Cards in the NFL: 6 former Louisville football players in the playoffs

Louisville football fans now have six reasons to tune into the NFL playoffs, which get started this weekend with the Wildcard round.

The highly anticipated NFL playoffs get kicked-off this weekend as the Wildcard round will give us four games, two from each side of the bracket, as we prepare for the 2019 Super Bowl and the Louisville football program will be well represented.

Several Cards in the NFL have played huge roles in getting their team into the playoffs, something that’s not easy to do at all. No one in the NFL is hotter right now or being talked about more than former Heisman Trophy Winner, Lamar Jackson.

But he’s not the only one who could help his team earn a spot in the Super Bowl.

Take a look at the six former Cards who will be playing over the next several weeks in the NFL playoffs.

Joshua Bellamy – WR

Chicago Bears

2018-19 Statistics: 14 receptions, 117 yards, 1 touchdown

Playoff Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears

Under new head coach Matt Nagy’s leadership, the Bears are a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl. Bellamy provides leadership as a 8 year NFL veteran, but won’t have a big role by any means. 

Teddy Bridgewater – QB

New Orleans Saints

2018-19 Statistics:118 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Playoff Matchup: Wildcard bye

Bridgewater started his first game since 2016 last weekend, and looked pretty good. Bridgewater won’t play as he’s the Saints backup QB, barring an injury to Drew Brees. If Bridgewater did get to play due to injury or other circumstances, there’s no doubt in my mind he could help lead the Saints to the Super Bowl.

Brandon Dunn – DT

Houston Texans

2018-19 Statistics: 24 tackles (total), 1 forced fumble, 4 tackles for loss

Playoff Matchup: Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

Brandon Dunn is another former Cardinal who most people have forgotten about, but he’s quietly had a big season for the Texans as a rotational defensive lineman. He’s great at stuffing the run and occasionally gets in there for a sack. The Texans have one of the NFL’s best defenses and Dunn has played a nice role for them this season, and should continue that into the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson – QB

Baltimore Ravens

2018-19 Statistics: 1,201 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 147 carries, 695 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns

Playoff Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens

What Lamar Jackson has done over the last seven weeks has been nothing short of incredible for the former Louisville QB. Jackson took over for Flacco and helped the Ravens finish the season 6-1 and clinch the AFC North. Now Jackson will become the youngest player to ever start at QB in a playoff game in NFL history. Can he continue his dominance or will the Chargers be ready to send him home?

Sheldon Rankins – DT

New Orleans Saints

2018-19 Statistics: 41 tackles (total), 8 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble

Playoff Matchup: Wildcard bye

There hasn’t been a more dominant defensive lineman in the NFC than Sheldon Rankins, aside from maybe Aaron Donald. What we saw from Rankins during his final seasons at Louisville has finally emerged for the Saints, as he’s no longer just a “space filler” but a guy who gets into opposing backfields and wrecks havoc.

Trevon Young

Los Angeles Rams

2018-19 Statistics: Appeared in 2 games in 2018-19, no statistics recorded

Playoff Matchup: Wildcard bye

Trevon Young struggled during preseason and training camp and didn’t initially make the Rams  regular season roster. However, the Rams brought up Young towards the end of the season and he’ll be on the active roster for the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson, NFL Super Bowl MVP… Sounds good right?