Seven Orange Highlight 2009 NFL Playoffs
1/4/2010 5:18:39 PM | Football
Orange in NFL (PDF)
Seven former Syracuse University football players on four different NFL teams will play in the 2010 playoffs, including quarterback Donovan McNabb, linebacker Jameel McClain, tackle Adam Terry, wide receiver David Tyree, defensive end Dwight Freeney, wide receiver Taj Smith, and safety Steve Gregory. The playoffs begin Saturday, December 9 with four wild-card matchups.
McNabb, Philadelphia's all-time leader in completions, yards and touchdowns, leads the Eagles (11-5) to their second consecutive playoff appearance. This season, he has completed 267-of-443 passes for 3,553 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has led the Eagles to the NFC Championship five times in his career. Philadelphia will travel to Dallas for a wild-card game on Saturday, January 9 at 8 p.m.
The Baltimore Ravens (9-7) feature the most former SU standouts in postseason play. McClain recorded 30 total tackles in his second season with the team. Tyree was signed as a free agent on Oct. 13 and has played in 10 games. Terry, who has started 18 of the 48 games in his four season with the Ravens, was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury earlier this season. The Ravens will travel to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m.
The Indianapolis Colts (14-2) clinched the division and earned homefield advantage after beginning the season 14-0. Freeney set the pace for the defense with 13.5 sacks, which is tied for second in the NFL, and added 20 quarterback pressures, one pass defended and a forced fumble. His 13.5 sacks rank as second-highest single season total in franchise history. He recently earned the starting nod for the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl, marking his second consecutive selection to the post-season all-star game. Smith is on the practice squad for the Colts. Indianapolis will have a bye before hosting the winner of the AFC wild-card game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m.
Gregory, who has 58 total tackles, two sacks, six passes defended and one interception, and the San Diego Chargers (13-3) will host the winner of AFC wild-card game between Baltimore and New England on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m.
