Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week 13 Roundup
Many Nittany Lions helped their teams this past weekend as the NFL’s playoff race kicked into high gear.
Dominant games from Mike Gesicki and Jack Crawford led the way for Penn Staters this week. Let’s take a look at a few other noteworthy performances from this weekend’s slate of NFL action.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
Gesicki finally got it going again by racking up 88 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. His touchdown gave the Dolphins the lead early in the third quarter — a lead Miami wouldn’t lose for the rest of the game.
A short touchdown for Mike Gesicki helps the @MiamiDolphins take a second-half lead
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 6, 2020pic.twitter.com/IWHb3q3mWe
Gesicki’s production on the season has been spotty. He’s got three big games where he recorded at least 88 yards but also nine duds where he didn’t reach 45 yards. When he does make the big plays, though, they stand out.
Big Mike out here making one-handed grabs look easy
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 6, 2020
Gesicki has been no stranger to the highlight reel throughout the course of his football career, and his one-hand snag in the third quarter was no exception.
Jack Crawford, Tennessee Titans
In the Titans tough 41-35 loss to the Browns, Crawford amassed seven total tackles along with a forced fumble.
With the Browns leading 38-7 at one point in the game, Crawford made his presence felt in the Titans’ comeback attempt. The journeyman defensive tackle has seemed to find a nice fit in Tennessee, and he and the Titans will mount a playoff push in the coming weeks.
Jesse James, Detroit Lions
Generally seen as a blocking tight end, James left his mark on the passing game this past weekend with a fantastic touchdown catch in the Lions’ comeback victory over the Chicago Bears.
Next up, Jesse James makes a beautiful catch in the end zone for his first score of the season
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 6, 2020pic.twitter.com/A49WXoh3Dy
Although the nine-yard touchdown snag was his only reception of the game, it did help the Lions beat the Bears in order to remain in the running for an NFC playoff spot.
Amani Oruwariye, Detroit Lions
Not to be outdone by teammate Jesse James, Oruwariye had himself a decent game on the defensive side of the ball for the Lions as well.
Oruwariye recorded five tackles in the contest from his cornerback position, which was the third-most on the team during the game on Sunday.
According to Pro Football Focus, Oruwariye remains the highest-rated corner on the Lions and is poised to help his squad hunt down a playoff spot with only four more weeks to go.
Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
Robinson put up 75 yards on six catches for the Bears in their loss to the Lions Sunday. He continues to make contested catches in tight coverage, showing everyone why he is the go-to guy for Matt Nagy’s passing game.
Unfortunately, Chicago’s ineptitude on offense has yielded Robinson fewer opportunities to capitalize on. He hasn’t eclipsed 100 receiving yards in a game since the fourth week of the season and has only been above 85 yards once in that time.
Robbie Gould, San Francisco 49ers
Gould collected six total points for the 49ers on Monday Night Football against the Bills. Although San Francisco lost the game 34-24, Gould had himself an excellent game.
Gould drilled a 45-yard field goal along with three extra points to cap off his perfect night.
This season, Gould ranks in the top half of the league in field goal percentage by connecting on 89.5% of his tries. He has displayed consistency throughout his time in the league, and the 38-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
The 49ers placekicker also made history on Monday night, kicking his 398th field goal to pass Matt Bryant for 11th place on the all-time field goals made list.
Other Notables
Miles Sanders continued to be game-scripted out of the Eagles’ playbook, finishing the game with only 31 rushing yards on 10 attempts in the Eagles’ 30-16 loss to the Packers.
Adrian Amos recorded four total tackles on Sunday, helping Green Bay in its win over Philadelphia.
DaQuan Jones contributed three tackles in Tennessee’s loss to the Browns.
Nick Scott and Austin Johnson both pitched in a tackle for their respective squads this past weekend.
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