University of Houston Athletics
#HTownTakeover NFL Week 17 Recap
1/4/2017 12:00:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON -- With 12 alums on NFL rosters, the #HTownTakeover is well represented across the league and four active alums were in action in the 17th and final regular season week of NFL action. Of the 12 alums in the league, six are on teams advancing to the NFL playoffs with three active: Demarcus Ayers (Steelers), Nolan Frese (Seahawks) and Elandon Roberts (Patriots). D.J. Hayden (Raiders) and Sebastian Vollmer (Patriots) are on their teams injured reserve lists while Derrick Mathews is on the Packers' practice squad.
Take a look around the league to see how Houston alums performed in week 17...
In his second week of action, Ayers saw an increased role as the veterans got rest prior to playoffs. He pulled in five receptions for 44 yards and his first NFL career touchdown. The Steelers wrapped up the regular season with a 27-24 win over the Browns and a 11-5 record. The Steelers face the Miami Dolphins in the first week of the NFL Playoffs Sunday at 12 p.m. on CBS.
Despite letting one snap get away from him resulting in a safety, Frese had nine others that were perfect. The Seahawks finished the year off with a 25-23 win over San Francisco and a 10-5-1 record. Seattle will square off against the Lions in the first round of the NFL Playoffs Saturday night at 7 p.m. on NBC
New to Denver, former Cougar and 10-year NFL veteran Thomas Gafford had 10 long snaps in Denver's 24-10 victory over the Raiders to close out the regular season. The Broncos will look to rebound next year after missing playoffs a year removed from Super bowl victory.
Elandon Roberts seven tackles helped the Patriots decisively beat the Dolphins 35-14 to wrap up the regular season and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They finished the regular season with a record 14-2. The Patriots will face the winner of the Houston vs Oakland wild card game.
Read more on Elandon Roberts...
Patriots Rookie Elandon Roberts thrives on overcoming adversity (ESPN)
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Closing out the season, below are final stats of Houston alums who saw action this season, but not in week 17...
Kenneth Farrow did not play in San Diego's 37-27 loss to the Chiefs. Taking on an expanded role late in the season, Farrow ended his rookie season with 60 carries for 192 yards. Through the air, he caught 13 receptions for 70 yards.
In a challenging 2016 season in LA, Case Keenum ended the season with a 60.9 completion percentage and just over 2,200 yards passing in 10 games played. He had nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the year. He finished the year with a 76.4 passer rating and was responsible for all of LA's wins in 2016.
In 11 games played, D.J Hayden racked up 37 tackles to go along with six pas breakups. Hayden will miss the Raiders' playoff appearance after going down in Week 12 with a hamstring injury. The Raiders finished the regular season 12-4, and face the Texans in the first week of the NFL Playoffs Saturday at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
