Kerley scores two touchdowns in Jets opener

NFL football returned this weekend. Fourteen former Horned Frogs are active on NFL rosters. Here is a look at how your favorite former Frogs performed in the NFL over the weekend:

Name: Andy Dalton

Position: Quarterback

Current Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Outcome of game: Ravens 44 - Bengals 13

Stats:

•     Completions/Attempts: 22/37

•     Passing Yards: 221

•     Touchdowns: 0

•     Interceptions: 1

•     Rushes: 3

•     Rushing Yards: 11

Analysis: Dalton didn’t have the best of nights as the Baltimore Ravens pounded the Bengals. The Cincinnati offense couldn’t get much going all night against a tough Baltimore defense. Andy failed to throw a touchdown and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown late in the game.

Next Week: Next week Dalton’s task gets a little easier as the Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns. While Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, didn’t exactly look stellar against the Browns, Cleveland is one of the worst teams in football and Andy should be able to bounce back quite nicely.

Name: Jeremy Kerley

Position: Wide Receiver

Current Team: New York Jets

Outcome of game: Jets 48 - Bills 28

Stats:

•     Receptions: 4

•     Receiving Yards: 45

•     Receiving Touchdowns: 1

•     Punt Returns: 1

•     Punt Return Yards: 68

•     Punt Return Touchdowns: 1

Analysis: Kerley helped get the offense going by catching the first of three touchdown passes thrown by quarterback Mark Sanchez. A few drives later, after a Buffalo three-and-out, Kerley returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown to put the Jets up 21-0. Kerley ended as the Jets third receiver behind rookie Stephen Hill and Veteran Santonio Holmes, but could continue to get looks from Sanchez if he is able to keep hauling in passes.

Next Week: The Jets take on the Pittsburgh Steelers next week in a matchup that looks to be more defensive minded than offensive. That being said I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kerley get some balls thrown his way after his week one performance.

Name: Daryl Washington

Position: Linebacker

Current Team: Arizona Cardinals

Outcome of game: Cardinals 20 - Seahawks 16

Stats:

•     Tackles: 10

•     Tackles for Loss: 1

•     Sacks: 1

Analysis: Washington led the Cardinals defense with 10 tackles and recorded a sack in the process. The Arizona defense made Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson look like a rookie he is this week. Wilson completed just over 50% of his passes and never looked comfortable all game. I expect Washington to continue leading this defense in weeks to come. He is one of many bright stars on this emerging defense.

Next Week: The Cardinals take on Tom Brady and the Patriots next week. The Patriots offense is one of the best in the NFL. With the emergence of running back Stevan Ridley, this offense could be better than it ever has before. It will be up to Washington and the Cardinals defense to keep it close if Arizona even has a chance to pull a win out.

Name: David Hawthorne

Position: Linebacker

Current Team: New Orleans Saints

Outcome of game: Redskins 40 - Saints 32

Stats:

•     Tackles: 5

•     Tackles for Loss: 1

Analysis: In a game where the Saint’s offense didn’t look good until the fourth quarter, the defense looked even worse. Ex Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin carved up the Saints defense both through the air and on the ground. Hawthorne was brought in to help shore up a sketchy run defense and if he doesn’t improve from his performance this week there will be a lot of high scoring games against the Saints.

Next Week: Next week the Saints have the challenge of stopping Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. This should be a good and high scoring game for both sides and the winner will be decided by whichever defense can come in and make a key play late in the game.

Name: Marshall Newhouse

Position: Left Tackle

Current Team: Green Bay Packers

Outcome of game: 49ers 30 - Packers 22

Stats: -

Analysis: Newhouse stepped in as a vital part of the offensive line last year when key starters went down. Now he has a chance to prove that he can be a starter in the NFL. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked three times against the tough 49ers defense. This can be attributed to the multiple new starters on the offensive line going up against a defense that is one of the best in the league.

Next Week: The task doesn’t get any easier as next week the Packers take on the Bears in a matchup that adds to the oldest rivalry in the NFL. The Bears defense is one of the best and has some if the best pass-rushers in the game. Newhouse and the Packers offensive line will have to play well in order for Rodgers to have time to move them down the field.

Name: Jason Phillips

Position: Linebacker

Current Team: Carolina Panthers

Outcome of game: Buccaneers 16 - Panthers 10

Stats:

•     Tackles: 1

Analysis: Phillips recorded a tackle in a backup role with the Panthers. Don’t expect him to contribute much except on special teams unless the starters go down to injury.

Name: Tank Carder

Position: Linebacker

Current Team: Cleveland Browns

Outcome of game: Eagles 17 - Browns 16

Stats: -

Analysis: Tank didn’t record any stats in his first NFL game. He saw some action on special teams and will have to make a name for himself there before expecting to see any time on defense.

Name: Marcus Cannon

Position: Right Tackle

Current Team: New England Patriots

Outcome of game: Patriots 34 - Titans 13

Stats: -

Analysis: Marcus Cannon will play a vital backup role for the Patriots offensive line. If any of the starters goes down to injury Cannon will be expected to step in and play well.

Name: Jerry Hughes

Position: Defensive End/Defensive Tackle

Current Team: Indianapolis Colts

Outcome of game: Bears 41 - Colts 21

Stats: -

Analysis: Hughes looked surprisingly good during the preseason recording numerous sacks. While he didn’t get much playing time here, it remains to be seen if they will use him more going forward.

Name: Colin Jones

Position: Safety

Current Team: Carolina Panthers

Outcome of game: Buccaneers 16 - Panthers 10

Stats: -

Analysis: Jones saw time on special teams and will need to make a name for himself there before seeing any time on defense.