Trojans in the NFL: Wildcard Round

The first week of the NFL playoffs was a busy one for Trojans, especially those wearing headsets ...

Sammy Knight (S - Jacksonville) had his busiest game of the year with 13 tackles (10 solo), one of which was for a loss. The Jags beat the Steelers, 31-29.

Lofa Tatupu (LB - Seattle) made 12 tackles (6 solo) in a 35-14 victory over Washington.

Steve Smith (WR - New York Giants) caught the ball 3 times for 29 yards. One catch was a clutch 21-yarder on third down during a 2nd-quarter touchdown drive. The Giants beat the Bucs, 24-14.

LenDale White (RB - Tennessee) had a big first half, but eventually an injury-depleted Titans team fell to San Diego, 17-6. White had 69 yards on 19 carries and lost 3 on a reception.

Brian Kelly (CB - Tampa Bay) made 3 tackles in the loss to the Giants.

Troy Polamalu (S - Pittsubrgh) tried to play despite a knee injury. He had two tackles (assisted) in the loss to Jacksonville.

Carson Palmer (QB - Cincinnati) didn't make the playoffs, but he is making waves.

Coaches Corner: A big share of the NFL's postseason brain trust has ties to USC. Former Trojan players Mike Holmgren (Seattle Seahawks) and Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars) both coached their teams to victory this weekend, as did former Trojan assistant coach Norv Turner (San Diego Chargers).

Former USC assistant coach Joe Gibbs' Washington Redskins are headed home after their loss. Former player Jeff Fisher's Tennessee Titans are headed home, too, but Norm Chow was reportedly recommended by outgoing Hawaii head coach June Jones as a possible replacement (thanks to Gerrrg for the tip). Chow, of course, was offensive coordinator at USC before taking over the role for the Titans.