Hokies in the NFL Week 16/17

It is the last week of the NFL’s regular season! Some of the former Hokie greats will be playing in the post season, but until then Gobbler Country takes a look at what these standouts have accomplished and what they face in week 17.

Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills, QB: Last week the Bills handed the beleaguered Dallas Cowboys their eleventh loss of the season when they defeated them, 16-6, in Buffalo. Tyrod had a rather accurate day in the passing game, completing 13/18 (72.2%) for 179 yards. For only the second time all season Taylor did not throw a touchdown, and he did have one interception. The Bills ground a win out, rushing for 236 total yards. Tyrod contributed with 67 rushing yards on 14 attempts with a 16-yard scramble as his longest. He was sacked three times and finished the day with a respectable 72.5 QBR. This week the Bills face the New York Jets for the second time. In November the Bills defeated head coach Rex Ryan’s former team 22-17. Now, in the last week of season, New York is facing a situation where they are in the playoffs if they defeat Buffalo. Although the Bills are officially out of playoff contention this matchup between AFC East rivals is going to be one of the more interesting, impacting, and emotional games played in week 17.

Shayne Graham, Atlanta Falcons, K: With starter Matt Bryant nursing a leg injury the Falcons signed Graham in late November. Last week the Falcons deposed the undefeated Carolina Panthers, 20-13. Graham hit two FG, with a long of 54 yards and 2/2 extra-points. He also suffered his first missed field goal of the season when he was short on a 43-yard attempt. This weekend Atlanta will host the Saints and hope to avoid a losing season record.

Eddie Royal, Chicago Bears, WR: Eddie Royal, who has been battling nagging injuries all season, was targeted six times in the Bears meeting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Royal had five total receptions for 21 yards, and a longest of 14 yards. Chicago defeated Tampa, 26-21 and ended a three game skid. Eddie and the Bears next host the Detroit Lions in their regular season finale.

Kyle Fuller, Chicago Bears, DB: Fuller had four total tackles and one pass defended. The Chicago defense had some nice plays against the Tampa Bay passing attack, including a goal line interception, but they allowed several big passing plays to get through, including four passing plays that were greater than 4o yards! Fuller and company will need to prepare for next week when they face perennial pro-bowl member, Calvin Johnson, and the Detroit Lions.

Kyshoen Jarrett, Washington Redskins, DB: The rookie continues to have a solid season. The Redskins defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-24, to lock up the NFC East with a record of 8-7. Jarrett contributed with eight total tackles and one pass defended.

DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins, DB: The veteran has been fighting injuries all season, but he was a force on the field against the Eagles. He had four total tackles on the day. His greatest contribution came on fumble recovery touchdown return, resulting from a DeMarco Murray fumble. Hall and Jarrett will next face a toothless Dallas Cowboys passing attack to wrap up the season before they look to the playoffs.

Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks, DB: Chancellor missed his second straight game with a pelvis injury. The Seahawks certainly missed him when the St. Louis Rams ended the Seahawks’ five game winning streak 23-17. As of now Chancellor is listed as questionable. Seattle will likely want him in the lineup when they travel to Phoenix to face the blistering hot Arizona Cardinals if Seattle was not already qualified for the NFC playoffs. It is likely Seattle will elect to rest Chancellor in hopes of him returning healthy for the Wild Card round.