#STATEtoSundays: Wild Card Update
January 14, 2025 | Football
A pair of Mississippi State standouts played a pivotal role in helping their NFL teams advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Denico Autry and Darius Slay each made their marks during wins on Wild Card Weekend and received two of the highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades in the league.
Autry only made one tackle, but it was a big one as he sacked Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert on third down during the third quarter. Autry also blocked an extra point as Houston rolled to a 32-12 victory.
It was Autry's fifth-career postseason sack and first since 2021.
Autry posted the highest PFF defensive and pressure grades of any edge rusher in the NFL during the opening round of the playoffs at 90.1 and 88.8, respectively. His pressure grade ranked fifth in the league regardless of position while his overall defensive grade sat seventh.
Autry also earned the highest special teams grade in the NFL last weekend at 93.9.
Slay snagged his first interception of the season to go along with three tackles and a pass defense in Philadelphia's 22-10 win over Green Bay. It was also Slay's first postseason pick in eight career playoff games.
The six-time Pro Bowler's performance ranked third in the NFL with a coverage grade of 90.3 and his overall defensive grade of 84.4 was fourth-best among cornerbacks during Wild Card Weekend.
The only other MSU football alum to see action during the opening round of the playoffs was Packers' offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins. The two-time Pro Bowl selection started at left guard but was forced to leave the game after injuring his right shoulder on his fourth snap and did not return.
Jenkins completed his sixth NFL season ranked fifth among all guards with a pass blocking grade of 81.6. He started all 18 games this season and logged 1,073 snaps, 999 of which came at left guard.
DENICO AUTRYÂ | DE | HOUSTON TEXANSÂ |Â AT MSU: 2012-13
Last Week:Â Autry made one solo tackle for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry and blocked an extra point in 32-12 win over the Chargers.
Postseason: Defense - One solo tackle, one tackle for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry Special Teams – one blocked PAT
Regular Season:Â 13 tackles (eight solo, five assists), three tackles for loss, three sacks, six quarterback hurries, three pass defenses
MARCUS BANKSÂ | S | TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERSÂ |Â AT MSU: 2022-23
Last Week:Â Banks was on the practice squad for a 23-20 loss to the Commanders.
Postseason: N/A
Regular Season:Â N/A
EMMANUEL FORBESÂ | CB | LOS ANGELES RAMSÂ |Â AT MSU: 2020-22
Last Week:Â Forbes was inactive for a 27-9 win over the Vikings.
Postseason: N/A
Regular Season:Â 12 tackles (six solo, six assists), one interception, two pass defenses
ELGTON JENKINSÂ | OG | GREEN BAY PACKERS |Â AT MSU: 2014-18
Last Week:Â Jenkins started at left guard but suffered a shoulder injury on Green Bay's fourth offensive snap and did not return in a 22-10 loss at the Eagles.
Postseason: One game played, one start
Regular Season: Offense – 17 games played, 17 starts Misc. – One solo tackle
CHRIS JONESÂ | DE | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS |Â AT MSU: 2013-15
Last Week:Â Bye
Postseason: N/A
Regular Season:Â 38 tackles (19 solo, 19 assists), nine tackles for loss, 5 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble, 21 quarterback hurries
DARIUS SLAYÂ | CB | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES |Â AT MSU: 2011-12
Last Week:Â Slay started and made three tackles (two solo, one assist), one interception and one pass defense in a 22-10 win over the Packers.
Postseason: Three tackles (two solo, one assist), one interception, one pass defense
Regular Season:Â 49 tackles (38 solo, 11 assists), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 12 pass defenses, three tackles for loss
PRESTON SMITHÂ | LB | PITTSBURGH STEELERSÂ |Â AT MSU: 2011-14
Last Week:Â Smith was inactive for a 28-14 loss at the Ravens.
Postseason: N/A
Regular Season:Â 31 tackles (12 solo, 19 assists), five tackles for loss, 4 1/2 sacks, six quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery
