A look at the former Cats in the NFL, week 5

By Andrew Hardison

After Week 5 in the NFL, former UK players in the league are starting to get more reps and playing time as injuries begin to occur more frequently. However, many of the players listed have worked hard throughout the season to get more time on the field, rather than on the sidelines. Let’s take a look at our former UK players that are in the NFL:

Jacob Tamme (Colts): The Colts continue their early season dominance of opponents, but Tamme is nowhere to be found. With the Colts going into the BYE week, it doesn’t help Tamme’s chances of seeing more reps anytime soon. What makes things difficult for Tamme is that the Colts have a very talented group of receivers on their offense. We all know the names Wayne and Clark, but other guys like Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have shown that it will take a lot more than what Tamme is doing to take time away from these guys. When Collie goes off for three touchdowns in two weeks, it is hard for a guy like Tamme to not only take reps away from Collie, but other established veterans like Dallas Clark who mans the primary tight-end position. Expect much of the same to continue during the season, as Tamme could really be relegated to back up duties once Anthony Gonzalez returns from injury.

Keenan Burton (Rams): Burton may have been the biggest beneficiary in terms of production from NFL Week 5. This has much to do with the state the Rams are in at this point and time, but Burton seems to be taking the ‘bull by the horns’ with his current situation. St. Louis is one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL with only 34 points total through five weeks. This provides Burton with ample opportunities to gain some yards and put some touchdowns on the board. Hey, no one else on the Rams is doing it, so why can’t Burton? Burton is being targeted more by new quarterback Kyle Boller, but Burton still needs to work on his consistency. Out of all the receivers for the Rams, Burton was targeted the most (9) and came away with five receptions for 42 yards. Burton didn’t score, but we are starting to see how the Rams coaching staff are utilizing the services of Burton. For now, it looks as if he will be getting looks anywhere and up to 15 yard passes. If there are short-yardage downs, Burton will probably get plenty of looks going his way. Let’s look at it this way. The Rams game in Week 5 saw Burton have his most receptions, yards, and targets for a game, so one thing is clear. Burton’s position as the #2 wide receiver on the team is pretty solid as of now. The Rams play the Jaguars in Week 6, so we might just see Burton’s first touchdown of the season, as the Jags gave up a whooping 41 points to the Seahawks.

Stevie Johnson (Bills): The mystery of Stevie Johnson continues as he and his career are stalled on the sidelines of Buffalo. It will continue to be a mystery if the Bills continue to stink it up by losing games to the Browns (6-3). Johnson bides his time, while other Bills wide receivers struggle themselves to get any production out of that position. Terrell Owens isn’t doing it. Lee Evans isn’t doing it. And several others aren’t doing it. I simply don’t understand how Johnson can’t get any looks during games, when other players are clearly suffering as well. I’m pretty certain that Johnson isn’t the answer and that lies more within the play of the quarterback, but new players can help out quarterbacks and vice versa. Johnson proved to be one of Andre Woodson’s favorite targets by the end of their collegiate careers. What’s not to say that Bills quarterback Trent Edwards and Johnson can’t have that same bond? It really is a joke in my mind, but hey, I’m not a coach or a general manager. What do I know?

Wesley Woodyard (Broncos): If the Broncos keep winning, I might just keep repeating myself when it comes to Woodyard. The do-it-all linebacker has firmly established his position with the Broncos and his versatility requires that he be on the field for much of the game. The Broncos vs. Patriots game was enjoyable as it is, but with Woodyard doing his part to stop Brady and company was even better. Woodyard was a team leader on Sunday, with six total tackles (4 solo, 2 assisted) and one forced fumble, Woodyard’s first this season. Woodyard doesn’t do anything outstanding, however he does everything well, so much so that Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels has tabbed him as a team captain and now uses him more than ever in Mike Nolan’s defensive schemes. Continue to see Woodyard on the field as the Broncos season progresses.

Jeremy Jarmon (Redskins): The Redskins are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL, but it does have several bright spots on it. One of those bright spots comes in the shape of rookie defensive end Jeremy Jarmon. Jarmon once again saw the field, but it wasn’t in the spectacular fashion as we saw him in Week 4. He had two tackles (1 solo, 1 assisted) on the day, which makes three straight weeks that Jarmon has seen more time. With the way the Redskins are playing, I’d let Jarmon play as much as possible as a precursor to next season’s team. I think Jarmon will continue to learn the ropes behind other established veterans as time goes on, but one question should be brought up if the Skins season continues to plummet. When will Jarmon get to see the most time on the field?

Myron Pryor (Patriots): Woodyard wasn’t the only former Wildcat involved with Sunday’s Patriots vs. Broncos game, as form Wildcat Myron Pryor was also involved. Unlike Woodyard, however, Pryor didn’t get to see as much playing time. Much of that has to do with the reemergence of starting nose-tackle Vince Wilfork who had been sidelined with injuries when Pryor was seeing his most time on the field. Now that Wilfork is back and healthy, Pryor’s time was non-existent on Sunday. Unfortunately for Bill Belichick and the Patriots it may have helped to put the big-man in to record some tackles. Pyror’s role on the Patriots is much like that of Jarmon on the Redskins. They are still learning the ropes behind seasoned veterans, so each must take their time. I think Pryor has a promising future whether it is with the Patriots or not. We’ll have to wait and see how this season plays out for the former UK defensive lineman.

Garry Williams (Panthers): Much is the same for the former UK offensive lineman. At left tackle, he sits behind Pro-Bowl talent Jordan Gross. The Panthers were able to pull out a victory over Jarmon and the Redskins but Williams’ time was spent on the sidelines more than anything. Offensive line is a tricky position. Many of the best o-lineman will go the entire season without taking reps or games off. If Gross stays healthy, look for him to continue his steady play at left tackle, as Williams also continues his learning curve in the NFL.

Andre Woodson (Redskins): practice squad

Braxton Kelley (Broncos): practice squad

Glenn Pakulak (Redskins): practice squad

Johnny Williams (free agent)

Rafael Little (free agent)

Ventrell Jenkins (free agent)

Andrew Hardison is a recent UK alum and frequent contributor to Wildcat Blue Blog

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