The Daily Gamecock

Former Gamecocks make an impact on NFL playoff picture

The Wildcard Round has whittled the NFL playoff pool down to just eight teams. Still, four former Gamecocks figure to prominently represent South Carolina's program during the remainder of the Super Bowl push. 

1. Jadeveon Clowney

A stellar game from defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in the Houston Texans' victory over the Oakland Raiders was heralded as a breakout performance for the former first overall pick. His acrobatic interception has subsequently been played on a loop, and the play drew parallels to a similar interception that three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt made in the 2012 playoffs during his rookie year. 

Clowney has quietly put together a very solid season in Houston, recording six sacks in 14 games and earning a nod to his first pro Bowl. Prior to this game, the narrative surrounding Clowney, at least outside of Houston, persisted to be one of underachievement in comparison to the hype he received as an amateur. The attention has now made him the focal point of the Texans playoff push in the eyes of the national media, with many pundits anointing him the status of being Houston's only hope when they take on the New England Patriots this weekend. 

The interception changed the conversation around the 23-year-old edge rusher, but for South Carolina fans, perhaps a more meaningful play occurred later in the game. In the second quarter, Clowney's pressure caused the pocket to collapse and forces the Raiders' quarterback to fire off a dangerous pass. The pass was intended for Raiders receiver Amari Cooper, but Clowney's pressure allows the cornerback to spring out of the flat to break up the pass, narrowly missing an interception. That corner? Well that would be another former Gamecock, Johnathan Joseph.

2. Johnathan Joseph

Joseph, who was a key member of South Carolina's secondary in 2004 and 2005, made 10 tackles against the Raiders. This week, Joseph will have the daunting task of going up against New England, owner of the league's No. 4 passing offense despite missing Tom Brady for the first four games of the season.

3. Jared Cook

The Gamecocks will also be represented in the NFC's Divisional Round. Packers tight end Jared Cook made the first playoff appearance of his eight-year NFL career against the New York Giants, catching five passes for 48 yards. The Packers will take on the Cowboys next, and will look to push their win streak to eight games in order to advance to the NFC Championship.

4. Patrick DiMarco

Atlanta Falcons starting fullback Patrick DiMarco will host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 4:35 p.m. DiMarco doesn't receive a lot of touches in Atlanta's offense but is regarded as one of the best blockers at his position.  

The four former Gamecocks represent nearly a decade of South Carolina football history, from Joseph, who first played under Lou Holtz in 2004, to Clowney, who played his last game in 2013 under Steve Spurrier. A potential meeting between multiple former Gamecocks in the NFC Championship or even the Super Bowl could bridge that gap. 


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