Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons in the NFL - Week 3
9/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 29, 2011
By Currie McFayden, WakeForestSports.com
In Week 3, America found out that the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills truly belong among the undefeated ranks as they took down their division rivals, Minnesota and New England, to join Green Bay as the trio of 3-0 teams in the NFL. No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton did not sustain his dazzling performances from the first two weeks, instead tossing the game-winning touchdown against Jacksonville to continue his heroics. Finally, Cowboys QB Tony Romo engineered his second late-game comeback in as many weeks to shock the Redskins on Monday Night Football.
For the Demon Deacons, Calvin Pace stood out as one of the top performers with seven tackles against the Raiders. Veteran Joe Zelenka anchored Atlanta's kicking game in a close defeat to the Buccaneers, Tyson Clabo helped QB Matt Ryan throw for a career-high 330 yards and Aaron Curry had a pair of tackles as the Seahawks defeated Arizona.
Here is a player-by-player look at how the Deacons fared in Week 3.
OT Tyson Clabo, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons' offensive line turned in another solid performance while protecting QB Matt Ryan but did surrender four sacks in the process. It is still very early in the season, though, and as the line matures together the number of sacks should begin to decrease. Despite the sacks, Ryan still posted a 330-yard performance, revealing above-average pass protection by Clabo and his fellow linemen. In the running game, RB Michael Turner recorded only 20 yards on 11 carries following back-to-back 100-yard performances in Weeks 1 and 2. Struggling in the running game remains only an anomaly for the Clabo and the offensive line, which routinely opens big holes for Turner. Atlanta (1-2) dropped the 16-13 decision to Tampa Bay and will look to rebound at CenturyLink Field against Seattle in Week 4.
LB Aaron Curry, Seattle Seahawks
In spite of missing his first start since his rookie season in 2009, the former No. 4 overall pick notched a pair of tackles in a surprising 13-10 victory over the division rival Cardinals. Curry has been battling with rookie K.J. Wright at the strong-side linebacker position since training camp in the preseason, and the Seahawks seem content to use the two of them in a rotation during in-game situations. For the season, Curry has 13 tackles to Wright's seven, making him the clear winner of the competition on paper. Seattle (1-2) will look to continue its momentum as it hosts Atlanta in Week 4.
FB Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta Falcons
The Pro Bowl fullback suffered an injury scare in the loss to the Buccaneers in Week 3 as he took a hit to the knee while throwing a block. Mughelli was able to leave the field under his own strength, however, so the injury is not believed to be serious and should not cost him any playing time. He returned to his usual power blocking role after catching a touchdown in Week 2, assisting the line in keeping Matt Ryan upright. Mughelli's offensive role may expand a bit in Week 4 as Atlanta faces the Seahawks, much the same way as it did against the Eagles in Week 2.
LB Calvin Pace, New York Jets
With a seven-tackle game in New York's 34-24 loss at Oakland in Week 3, Pace tied his season-high from 2010 and upped his 2011 total to 15 through just three games, which ties him for the third-most on the team behind only safety Eric Smith (20) and linebacker Bart Scott (18). Although he has just one sack thus far on the year, the ninth-year veteran should be a safe bet to rack up at least five sacks this season, a milestone that he has reached in four consecutive years. The upcoming schedule does not do the Jets (2-1) any favors, as two high-profile road games await them in Baltimore and New England.
DT Fred Robbins, St. Louis Rams
Robbins did not record any tackles himself in a disappointing 37-7 loss to the Ravens, but his pressure did allow fellow defensive lineman Chris Long to pick up his third sack of the season. The banged-up secondary was forced to start CB Justin King due to injuries, allowing Ravens rookie wideout Torrey Smith to haul in three touchdowns on his first three professional catches. As the health of the secondary improves in the following weeks, Robbins and the rest of the defensive line should see their chances to create pressure increase dramatically. St. Louis (0-3) will look for their first win as they host the Redskins in Week 4.
CB Alphonso Smith, Detroit Lions
The third-year cornerback continued to rehab his broken foot in Week 3 as the Lions moved to 3-0 for the first time since 1980 with a thrilling 26-23 overtime victory over the Vikings. Smith will likely return to action at some point during the next two weeks according to Coach Jim Schwartz. Once he returns to the field, the 2009 second-round pick will look to build on his fantastic five-interception season in 2010. Detroit will look to stay undefeated in a trip to Cowboys Stadium to take on Dallas during Week 4.
OT Steve Vallos, Cleveland Browns
Vallos was inactive for Cleveland during Week 3's 17-16 comeback win over the Dolphins. Despite receiving that designation, he remains a valuable asset by providing offensive line depth and could get a look as a spot starter if any injuries were to occur. The Browns (2-1) will remain at home during Week 4 to face RB Chris Johnson and the Titans.
LS Joe Zelenka, Atlanta Falcons
Wake Forest's oldest NFL alum pitched in on two field goal attempts by kicker Matt Bryant in Atlanta's loss to Tampa Bay. Bryant converted both tries from 26 and 33 yards, staying perfect so far for the year. Since the beginning of last season, Zelenka has aided Bryant in successfully scoring 91.4 percent (32-of-35) of his field goals, well above his 83.1 percent career average.
Deacons on NFL Practice Squads
OG Chris DeGeare, Minnesota Vikings
CB Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals
WR Marshall Williams, Indianapolis Colts
