NFL recap Week 13: Woodyard shines as Broncos win big

by Andrew Hardison

Woodyard (Broncos)-Woodyard continued his solid season on Sunday, with four tackles on the day, three of them being solo. Woodyard gets a lot of playing time in Josh McDaniels 3-4 defense and Woodyard’s versatility has shown through for much of the season. His numbers are certainly not overwhelming for a linebacker, but the Broncos have several guys that they shuffle in and out with Woodyard being one of those guys. His ability to run sideline-sideline, as well as his good tackling technique should keep him in the NFL longer than any other former Wildcat.

Myron Pryor (Patriots)-Pryor continues to be used sparingly as the Patriots continue a late season free fall, having lost to Miami this past weekend 22-21. Pryor used his time to rack up one tackle on the day, but it was for a loss. His ability and potential is as good as any other former Kentucky player out there. He’s big, quick, agile, and has the ability to get to the quarterback. The Pats have been falling off a little recently and Pryor could use the time he does have to make a statement for the rest of the season as well as forward in the future. Pryor will have to fight it out with guys like Vince Wilfork who is the starter if he wants to get any more playing time. Hopefully the final weeks are a good barometer of where Pryor can go in his career.

Jacob Tamme (Colts)-If the Colts won’t use Tamme on offense then they sure as hell better use him on special teams play. Tamme recorded another tackle in the team’s 27-17 victory over the Titans this past weekend and has showed that he is able to get it done somewhere on the field. He will always be listed as a reserve tight-end to Pro Bowler Dallas Clark, but much of his playing time has come through the special teams unit. If Tamme can’t get anything on offense then he has to take what he can get and it appears that will come via special teams. His future is bright despite not playing on offense this season but let’s face it. Look at the team he’s playing for and it’s only Tamme’s second season. He’s still got time.

Garry Williams (Panthers)-Even with the injury to Pro-Bowl caliber offensive tackle Jordan Gross, Williams is still sitting in a reserve role. This revelation shouldn’t be surprising though as the 23 year old sits as one of the younger players on the Panthers roster. That’s why Panthers head coach John Fox has gone with veteran play as Travelle Wharton gets the bulk of Gross’ playing time. Williams has a nice future ahead of him, but offensive line is one of the harder positions to learn as a rookie in the NFL.

Steve Johnson (Bills)-Johnson didn’t get any playing time in the Bills game against the Jets this past weekend, a season long trend for the second year wide receiver out of UK. This season has been quite a contrast from last year when Johnson saw action in 11 games last year and even started one of those. He also had 10 receptions for 102 yards, a promising statistic coming into this season. That’s when things changed during the off-season and the acquisition of Terrell Owens took place. That move put Johnson back somewhat in the Bills depth chart. Having healthy receivers rejoin the team also has hindered Johnson’s ability to get on the field. My best guess is that Johnson’s future isn’t with the Bills and hopefully he can catch on with a team that might utilize his abilities differently.

Shane Boyd (Colts)-After doing a little digging, Boyd was indeed signed to the Colts for the purposes of having him for the team’s practice squad. On Dec. 9, 2009 third string quarterback Jim Sorgi went down to injury leaving only rookie Curtis Painter as Peyton Manning’s backup. That’s when Boyd comes into the picture. The Colts decided to make some moves and Boyd once again was part of it, being waived by the Colts in favor of free agent and former Buffalo quarterback Drew Willy. All in all, it was short lived for Boyd and the Colts but hopefully he can use his UFL experience and this to get back into the NFL in the near future.

Jeremy Jarmon (Redskins)-injured
Keenan Burton (Rams)-injured

Andre Woodson (free agent), Braxton Kelley (Broncos)-practice squad, Ventrell Jenkins (free agent), Rafael Little (free agent), Glenn Holt (UFL), Marcus McClinton (UFL), Johnny Williams (free agent).

Keep following www.http://wildcatbluenation.com for the best in Kentucky basketball and football news, rumors, and opinions. By Kentucky fans for Kentucky fans