BYU in NFL, Playoffs--AFC Championship Game: Pitta to play in his first Super Bowl

Former Brigham Young Cougars tight end Dennis Pitta will play in the first Super Bowl of his career in two weeks after making three first down and one touchdown reception to help the Baltimore Ravens upend the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.


Dennis Pitta
, Baltimore Ravens, Tight End

Once again, Pitta was a key player for the Ravens as they upset the New England Patriots, 28-13, to reach Super Bowl XLVII. Going into the game, Pitta had already set a new career high for receiving yards in the playoffs (82; old 70). He added 55 yards on five receptions Sunday. He now has 10 receptions this post-season, which is a new career high (7 in 2011). Early in the second quarter, Pitta helped the Ravens take a 7-3 lead with a 17-yard reception on 3rd and 4. The drive ended in a touchdown. In the third quarter the Ravens were trailing the Patriots 13-7. Pitta helped change that with three receptions for 32 yards on a 10-play, 87-yard touchdown drive. His first reception on the drive was for 22 yards. Pitta covered the final 10 yards on two 5-yard receptions. The second 5-yard grab was a touchdown that put the Ravens up for good, 14-13, with 6:14 to play in the third quarter. Pitta's final catch was a 6-yard reception in the closing moments of the third quarter. It gave Baltimore a first down at the New England 13-yard line. Three plays later the Ravens extended their lead to 21-13 on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Stats
This week: 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
Playoffs: 10 receptions, 137 yards, 2 TD
Season: 61 receptions, 669 yards, 7 touchdowns, 1 tackle

Baltimore Ravens: 13-6
Next: Super Bowl XVII, February 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive End

No playoffs.

Stats
This week: 1 tackles (1 solo)
Season: 46 tackles (1 solo), 4.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 pass break up, 1 fumble recovery

Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8

John Denney, Miami Dolphins, Long Snapper

No playoffs.

Stats
This week: 1 downed punt
Season: 1 tackle (1 solo), 1 forced fumble, 1 downed punt

Miami Dolphins: 7-9

Dallas Reynolds, Philadelphia Eagles, Center

No playoffs. 

Philadelphia Eagles: 4-12

Bryan Kehl, Washington Redskins, Linebacker

Lost in wild card round of playoffs.   

Stats
This week: none
Season: 6 tackles (2 solo).

Washington Redskins: 10-6
Vic So’oto, Washington Redskins, Linebacker

Lost in wild card round of playoffs.   

Stats
This week: none
Season: 1 tackle

Washington Redskins: 10-6

Brady Poppinga, Dallas Cowboys, Linebacker

No playoffs.

Stats
This week: 4 tackles (2 solo)
Season: 12 tackles (7 solo), 1 pass defensed

Dallas Cowboys: 8-8

Hebron Fangupo, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Tackle
No playoffs. 

Stats
This week: none
Season: none

Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8

Harvey Unga, Chicago Bears, Running Back

No playoffs. 

Stats
This week: none
Season: none

Chicago Bears: 10-6

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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