Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week 16 Roundup
The penultimate week of the NFL’s regular season led to some strong performances from a few Nittany Lions.
Like last week, Chris Godwin led the way with a nice showing that included a touchdown. Allen Robinson and Miles Sanders were also impressive during this week’s slate of games.
Let’s take a closer look at how some Nittany Lions performed in the second-to-last week of regular-season action.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin played well in the Buccaneers’ 47-7 blowout win over the Lions Saturday afternoon. He hauled in five receptions worth 84 yards, including a slick one-handed touchdown late in the first half.
Chris Godwin reels in a slick one-handed grab for his fifth touchdown of the season!
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 26, 2020pic.twitter.com/LcKJSoGEb4
It was Godwin’s second consecutive week with a touchdown.
His longest catch of the game came on a diving 47-yard pass from Tom Brady early in the first quarter. The reception was actually Godwin’s longest of the season, surpassing his previous mark of 44 yards.
Brady's cookin'. 47 yards to Chris Godwin! #GoBucs
— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2020: #TBvsDET on @NFLNetwork
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: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: Godwin’s strong performance brought him up to 60 receptions worth 707 yards and five touchdowns this season. He’ll attempt to finish the regular season on a high note when the Bucs host the Falcons next week.
Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
Robinson continued his stellar season in Chicago’s 41-17 win over Jacksonville. He tied a season-high with 10 receptions and led the Bears with 103 receiving yards.
The wideout reached a milestone Sunday by recording his 100th reception of the season for the first time in his career. Additionally, he surpassed last year’s yardage total and sits at 1,213 yards with one game remaining.
The stakes don’t get much higher for next week’s game. The Bears host the Packers with a trip to the postseason on the line. If the Bears win, they’re in, which means Robinson would make the playoffs for just the second time in his career.
Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
Although the Eagles’ playoff hopes ended with a loss to the Cowboys, Sanders played fairly well in the game. He ran the ball 15 times for 57 yards and scored one of Philadelphia’s two touchdowns on the day.
Miles Sanders works his way into the end zone to get the @Eagles on the board first in Dallas!
— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 27, 2020
He also caught four passes on six targets for 27 yards.
The second-year running back currently sits at 867 rushing yards this season — 49 more than last season. He’ll need 133 yards on the ground next week against the Washington Football Team to the coveted 1,000-yard mark.
DaeSean Hamilton, Denver Broncos
Hamilton had one of his best games of the season in the Broncos’ loss to the Chargers. He was targeted a season-high nine times and hauled in five receptions for a team-leading 77 yards.
With fellow Penn State wideout KJ Hamler leaving the game in the first quarter with a concussion, Hamilton stepped up to fill the void.
The addition of Hamler and Jerry Jeudy this offseason has caused Hamilton’s opportunities to diminish this season. Despite the increased competition, Hamilton has totaled 275 receiving yards, which is just 22 yards shy of his career-high.
If Hamler’s concussion forces him out of next week’s game, Hamilton could see an expanded role in the offense once again.
Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
Gesicki continued his late-season surge in the Dolphins’ thrilling 26-25 win over the Raiders. “Big Mike” was targeted seven times and totaled four receptions worth 54 yards, including a clutch 31-yard catch to set Miami up in the red zone.
Ryan Fitzpatrick throws a strike to @mikegesicki
— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2020
In his last three games, Gesicki has hauled in 18 receptions for 207 yards and three touchdowns. The third-year tight end has surpassed his career-high in yards and touchdowns with 656 and six, respectively. Additionally, he’s only four receptions away from setting a new career-high in that department.
With a trip to the postseason on the line for the Dolphins next week, they’ll need Gesicki to continue his stellar play.
Other Notables
Adrian Amos totaled five tackles and one pass defended in the Packers’ blowout win over the Titans. Meanwhile, John Reid saw some extended action for the Texans and posted four tackles and one pass defended.
Carl Nassib and Yetur Gross-Matos each totaled one sack for their respective squads, while Amani Oruwariye and Sean Lee each recorded four tackles.
Additionally, Cam Brown and Jack Crawford both pitched in three tackles for their teams.
Meanwhile, it was an ugly weekend for Nittany Lion kickers. Robbie Gould and Sam Ficken combined to make just one of their four field goals and four of six extra points.
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