Huskers in the NFL Week 16

Week 16 was significant because the season is wrapping up but for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they clinched a playoff berth which will be the first time former Husker Lavonte David will be in the playoffs. In addition to David here is a look at how all our former Huskers did in their games this weekend.

Top Husker Performer

Randy Gregory, Dallas

Sunday was a truly dominant game for Randy Gregory and he only played in less than half the Cowboys defensive snaps. Gregory was practically unblockable as he finished with one and half sacks and forced three fumbles. Philadelphia’s left tackle had such issues that they had to bring over the tight end and or the running back to slow him down. Gregory was the highest graded defender of Week 16 by Pro Football Focus.

Had a Good Day

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay

It was another solid day for David whose five tackles was second best for the Bucs. But David did most of his damage in coverage, keeping Lions tight end TJ Hockenson to only 23 receiving yards while he was rarely targeted. Add in a forced fumble to start the second half and it was an all around great day.

Maliek Collins, Las Vegas

After missing a few weeks with an ankle injury he made his return on Saturday against the Dolphins. Collins didn’t register any tackles but played well in his limited snaps. After being doubled, Collins was able to get penetration working one on one and even got some push forcing Tua into another defender for a sack.

Luke Gifford, Dallas

An injury to Leighton Vander Esch allowed Gifford to be active for the first time since his suspension. Gifford only played on special teams but was very active with two tackles.

Sam Koch, Baltimore

With only two punts it was a quiet day for Koch. Koch’s first punt was used to pin the Giants inside the 10 yard line while his second half punt flipped the field for the Ravens.

Carlos Davis, Pittsburgh

Active for the first time in a couple of games Davis rotated in for ten plays. Davis was active getting two tackles both after very short gains. It should be interesting to see if Davis will be active in any playoff games moving forward. He has produced in his limited snaps.

Up and Down Game

Ndamukong Suh, Tampa Bay

If you were looking for Suh to have a big day playing back in Detroit, then you were likely disappointed. Suh had a solid game plugging up running lanes but only had a couple of tackles and a single quarterback hit. Solid, but not spectacular game.

Nick Gates, New York Giants

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked six times in their loss against the Ravens, but you cannot blame Gates who was solid but not spectacular. Gates was a steady presence for the Giants holding the point of attack while also occupying the Ravens defenders. Sure Gates lost balance a time or two but he didn’t give up a sack and wasn’t really beaten badly.

Chris Jones, Minnesota

It’s been a struggle for Jones the last several games but he was able to bounce back having a solid game against the Saints. Sure Jones gave up a 26 yard reception to Emmanuel Sanders and was called for pass interference in the red zone, but overall Jones didn’t give up any huge plays and was rather quiet. And for a cornerback, quiet is good.

Had a Rough Day

Andy Janovich, Cleveland

With the Browns top 4 receivers being out because of contract tracing, you would have thought that we may have seen the Browns run the ball more than normal and use Janovich more. Instead they threw the ball a season high 53 times and Janovich only had 11 total snaps. Janovich continued to block well but dropped his only target of the game.

Brent Qvale, Houston

Earning his third straight start, Qvale played well early on but left the game with a concussion in the first quarter and didn’t return. Tough break for Qvale who had filled in for the struggling Max Sharpring.

No Impact

Will Compton, Tennessee

Playing only on special teams Compton only had one tackle, but it was a big one on a kick return where he was able to light up Malik Taylor as he tried to spin around a tackle attempt. A highlight reel hit was sure to make the rounds on social media.

Joshua Kalu, Tennessee

With starting safety Kenny Vaccaro back that meant that Kalu was regulated to just playing special teams. Kalu didn’t have any tackles but he was flagged for being offsides when the Titans blocked the Packers field goal and returned it seventy yards. However replays show that Kau wasn’t offsides and the Packers ended up scoring a few plays later.

Ameer Abdullah, Minnesota

Against the Saints on Friday, Abdullah saw his most action with eleven total snaps on offense which included an 11 yard run around the corner late in the first quarter. Add in a fourth quarter target and Abdullah actually got some action in addition to his special teams play.

Darrion Daniels, San Francisco

It’s been a roller coaster for Daniels who has bounced back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster. Against the Cardinals it was Daniels seeing the field for a season high 22 snaps which included a couple of tackles and an unnecessary roughness call where he delivered a hit as DeAndre Hopkins was already wrapped up and the play was over.

Cethan Carter, Cincinnati

The Bengals went with plenty of two tight end sets which meant we got to see more of Cethan Carter. And while he had a low grade by Pro Football Focus, Carter had another strong day as a blocker while also adding in a special teams tackle.

Devine Ozigbo, Jacksonville

James Robinson has dominated the touches for the Jaguars this season and it was thought that Ozigbo could carry the load. Instead it was former Wisconsin RB Dare Ogunbowale who had the bulk of carries. Instead Ozigbo had one carry and one catch for a total of 4 yards.

Stanley Morgan, Cincinnati

Morgan saw his highest snap count of the season with ten, but was still without a target. Morgan continues to be one of the Bengals gunners but didn’t make a single tackle against the Texans.

Lamar Jackson, New York Jets

In the Jets second win of the season the rookie cornerback was used only on special teams coverage units where he didn’t register a single tackle.

Inactive

Khalil Davis, Tampa Bay

Practice Squad or Injured Reserve

Alex Lewis, New York Jets – NFI

Nathan Gerry, Philadelphia – IR

Richie Incognito, Las Vegas – IR

Rex Burkhead, New England – IR

Prince Amukamara, Arizona

Freedom Akinmoladun, Cincinnati