Wake Forest Athletics
#ProDeacs: Wildcard Weekend
1/18/2022 12:14:00 PM | Football
Four #ProDeacs advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Super Wildcard Weekend of the NFL Playoffs featured three #ProDeac vs. #ProDeac matchups with the home team coming out on top in each matchup.
In the opening game of the playoffs, Jessie Bates III and the Cincinnati Bengals topped Marquel Lee, Kyle Wilber and the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-19. Bates III and the Bengals advance to play the AFC No. 1 seed in the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
The Saturday night cap of Wildcard Weekend saw Carlos "Boogie" Basham and the Buffalo Bills took down Justin Herron and the New England Patriots, 47-17. The Bills and Basham will now travel to play Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The game can be seen on CBS and Paramount+.
On Monday Night Football, John Wolford and the Los Angeles Rams defeated interdivisional rivals in the Arizona Cardinals and Greg Dortch, 34-11. The Rams will now travel to play defending the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The 3:00 p.m. kickoff can be seen on NBC, Peacock and Universo.
The #ProDeacs balled all year.
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) January 14, 2022
Ready for the big stage 🏆 https://t.co/aBHSJ22mTj pic.twitter.com/NbdFClf0DY
Bates Comes Up Clutch in Second Half
In the second half of the Bengals first playoff victory in 31 years, defensive back Jessie Bates III came up with multiple game-altering plays to help Cincinnati claim the win at home. With the Raiders driving in the third quarter, Las Vegas threw the ball to leading receiver Hunter Renfrow and before he could complete the reception inside of Bengals territory Bates III made a diving play to knock the ball out, to stall the Raiders drive.
Jessie Bates knocks it out of the hands of Hunter Renfrow to force 4th down #RuleTheJungle #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/MsrXD0gHoF
— Pro Football Culture (@proftblculture) January 15, 2022
On the Raiders final drive as they looked to tie up the game from inside the Bengals 10-yard line, Bates III came up clutch for his team again. The Bengals captain knocked away a would-be touchdown on second down. Two downs later, he helped contribute to Cincinnati's game-winning interception to seal the victory.
He ended the game with six tackles and had three pass deflections.
Clutch in crunch time, @jlbiii3 🛑#ProDeacs | @Bengals 🎩 pic.twitter.com/IwRey5CMnv
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) January 18, 2022
Basham Sacks Jones in Victory
Defensive lineman Carlo "Boogie" Basham Jr. helped the Buffalo Bills advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs for the second consecutive season as they will have a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The rookie second-round pick tied his season high in tackles with three and helped close out the game with another second half sack.
With the Bills up 40-10 in the fourth quarter, Basham Jr. sacked Patriots quarterback Mac Jones to seal the victory over the Patriots.
😤 @Almighty_Basham 😤#ProDeacs 🎩 https://t.co/pphD3Bhle5
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) January 16, 2022
Masterson Named Hula Bowl Defensive MVP
Playing alongside former Wake Forest teammate in kicker Nick Sciba, linebacker Luke Masterson helped Team Kai take down Team Aina, 21-20, to capture the Hula Bowl title.
Let's go, @nicsciba ‼️#WakeForever 🎩
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) January 15, 2022
pic.twitter.com/U3mpewMi7n
Both players shined in the game as Sciba connected on both of his field goals including a 52-yarder, which is three yards longer than any he hit as a collegiate. Meanwhile, Masterson took home Defensive MVP honors as he was back playing in his home state of Florida.
🏆 Hula Bowl Defensive MVP 🏆
— Wake Forest Football (@WakeFB) January 16, 2022
Let's go, @LukeMasterson12 🎩 pic.twitter.com/FnBry67DGR
#ProDeacs Divisional Round Weekend Slate (All times eastern)
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Carlos 'Boogie' Basham (active roster)
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Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., CBS)
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Jessie Bates III (active roster)
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Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans (Saturday 4:30 p.m., CBS)
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Scotty Washington (practice squad)
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Cincinnati Bengals at Tennessee Titans (Saturday 4:30 p.m., CBS)
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John Wolford (active roster)
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Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 3:00 p.m., NBC)
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