Former OU quarterback Jalen Hurts and Caleb Williams led each of their NFL teams to wins this week.
Here is how they performed:
Jalen Hurts
Hurts guided the Eagles (10-5) to a 29-18 win against the Washington Commanders (4-11).
Hurts completed 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns while accumulating a 111.1 rating. Hurts added 40 rushing yards on seven carries as well. Hurts' season totals increased to 3,114 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 416 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
With the Eagles win against the Commanders, they have clinched the NFC East title for the second consecutive season, becoming the first team to secure back-to-back NFC East titles since the Eagles in 2001-04, while securing a playoff spot.
Next, Hurts and the Eagles will take on reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (10-4) at 3:25 p.m. on Dec. 28 at Highmark Stadium on Fox.
Caleb Williams
Williams led the Chicago Bears (11-4) to a 22-16 victory against the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) on Saturday.
Williams completed 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. Williams also rushed three times for 30 yards.
After the Bears lost their five-game winning streak, they bounced back with two consecutive wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. Williams added 36 completions, 492 throwing yards, four touchdowns and 43 passing yards over the last two wins. Williams' season totals improved to 3,400 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 369 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Next, the Bears will take on the San Francisco 49ers (10-4) at 7:20 p.m. Dec. 28 at Levi Stadium on NBC and Peacock.
Baker Mayfield
Former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield’s late interception proved costly Sunday as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) fell 23-20 to the Carolina Panthers (8-7), a loss that pushed Tampa Bay to second place in the NFC South.
The game was marked by modest offensive production from both teams. Mayfield finished with 145 passing yards, along with a passing touchdown and an interception. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 191 yards and two passing touchdowns.
Tampa Bay took an early lead in the first quarter, but Carolina answered with a touchdown just before halftime to go ahead at the break. The Panthers held the advantage throughout much of the second half and led 23-20 with two minutes left. Mayfield threw the game-sealing interception with 44 seconds left, ending Tampa Bay’s final chance to take the lead.
Tampa Bay will host the Miami Dolphins (6-9) at noon Sunday on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium on Fox.
This story was edited by Laurie Jones and Joshua McDaniel.
