Jan. 12, 2009

Three former Tar Heels will be represented in the Conference Championships this weekend. Jason Brown and the Ravens will face off against Willie Parker, Jeff Reed and the Steelers in the AFC Title game Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Julius Peppers, Hilee Taylor and the Panthers fell to the Cardinals 33-13 in a disappointing loss.

Jason Brown, Baltimore - Center anchored offensive line leading the Ravens over the Titans 13-10. Brown and Ravens advance to the AFC Title game Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Alge Crumpler, Tennessee-Tight end caught two passes for nine yards in 13-10 loss to Baltimore.Crumpler caught 24 passes for 257 yards in 15 games for the NFL's best 13-3 Titans as their season came to an end Sunday.

Madison Hedgecock, NY Giants - Fullback helped the Giants rush for over 100 yards in 23-11 loss to the Eagles. The defending Super Bowl Champs failed to score a touchdown in a tough loss to Philadelphia.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh - Running back rushed for 146 yards on 27 carries scoring two touchdowns in Steelers' 35-24 win over San Diego. Pittsburgh will meet the Baltimore Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET in the AFC Championship game. Parker, who was plagued by injuries all season, rushed for nearly 800 yards in 11 games this season for the 12-4 Steelers. It was Parker's first time without rushing for over 1,000 yards since 2004.

Julius Peppers, Carolina -Veteran defensive end recorded two tackles in ugly 33-13 loss to Arizona. Peppers enjoyed a pro bowl season with a career best 14.5 sacks leading the Panthers to a 12-4 record, but their season ended in disappointment.

Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh - Veteran place kicker converted five extra points and did not attempt a field goal in 35-24 win over the Chargers. Pittsburgh faces off against Baltimore for a spot in the Super Bowl Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Reed, in his seventh season in the NFL, was 27-31 from field goals in 16 games this season for the Steelers.

Hilee Taylor, Carolina - Rookie defensive end saw action in disappointing 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Taylor played in 10 games this season for the 12-4 Panthers.

David Thornton, Tennessee - Linebacker recorded two tackles in 13-10 loss to Ravens. Thornton recorded 78 tackles in 15 games for the NFL's best 13-3 Titans, as their season came to an end in a narrow loss to Baltimore.

Greg Warren, Pittsburgh - Four-year pro as a long snapper tore his ACL in Week Seven as Steelers host Ravens Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.