2013 Bearcats In The NFL: Divisional Round
By Chris Bains
Dec 1, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) on the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Another weekend, another round of the NFL Playoffs. Gone are teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, which means guys like Kevin Huber, Jason Kelce, Connor Barw- err… effectively half of Philly’s roster, have been sent home early. But there are still a few holdovers still battling their way through the playoffs.
Ricardo Mathews: Traveling to New England, any Colts fan probably figured this game would be a showcase of offense after the way Indianapolis surrendered 44 points to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wildcard round. But the Patriots surprisingly got it done on the ground with LeGarrette Blunt rumbling for 166 yards and 4 touchdowns. Clearly Indianapolis’ defense had no answer for him. One positive note is that Colts defensive tackle Ricardo Mathews notched a season high in tackles with three.
Kenbrell Thompkins: The former UC wide receiver has been a ghost since Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was activated a couple of months ago. Even when Gronk was sidelined again with an injury, Thompkins had trouble seeing the field. The complete 180 of KT’s season is astounding. One minute he was catching the game winning touchdown against the New Orleans Saints, securing himself as Tom Brady’s no. 1 receiver. The next minute he can’t even get on the field on special teams. It’s been a wild ride for Thompkins but on Sunday he was at least in the offense. Despite the rushing attack getting a heavy focus for the New England, KT was targeted three times by Brady but didn’t catch a single ball.