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ProCanes NFL Recap: Divisional Round

It’s playoff time in the NFL and the ProCanes are showing out again, but you knew that already.

NFL: NFC Divisional-Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Last week’s playoff games were phenomenal all across the board, even the Patriots-Texans game that many thought was going to be a blowout. Per usual, many ProCanes stepped up for their teams in big ways.

Jimmy Graham

Graham came back this season in a BIG way for the Seattle Seahawks, and he continued his hot season with an opening drive touchdown that put Seattle ahead early.

He’s simply a mismatch nightmare for ANYONE that covers him, and I think it took Seattle some time into the season before they realized it. Even if he’s not open, he’s open.

Graham finished the game with three catches for just 22 yards, including his first quarter touchdown grab. The Seahawks lost the game 36-20 to Atlanta, so their season is now over. Graham racked up 923 receiving yards on 65 catches and six touchdowns...not bad after Graham suffered a gruesome knee injury late last season.

Devin Hester

This lowkey pains me, considering Hester was on the Ravens (my hometown team) for the majority of the season and did NOTHING! Then all of a sudden against Atlanta, his former team, Hester ran like a man possessed.

That 80-yarder was IMPRESSIVE, man...

He doesn’t have the game-breaking speed he once had, but Hester was still a BLURRRRRRRRRRRRR (hope i used that right) out there. Unfortunately, it looks as if Hester is set on retiring after this season and just two games with Seattle.

If Hester does decide to finally hang up the cleats, he will go down as the greatest returner in the HISTORY of the NFL. He’ll finish his career with 20 total return TDs (14 PR, five KR, one FG) to go along with 16 receiving touchdowns and one rushing. I see the HOF in this man’s future. Congrats, Devin, on a great and record-setting career!

Vince Wilfork

I DON’T WANT TO BELIEVE IT! NOT ANOTHER ONE! The writing seems on the wall as Wilfork is at the tail end of his career. If so, it looks like the Canes have TWO future HOFers to make their way into Canton five years from now.

Congrats, Vince, on a stellar career and being an even better (and bigger) person along the way!

Greg Olsen

Olsen and his Panthers were eliminated from the playoffs a while back, but Olsen was in the headlines for another reason:

Greg Olsen was the recipient of the Nationwide 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year award!!! Olsen frequently gives back to the community and uses his platform the better those around him. Couldn’t think of a better man for this award! Just a quick look back at the person they are giving his award to...for all you fans that may have missed this, read it.

Congrats, Greg!

Artie Burns

I couldn’t find any highlights of Burns’ play in the Steelers’ win over Kansas City, but here’s something for you:

Burns grading out that high in a great defensive game is outstanding. He only figures to get better after coming on strong late in the season. That Pittsburgh secondary will be real special in a few years.

That’s all for this week, see you guys after the conference championships!

GO CANES!!!