Hokies in the NFL: Week Nine Preview

It has been quite a few days for Virginia Tech and the Hokie football program, but let us not forget those Hokies that have moved up to the NFL! Gobbler Country takes a look at the performance of those former VPI greats during week eight, and also looks ahead to the challenges they will face in week nine.

Tyrod Taylor: Buffalo was on a bye last week. In week seven Tyrod was not at the helm of the Buffalo offense during their London game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a pretty brutal loss for the Bills to endure, and Rex Ryan is currently the only coach to lose the Jaguars and keep his job. This week the Bills face the Miami Dolphins. The other team the Jaguars earned a victory over. Things are looking up for the Bills as it is expected that Tyrod will return to the starting line-up in week nine.

Michael Vick: After being benched a few weeks ago, and with the return of starter Ben Roethlisberger, Vick remains buried in the Steelers’ depth chart.

Corey Fuller: Fuller was targeted two times during the Detroit Lions latest loss, but failed to record any receptions. Detroit is in freefall, and things will not get better any time soon with the Lions facing a Packers team looking to recover from their first loss of the season.

Kam Chancellor: The Seattle Seahawks returned to their winning ways during a close game against the Dallas Cowboys. Seattle won 13-12, and Chancellor racked up six total tackles. The Legion of Boom seemed to regain some of the composure that NFL fans expect. Next, the Seahawks face the rolling Cardinals who threw for 374 yards and four touchdowns against the Browns last week.

Kyshoen Jarrett and DeAngelo Hall: The Redskins were on a bye last week. This week they visit the undefeated New England Patriots. Hall and the Redskins are hopeful that he will be recovered from his injury and ready to suit up against a fiery Tom Brady. The Redskins have had significant injuries in their secondary, and Jarrett has filled forward nicely, though he will certainly have his hands full facing the vaunted Patriot passing attack.

Brandon Flowers: Flowers has struggled this year, and Joe Flacco hanging 319 yards on the San Diego secondary did not help things. Flowers had four total tackles against the Ravens, but he has failed to earn a single interception this year. Next up, Flowers and the Chargers face his former Hokie teammate, Eddie Royal, and the Chicago Bears.

Eddie Royal: Royal had minimal impact during the Bears loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He had a single rush for -1 yards and three receptions for two yards. Next up Royal faces a San Diego secondary that has struggled against the pass all season.

Kyle Fuller: Fuller is having a full blown sophomore slump after a head turning rookie season. To be fair, the entire Chicago secondary has struggled. Last week, against the Vikings, Fuller had two tackles and defended two passes. Hopefully Fuller will be able to recover his rookie form and continue to develop.