Jan. 5, 2016
When the NFL playoffs commence Saturday, two Commodores will have their eyes on the Lombardi Trophy. Houston safety Andre Hal and Green Bay cornerback Casey Hayward will be in action on Wildcard Weekend.
Hal and the Texans host Kansas City on Saturday (3:35 p.m. CT, ESPN) and Hayward and the Packers travel to Washington on Sunday (3:40 p.m. CT, FOX).
It will be Hal’s playoff debut, while Hayward will be playing in his fifth career postseason game. Both players will be looking for their first career postseason starts.
Hayward played in all 16 games this year, while making 11 starts. He finished second on the team with 56 solo tackles and fifth overall with 65 total stops. Hal has played in all 16 games, while also making 11 starts. He finished the regular season with a team-best four interceptions, which tied for 13th in the league.
In total nine former Commodores ended the regular season on NFL rosters. Below is a snapshot of each of their 2015 seasons.
Jay Cutler, QB
Chicago
The most experienced Commodore in the NFL, Cutler just completed his 10th season with what was one of the best statistical seasons. He passed for 3,659 yards and 21 touchdowns, while posting a career-best quarterback rating of 92.3 in 15 starts. His completion percentage of 64.4 was the second highest of his career. His interception percentage was also the second lowest of his career. Cutler now has 204 touchdown passes and 31,408 passing yards for his career.
Andre Hal, S
Houston
Making his playoff debut after having 11 starts in 16 games with Texans. Successfully switched from cornerback to safety prior to season. Hal finished with a team-best four interceptions, which tied for 13th in the league. He also defensed 14 passes and registered 36 total stops.
Casey Hayward, CB
Green Bay
A fourth-year pro, Hayward will play in his fifth playoff game after registering 11 starts in 16 games with Packers this season. Hayward was second on the team with 56 solo tackles and ranked fifth overall with 65 total tackles.
Wesley Johnson, OL
New York Jets
After spending last year on practice squads with Pittsburgh and the Jets, Johnson made his regular season debut in Week 8 of 2015 when he earned a start at Oakland. He played in the remaining nine games of the regular season.
Jonathan Krause, WR
Philadelphia
Promoted to the active roster on November 24, Krause played in two games, finishing with two catches for 11 yards. He was signed to Philadelphia’s practice squad on Sept. 22.
Jordan Matthews, WR
Philadelphia
The second-year wide receiver finished the year as Philadelphia’s top wideout, leading the team in catches, yards and touchdowns. He totaled career highs with 85 catches and 997 yards, and matched another with eight touchdowns. Matthews’ 85 catches tied for 15th in the league. He topped 100 receiving yards in four games, including Dec. 20 against Arizona when he had a career-best 159 yards.
Sean Richardson, S
Green Bay
A four-year veteran, Richardson played in three games in 2015, making one start, before being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 14 due to neck injury. Richardson will be sidelined when Hayward and teammates open the playoffs Sunday.
Ryan Seymour, OL
New Orleans
Seymour started the season on Chicago’s practice squad and ended the year on New Orleans’ active roster. His first game action game in Week 17, a 20-17 win at Atlanta. He was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster in Week 16.
Zac Stacy, RB
New York Jets
Suffered a season-ending ankle injury returning a kick against Buffalo on Nov. 12. Played eight games before the injury, totaling 89 yards rushing and one touchdown. He also caught nine passes for 65 yards, and returned 10 kicks for an average of 20.4 yards.
