Huskers in the NFL Week 17

Emotions were running high in the final week of the NFL regular season and our former Huskers were not alone. Whether it was Randy Gregory and Nick Gates getting into it after a play and Carlos Davis mixing it up with a teammate on the sideline. With the playoffs just around the corner, here is a summary of how each former Husker did in their Week 17 games.

Top Husker Performer

Ndamukong Suh, Tampa Bay

Sure Suh was only credited with one sack and two quarterback hurries, but he seemed like he was in the Falcons backfield the entire game. Atlanta’s offensive line struggled to keep Suh at bay who was terrorizing Ryan throughout the game. Another strong performance for Suh who is gearing up for the playoffs.

Had a Good Day

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay

It was another excellent performance for David in coverage against the Falcons as he shut down whichever Falcons tight end or running back he was asked to cover. Throw in eight total tackles and a forced fumble and we continue to ask ourselves why David doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

Nick Gates, New York Giants

If we’ve learned anything from Nick Gates this year, it’s that he loves to get into it with his opponents, and against the Cowboys it was much the same. Whether it was getting face to face with Jaylon Smith or even former Husker Randy Gregory, don’t mess with Gates. As for his production on the field it was another strong game for Gates. Sure he collided with Wayne Gallman early in the game that caused a fumble, but as a blocker Gates continued to shine. Especially when he’s asked to pull in the run game.

Ameer Abdullah, Minnesota

The last time the Vikings played the Lions it was Abdullah catching a screen pass and rumbling in for a touchdown. Abudllah and the Vikings repeated that this week as Ameer caught a four yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. It was a solid day for the former second round pick of the Lions as he caught all three targets and was very productive as a kick returner averaging over 26 yards per return.

Lamar Jackson, New York Jets

After spending the last couple of weeks as a special teams player, Jackson was back in the starting lineup for his fourth game of his rookie season. Sure Jackson gave up a couple of catches but he played well overall not giving up any big plays and even breaking up a pass.

Khalil Davis, Tampa Bay

Active for only the second time all season Davis saw the field for 14 total snaps playing well in a reserve role. Davis finished the game with one tackle but also got some pressure and was able to get a quarterback hit on Matt Ryan late in the fourth quarter.

Up and Down Game

Cethan Carter, Cincinnati

He may have only played 12 total snaps, but Carter’s 21 yard reception in the second quarter was the second longest play for the Bengals in the entire game. Cincinnati got down early to the Ravens which meant fewer run plays and less Carter. But having the 21 yard gain and another target was more action that Carter has received all season long.

Had a Rough Day

Randy Gregory, Dallas

As usual this season if Gregory has a monster game (like he did last week) he usually disappears the next. And that was the case this week and Gregory disappeared for most of the game but had more penalties (2) than he did tackles (1).

Maliek Collins, Las Vegas

After a strong return from the injured list, Collins was back into the starting lineup against the Broncos. However it was a dud of a game for Collins who finished with three tackles, but continued to struggle to get any pressure on the quarterback.

Carlos Davis, Pittsburgh

For the second half of the season it has been Davis battling with fellow rookie Isaiah Buggs for a spot on the active roster. So it was only fitting that the two would get into it on the sideline during the Steelers game against the Browns. And with only playing 7 total snaps, unfortunately this was the only highlight of the game for Davis. With Davis being the one to strike first, it should be interesting if that affects whether or not he’ll be active for their playoff game next week.

No Impact

Andy Janovich, Cleveland

Sunday was a quiet day for Janovich as he was only used on 3 total offensive plays despite the Browns running the game 31 times in the game. But I guess that is the norm these days for the fullback position. On the other hand maybe Janovich can moonlight as a kick returner as the opening kickoff was pouched right to him, which he took back 13 yards.

Darrion Daniels, San Francisco

Active for the final game of the season Daniels had one tackle in twenty three snaps showing that he has the capabilities to be a rotational run stuffer in this league.

Devine Ozigbo, Jacksonville

Even with star rookie James Robinson out another game, the Jaguars went with just Dare Ogunbowale as their feature back. This also meant that Ozigbo was left with just one snap on offense. A bit surprising that the Jaguars wouldn’t give Ozigbo some action in the final two games to see what they have.

Will Compton, Tennessee

Will Compton may have only played special teams and not register any tackles or any impact whatsoever. But that is not going to stop him from partying up after a win and continuing to grow his brand on social media brand.

Joshua Kalu, Tennessee

Another day of just special teams for Kalu as the versatile defensive back was unable to make any tackles on special teams and at least he wasn’t called for any offsides on a field goal attempt either.

Luke Gifford, Dallas

Active for a second straight week Gifford was one of three captains today representing special teams. Gifford finished the game with a single tackle on a second quarter punt return.

Inactive

Chris Jones, Minnesota

Practice Squad or Injured Reserve

Sam Koch, Baltimore - Covid IR

After playing 239 straight games over the past 15 years, Sam Koch missed his first game due to being on the Covid List.

Richie Incognito, Las Vegas - IR

Rex Burkhead, New England - IR

Nathan Gerry, Philadelphia - IR

Brent Qvale, Houston - IR

Alex Lewis, New York Jets - IR

Freedom Akinmoladun, Cincinnati

Prince Amukamara, Arizona