Name: LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running back
Years Played at TCU: 1997-2000
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York Jets 30, Houston Texans 27
Stats: 12 carries for 36 yards, seven receptions for 71 yards
Analysis: Tomlinson’s role in the rushing attack has been greatly diminished over the past few weeks, so much so that Shonn Greene is now the lead running back on the team. With Greene getting more of the carries, it looks like the Jets are saving Tomlinson for the postseason. However, LT is still a vital part of the passing attack for the Jets. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez uses Tomlinson as his go-to guy late in the game and in clutch situations.
Name: Drew Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Years Played at TCU: 2004-05
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York Jets 30, Houston Texans 27
Stats: Three tackles
Analysis: As the Jets took on the Texans this week, the Jets secondary was tested by Andre Johnson, one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL. The good news for the Jets: Johnson only caught four passes for 32 yards. The bad news for the Jets: all other receivers caught 15 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Sure, Darrelle Revis is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and can shut down any receiver on any given week. But if the rest of the defense can’t stop any other part of the offense, it usually doesn’t bode well for the team. Luckily for the Jets, Santonio Holmes has come up with huge last-game receptions three weeks in a row.
Name: David Hawthorne
Position: Linebacker
Years Played at TCU: 2004-07
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
Outcome of game: New Orleans Saints 34, Seattle Seahawks 19
Stats: 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception
Analysis: Hawthorne has been one of the cornerstones of the Seattle Seahawks this season, and his performance on Sunday showed us why. Despite being down against the reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, Hawthorne keeps working for victory. Down 34-16 early in the third quarter with the Saints looking to score again, Hawthorne intercepted a Drew Brees pass, preventing the Saints from extending their lead. No matter the score, the Seahawks can count on Hawthorne to lead their team through thick and thin.
Name: Aaron Brown
Position: Running back
Years at TCU: 2005-08
Current Team: Detroit Lions
Outcome of game: Dallas Cowboys 35, Detroit Lions 19
Stats: One carry for nine yards, two receptions for six yards
Analysis: Brown was active for the first time in seven weeks Sunday against the Cowboys. Brown got a few carries and catches this week as starter Jahvid Best continues to battle turf toe. Brown looks to take over the backup duties with Kevin Smith on the shelf with a thumb injury.
Name: Daryl Washington
Position: Linebacker
Years Played at TCU: 2006-09
Current Team: Arizona Cardinals
Outcome of game: Kansas City Chiefs 31, Arizona Cardinals 13
Stats: None
Analysis: Washington’s demotion to a backup is not a result of his play, but because of starting linebacker Gerald Hayes’ return. The plan all along was for Hayes to regain his starting job once activated from the physically unable to perform list. Washington had a great opportunity to get some starting experience under his belt, and he should develop into the long-term starter at the position.
Name: Jerry Hughes
Position: Defensive end/linebacker
Years Played at TCU: 2006-09
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
Outcome of game: New England Patriots 31, Indianapolis Colts 28
Stats: None
Analysis: Despite seeing more playing time over the past few weeks, Hughes did not see as much this week and failed to record any stats. This may have been due to the Colts needing their playmakers on the field to stop the Patriots from scoring. I don’t foresee this to be a problem, and Hughes should continue to see more playing time going forward.
