NFL playoffs: Chargers’ Khalil Mack leads UB, Western New York contingent

At least one former NFL offensive lineman can laugh when he recalls his first encounter with Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack.

Jack Mewhort was quick to praise Mack, the former University at Buffalo standout who is in his 11th NFL season.

But he also remembers how Mack dominated in the 2013 season opener for both teams in Columbus, Ohio.

Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack sits on the bench during a 2023 game at SoFi Stadium.

Mack and the Chargers face the Houston Texans in an AFC wild-card game at 4:30 p.m.

Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Mewhort is now a radio analyst for the University of Toledo football program and was an offensive lineman at Ohio State when the Buckeyes beat the Bulls, 40-20, on Aug.

31, 2013.

I was up close and personal with Khalil, unfortunately, said Mewhort, who played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2014-17.

He had dealt with an injury that season and we didnt have a thorough scouting report on him.

Mack gave the Buckeyes a quick study.

Mewhort remembers UBs defense playing three down linemen, with Mack in the box.

All of the sudden, he starts walking up on the line of scrimmage and rushing the passer (Braxton Miller), and this was (offensive tackle) Taylor Deckers first game at Ohio State, Mewhort said.

I went to throw a cut on him and Khalil was just so savvy, he stepped back, got on the passing lane, picked off the ball and returned it for a touchdown.

Mewhort labeled Mack as one of the best players he ever faced at Ohio State, and thats high praise: Mewhorts Buckeyes teammates included current NFL linebacker Joey Bosa (Chargers) and defensive lineman Cam Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Mack has established himself as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL; he has 107.5 sacks in 11 seasons with the Raiders, Bears and Chargers, and is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.

Mewhort jokes that Macks success almost vindicates him.

Hes the best in the world at what he does, Mewhort said.

However, Mack is pursuing one thing thats missing from his career: His first playoff win.

In 16 games this season, Mack has 39 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended.

Hes one of a handful of former UB standouts and Western New York high school products who will open the NFL playoffs this weekend.

The Bills, who host the Denver Broncos at 1 p.m.

Sunday at Highmark Stadium, have three former UB players on their roster: linebacker Joe Andreessen (a 2018 Lancaster High School graduate), cornerback JaMarcus Ingram and defensive back Cam Lewis.

Heres a look at players in the NFL postseason with Western New York and University at Buffalo ties: Los Angeles Chargers The Chargers have two UB players in their organization, Mack and running back Jaret Patterson , who is on the Chargers practice squad.

Patterson played at UB from 2018-20 and is the Bulls second all-time leading rusher (3,884 yards).

Detroit Lions The Lions originally signed offensive tackle Kayode Awosika off the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in September 2022, and he has helped Detroit become a Super Bowl contender.

Awosika played at UB from 2017-20.

The Lions are the top seed in the NFC and have a bye this weekend.

Green Bay Packers Isaiah McDuffie , a 2017 Olmsted High graduate who played at Bennett High and Boston College, is in his fourth season as a linebacker with the Packers.

Green Bay plays at Philadelphia at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, in a matchup that has two Western New York ties.

Philadelphia Eagles Nick Sirianni , a 1999 Southwestern High graduate, is in his fourth season as head coach of the Eagles and looks to return the Eagles to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.

Philadelphia lost to San Francisco in Super Bowl LVII in January 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.

Washington Commanders K.J.

Osborn , a wide receiver at UB from 2015-18, played his final season at Miami (Fla.) in 2019.

The fifth-year pro began the season with New England but the Commanders claimed him off waivers Dec.

11.

Washington plays at 8 p.m.

Sunday at Tampa Bay.

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