Week 4 in the NFL found some of our favorite former Wildcat football players in action, as they look to improve upon their previous week’s play, while some are still looking to fulfill their NFL dreams. Here’s a breakdown of how the former Cats played:
Jacob Tamme (Colts): With the emergence of second year wide receiver Pierre Garcon and rookie wide receiver Austin Collie, Tamme has found very little playing time in recent weeks. I originally thought Tamme could see more playing time because of the Anthony Gonzalez injury, but the Colts coaching staff have found their guys in Garcon and Collie, along with regulars like Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. I expect Garcon and Collie to continue to get the bulk of open opportunities, but Tamme should be ready at any time. With such a high-powered offense, the two tight-end sets don’t seem to be in the Colts playbook as much. The Colts also boast some very respectable receiving running backs in Joseph Addai and rookie Donald Brown out of UConn. Expect Tamme to continue to sit as long as the Colts and this offense run’s the show.
Keenan Burton (Rams): With Burton stepping into the #2 wide receiver positions on the Rams depth chart, most thought more production would be seen from the second year pro out of UK. However, that wasn’t the case against a pesky 49er’s defense on Sunday as Burton only had one reception for 12 yards. Primary receiver Laurent Robinson is out for the year, so the opportunities for production will be there for Burton and any other Rams receiver for that matter. I personally don’t understand how Burton can be struggling this badly with the role he has. Despite numerous injuries during his college career, it appears that Burton is healthy and ready to go in the NFL. He really needs to seize this opportunity while it lasts to possibly showcase the type of talent he has.
Stevie Johnson (Bills): Johnson, a teammate of Burton’s at UK and fellow wide receiver, doesn’t quite have the same opportunity as his Ram’s buddy. Johnson continues to sit behind four other wide receivers on the depth chart and looks like he will continue to do so. This is another perplexing idea as the Bills have struggled on offense, ultimately posting a (1-3) record. An aging Terrell Owns has yet to find his niche with the Bills, as the media tries to break him down to commit his annual meltdown with his respective team; see 49er’s, Eagles, Cowboys, and soon to be Bills. I personally don’t understand why the Bills brass can’t give Johnson a chance during game-play with Owens, as well as Lee Evans and Josh Reed floundering. It can’t hurt, I know that for sure.
Wesley Woodyard (Broncos): The Broncos/Cowboys game was shown during the primetime evening game, so I was able to catch it and watch Woodyard continue his progression in the NFL. Woodyard, along with fellow defensive players like D.J. Williams, Andra Davis, and Elvis Dumervil have led resurgence on the defensive side for the Broncos who are now (4-0) after defeating the Cowboys on Sunday. Woodyard (#59) had two tackles, one solo and a hit on the quarterback. As I’ve said before, his versatility is something the Broncos seem to love. He can man outside linebacker positions and covers sideline-sideline well. The second year pro only has 11 tackles on the year, so we understand that he isn’t the primary defensive player for the Broncos. But his help is certainly appreciated, as the Broncos own one of the best defensive units in the NFL, allowing just 26 points in four games. We’ll continue to see similar production from Woodyard for the rest of the season.
Jeremy Jarmon (Redskins): Much like Woodyard, Jarmon is finding more playing time with the Redskins as he learns the ways of the NFL. He’s been practicing and getting some reps during the regular season, but Sunday’s game was certainly his finest thus far. With the game on the line, Jarmon forced a fumble to help lead the Skins to a much needed victory. Sitting as one of the lesser teams this year in the NFL, Jarmon looks to be a bright spot on a team that doesn’t have too many. As a rookie, he’s got a lot of productivity in front of him. If he continues to progress and succeed, he will continue to see the field more and more. Along with fellow rookie Brian Orakpo, the Redskins have two formidable young defensive players that will anchor the team’s defense for years to come. Along with the fumble he also had two tackles, both solo, so we can see that Jarmon has the ability to get to the ball-carrier and tackle effectively. Defense was a strong point during his time at UK, so you have to think he’s got the right mindset to play for the Redskins.
Myron Pryor (Patriots): In a heated battle with bitter rival Baltimore, Pryor saw some action while sharing time with starting nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Wilfork was out due to injury last week, where Pryor saw more of the reps, but this game was a little different. Pryor did have a solo tackle, but his reserve role didn’t allow him to get as much production this week as in the prior. With Wilfork still recovering from injury, I’d expect to see Pryor in much of the same role as he is in now. Once he does return to 100% health, I think Pryor’s playing time may be minimized. If he can progress anywhere near the level of former teammates Jarmon and Woodyard, Pryor could become a vital reserve for a Patriots team that is beginning to click after four games o
f play.
Garry Williams (Panthers): Williams continues to sit behind Jordan Gross at offensive tackle for the Panthers. Gross looks like he’s in a Pro-Bowl mode at this point in the season and barring injury will continue to do the work at offensive left-tackle.
Andre Woodson (Redskins): practice squad
Glenn Pakulak (Redskins): Former UK punter Pakulak was signed to the Redskin’s practice squad on October 6 and now becomes the third former Wildcat on the Redskin’s roster.
Braxton Kelley (Broncos): practice squad
Rafael Little (free agent)
Ventrell Jenkins (free agent)
Johnny Williams (free agent)
Andrew Hardison is a recent UK alumni and frequent contributor to Wildcat Blue Blog
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