North Carolina State University Athletics
Former Wolfpack players head into the NFL playoffs
1/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 8, 2005
BY TIM PEELER
With the NFL playoffs now underway, here's a quick guide of some former players and coaches with N.C. State connections to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the Super Bowl on Feb. 6 in Jacksonville.
Saturday, Jan. 8
St. Louis Rams (8-8) at Seattle Seahawks (9-7), 4:30 p.m.
Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis (6th year): Now in his sixth season after his All-America career with the Wolfpack, Holt is one of the NFL's most accomplished receivers. In 2003, he led the league in receptions and receiving yards, and he finished this year's regular-season with 94 catches for 1,372 yards, which ranks in the top five in the NFL in both categories. He also has 10 touchdowns this season. Entering his fourth post-season, Holt has 41 receptions for 480 yards in the playoffs.
Koren Robinson, WR, Seattle (th year):The big question for the Seahawks is whether Robinson, who has run into multiple problems this season with the NFL and with Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, will play in this game. He missed four games because of a violation of NFL rules and two games because of team disciplinary action. Robinson, who averages 16 yards per catch, is without question the team's top big-play receiver, but he can't produce sitting on the bench.
Sean Locklear, offensive guard, Seattle (1st year): Locklear is a reserve offensive lineman who has seen limited action this season. He was selected in the third round of this year's draft.
New York Jets (10-6) at San Diego Chargers (12-4), 8 p.m. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego (1st year):The ACC's all-time leading passer had a great start to 2005. His second child was born on New Year's Eve and he threw his first career touchdown pass in last weekend's regular-season finale. But he goes into the playoff expecting to do what he has done all year: backup NFL Comeback Player of the Year Drew Brees, who has been sensational in leading the Chargers all season long.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, New York Jets (1st year): The rookie wide receiver might be a key player in the Jets' bid to upset the Chargers. With Wayne Chrebet listed as questionable for the game because of a concussion, Cotchery will get some time behind Santana Moss at split end. He's caught six passes in 12 games for 60 yards. Cotchery scored his first NFL touchdown last week with a 94-yard kickoff return at St. Louis.
Jets running back coach Bishop Harris, who played collegiately at N.C. Central, spent three years as an assistant under Bo Rein, from 1977-79.
Jets linebacker coach Bob Sutton spent one season as an assistant to Monte Kiffin.
Sunday, Jan. 9
Denver (10-6) at Indianapolis (12-4), 1 p.m.
No N.C. State connections.
Minnesota (8-8) at Green Bay (10-6), 4:30 p.m.
Brian Williams, DB, Minnesota Vikings (3rd season):
The starter all year long at right cornerback, Williams had 74 tackles and two interceptions in the regular season. He also forced two fumbles.
Sean Berton, TE, Minnesota Vikings: Berton played in only three of the Vikings' first 14 games, but had an increased role in two of the last three weeks, catching six of his nine receptions of the year in a win at Detroit and a loss at Green Bay. He started seven times this year. He has not yet caught a touchdown pass in his two years as an NFL player.
Next week's participants
Pittsburgh (15-1)
Bill Cowher, head coach: The NFL's longest-tenured head coach has perhaps the best team in his 13 years at the helm, heading into the playoffs with a 15-1 record. In 1995, at age 38, Cowher became the youngest coach in NFL history to guide his team to the Super Bowl. A three-year starter for the Wolfpack from 1976-78, Cower was the team captain and MVP as a senior.
Philadelphia (13-3)
No N.C. State connections.
Atlanta (11-5)
No N.C. State connections.
New England (14-2)
Special teams coach Brad Seely was an assistant coach under Monte Kiffin in 1982.
