Deacons in the NFL - Week 4
10/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 6, 2010
By Currie McFayden, WakeForestSports.com
Week 4 of the NFL season was once again characterized by two things: upsets and defense. The Browns won the "Battle of Ohio" over the Bengals, the Rams defeated the Seahawks and the Giants pulled off a win against the previously undefeated Bears.
The defensive efforts from the Giants and the Chargers (nine sacks each) were very impressive, and the Patriots had the best special-teams play in an NFL game in years in their 41-14 demolition of the Dolphins.
Former Wake Forest players finally seem to be settling into their roles for the season as well. Alphonso Smith is now a starting cornerback for the Lions and is easily living up to the expectations placed on him when he was drafted in the second round in 2009. Fred Robbins is also enjoying a fresh start of his own in St. Louis with four consecutive starts.
The number of former Deacons on active rosters remained at thirteen this week. However, Boo Robinson and Kenny Moore joined John Russell on the practice squad rosters after being signed by the Cleveland Browns (Robinson) and the Indianapolis Colts (Moore).
Here is a player-by-player look at how the Deacons fared in Week 4.
LB Stanley Arnoux, New Orleans Saints
In the Saints' close Week 3 victory, 16-14, over the Panthers, Arnoux spent most of his day in special teams coverage rather than at linebacker. He did not register any stats, but the coverage unit's play was good enough to make sure the Panthers had no long returns that could have set up a winning field goal attempt. The defending Super Bowl champions now stand at 3-1 on the season.
OT Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Falcons
Just as in the first three weeks, Clabo received yet another start at right tackle for the Falcons (3-1) in their 16-14 win over the 49ers in Atlanta last weekend. Clabo allowed a sack to the 49ers defense but was still one of the most consistent players along Atlanta's offensive line.
TE Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears
In a strange move by coach Lovie Smith, Clark was benched and inactive for Sunday night's game against the Giants despite starting 99 out of 108 games since 2003. No real explanation for it has been given, but some are speculating that it might have been due to Clark dropping a potential touchdown pass in the Bears' Week 2 matchup. Without the veteran's blocking abilities, the offense gave up nine sacks in the first half alone, an NFL record, and QB Jay Cutler suffered a concussion in the 17-3 loss to the Giants. The setback dropped Chicago to 3-1 on the season.
LB Aaron Curry, Seattle Seahawks
After notching two more tackles in this week's unexpected 20-3 loss to the Rams, Curry's total on the year now stands at thirteen. Seattle's pass rush was unable to contain rookie QB and 2010 No. 1 pick Sam Bradford as he threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Curry remains a bright spot on the defense and seems to be developing into a much-needed leader on the team. The Seahawks now stand at .500 with a 2-2 record on the year
OG Chris DeGeare, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings (1-2) and DeGeare had their bye week during Week 4. They return to action on Monday night against the New York Jets as QB Brett Favre takes on one of his former teams.
CB Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals
Once again, Ghee was not given a chance to see the field in Sunday's dismal 23-20 loss to the Browns in the "Battle of Ohio," which dropped the Bengals to 2-2. All of the cornerbacks ahead of him on the depth chart remain healthy, so it is possible that Ghee may essentially "redshirt" his first season with no playing time.
FB Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta Falcons
Just like the Falcons' offensive line, Mughelli struggled at times on Sunday to make his blocks, but ultimately held up under pressure and helped the Falcons pull out the win. He also had two carries for two yards, which gave him his most carries and yards (seven and eighteen, respectively) in a season since 2006, his final year with the Baltimore Ravens.
LB Calvin Pace, New York Jets
Contrary to last week's report that Pace would play against the Bills, he was not able to suit up for the game and remained inactive. However, he practiced with the team for the first time since the preseason and is all but sure to return when the Jets (3-1) face off with their former QB Brett Favre and the Vikings on Monday night in Week 5. Even without Pace, New York had no trouble defeating the Bills, 38-14, last Sunday.
DT Fred Robbins, St. Louis Rams
Robbins may have had his best game of the season in the Rams' 20-3 win over the Seahawks. He had three tackles (one for loss), two pass deflections and a fumble recovery and consistently got to Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck throughout the game. Robbins has emerged as the leader along the defensive line, and with one more win this season, the Rams (2-2) will equal their win total from the past two seasons combined.
CB Alphonso Smith, Detroit Lions
Being traded from the Broncos after one season may be one of the best things to ever happen to Smith. Although the Lions (0-4) lost to the Packers 28-26 this week, the second-year player recorded his second interception in as many weeks. He also broke up a pass and recorded three tackles in the game. He has quickly emerged as the top cornerback in Detroit and was rewarded with a second straight start this week as well.
LB Jyles Tucker, San Diego Chargers
Tucker was part of the explosive Chargers (2-2) defense in Week 4 that dominated the Cardinals' offensive line with nine sacks on the day in a 41-10 victory. The three-year veteran had his first sack of the year and first since 2008 while getting more playing time with fellow LB Shawne Merriman inactive. Unfortunately, Tucker suffered a torn pectoral muscle and was placed on injured reserve following the game, ending his season.
OG Steve Vallos, Cleveland Browns
The former Seahawk again saw no action this weekend in the Browns' 23-20 victory over the Bengals. The Browns are now 1-3 on the season after posting their first victory in 2010.
LS Joe Zelenka, Atlanta Falcons
As usual, Zelenka continued his great play as the Falcons' snapper this season. Kicker Matt Bryant was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals against the 49ers, with a long of 43 yards. He is now 10-for-11 on the season, something for which Zelenka deserves credit due to the increased snapping stability.
SB/WR Chris Davis, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
In Winnipeg's Week 14 matchup against the BC Lions, Davis was not much of a factor. He did not have any catches in the game despite being active, in part due to QB Steven Jyles's erratic play. Jyles has the second-best quarterback rating in the CFL, but Coach Paul LaPolice may be debating a quarterback switch to Alex Brink, a former star at Washington State with a big arm. If the switch happens, it could be very beneficial for Davis' numbers.
Players on NFL Practice Squads:
WR Kenneth Moore, Indianapolis Colts
LB John Russell, Buffalo Bills
DT Boo Robinson, Cleveland Browns
Players Still Looking for Work:
OL Steve Justice (last with the Carolina Panthers)
CB Eric King (last with the Detroit Lions)
S Chip Vaughn (last with the Philadelphia Eagles)
