line that allowed the Packers to rush for three touchdowns and 143 yards without giving up a sack.
Luke Schoonmaker, a tight end for the Cowboys, had one reception for seven yards in his playoff debut.
-Defensive end Mike Danna of the Kansas City Chiefs had a tackle in a victory over the Miami Dolphins.
-Center Mason Cole was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line that helped them rush for 106 yards and give up just one sack in a defeat to the Buffalo Bills.
