NFL Locals Make Their Mark In Conference Championship Games
Jan 26, 2025, 8:49 PM
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 26: JuJu Smith-Schuster #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against Cole Bishop #24 of the Buffalo Bills after a catch during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With only four teams able to punch a ticket to New Orleans, players with local ties left an impact with their season on the line on Sunday.
Some prospered and some faltered. The end result? Philadelphia versus Kansas City in the Super Bowl on February 9.
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Eagles Stomp Commanders Behind Rushing Onslaught
Washington started with the ball and scored first on Sunday afternoon. However, the 3-0 lead was the only one they would see all game.
The Eagles scored touchdowns on four of their five first-half drives. For the whole game, they got into the end zone on eight of 11 drives. Washington didnt play bad by any means. But, they simply had no answer for the dynamic backfield of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
Those two combined for six rushing touchdowns as Philadelphia soared to a 55-23 blowout over Washington at Lincoln Financial Field.
RELATED: Ground Game Dominance Leads Eagles To Blowout Win Over Washington
FINAL: Eagles fly to Super Bowl LIX! #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zeQalROPBq
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2025
The only local to see any action was former Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner. He posted nine total tackles (five solo) and one tackle for loss.
Although Washington fell just short, the 2024 season was far from disappointing. From their first playoff appearance since 2020 to their first playoff win in two decades and the emergence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the future is bright in the nation’s capital.
Chiefs Continue To Haunt Bills, Advance To Super Bowl
When Kansas City and Buffalo face off in the playoffs, you can expect fireworks. That held true in 2025.
It was the fourth matchup between the teams in the Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen era. And for the fourth straight time, Mahomes and the Chiefs prevailed.
The game saw five lead changes and, like most postseason matchups between these teams, came down to the final minutes. The largest lead for either side was an 11-point Kansas City advantage just before halftime. However, the Bills’ two-minute drill was successful and they closed it down to one possession going into the break.
Ultimately, it came down to scoring drives and late-game execution. Buffalo had one more scoreless drive than Kansas City and also turned it over on downs while trailing by three with two minutes left.
THE @CHIEFS ARE HEADED BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL 🏆 #BUFvsKC pic.twitter.com/BuTKBKAtTP
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025
In terms of impact from locals, former BYU Cougar Kingsley Suamataia and the Chiefs’ offensive line allowed just two sacks on Mahomes.
For Buffalo, former Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid had two receptions for 13 yards. On the other side of the ball, former Ute safety Cole Bishop led the team in tackles with 11 (nine solo). Former Weber State defensive back Taron Johnson posted three total tackles (two solo).
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
