Last weekend, the NFL kicked off the postseason with four wild-card games, with three Gator alumni playing in the games: the Jets’ Lito Sheppard, the Bengals’ Andre Caldwell and Patriots’ Fred Taylor. While the Bengals and Patriots were defeated by New York and Baltimore, respectively, Lito Sheppard and his New York Jets advance to the next round to face the San Diego Chargers and UF alums Brandon Siler and Ian Scott. Here is a review of this weekend’s former Gators.

Lito Sheppard, New York Jets

Starting in Saturday’s game, Sheppard had six tackles in a 24-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Sheppard finished second on the team in tackles, and also had a pass deflection, ironically deflecting a pass to former Gator Andre Caldwell. The Jets advance to the next round where they will face the San Diego Chargers, who had a first-round bye last weekend.

Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati Bengals

Battling an ankle injury, Caldwell had two catches for 25 yards in a 24-14 loss to the New York Jets. Both of the catches came in the second half and were first-down catches. Despite only having two catches, Caldwell was thrown to eight times by quarterback Carson Palmer, but Palmer’s inaccurate passing (late in the fourth Palmer overthrew a wide-open Caldwell) in addition to a stingy Jets defense made receiving the ball difficult.

Fred Taylor, New England Patriots

Nothing seemed to go right for the New England Patriots Sunday, down 24-0 in the first quarter and ultimately losing to the Baltimore Ravens 33-14. Taylor could not get the running game going either, rushing twice for 2 yards, even though the 12-year veteran was able to move the chains on a third down.

Though there were six former Gators who made the postseason, there were actually 10 total alumni, with two on injured reserve and one not playing in this weekend’s games. Philadelphia Eagles tight end Cornelius Ingram suffered a torn ACL during preseason training camp; Saturday the Eagles lost 34-14 to the Dallas Cowboys. Green Bay Packers running back DeShawn Wynn suffered a knee injury and was placed on the IR October 21; the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Packers 51-45. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Keiwan Ratliff did not play in the Bengals’ loss.

In this weekend’s games, five UF alums will compete:  Sheppard, Siler, Scott, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin and New Orleans Saints defensive end Bobby McCray. Thursday, I will preview each Gator in his respective game.