Hokies In the NFL: Week One 2016

The first week of NFL play is complete! Several Virginia Tech Hokies play at the professional level, and Gobbler Country checks in on their first week performances.

Buffalo Bills

Tyrod Taylor (QB): The Buffalo Bills struggled against the defense of the Baltimore Ravens, and fell, 7-13. Taylor was able to keep several plays alive with his feet, but in the end the Ravens were very successful at containing the veteran. Tyrod finished the game going 15 of 22 for 111 yards. He was stuffed by the Raven’s defense and only collected 11 total yards on five attempts. He was sacked twice, but never turned the ball over. The Bills have a short week and will face head coach, Rex Ryan’s, former squad, the New York Jets. The NYJ defense was stout last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. They had seven sacks, ten QB hits, nine tackles for loss, and held the Bengals to only 57 yards on the ground. Tyrod and company will have their hands full.

Chicago Bears

Eddie Royal (WR): Eddie Royal was able to recapture some of the magic that he and QB, Jay Cutler, had found in Denver, but not enough to overcome the Houston Texans. Royal hauled in four receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown. Royal also saw time as the Chicago punt returner. He received four punts and had a nice return of 30 yards during one return. In the end, the Bears fell, 14-23.

Kyle Fuller (DB): The third year player did not appear in the effort against the Texans, and was listed as inactive with a knee injury. No specifics have been provided concerning the injury, nor any estimation for the time of his return.

Kansas City Chiefs

Dadi Nicolas (LB): The rookie dressed, but had no major plays against the Chargers. However, he did take a moment to get a picture with fellow Hokie, Brandon Flowers.

New Orleans Saints

Darryl Tapp (DL): Tapp was active, but had no significant impact on the New Orleans loss to the Oakland Raiders, 34-35.

San Diego Chargers

Brandon Flowers (DB): Flowers started the game against the Chiefs, and had eight tackles, two of which were for a loss. The Chargers seemed to have the Chiefs on the ropes when they were leading, 24-3, halfway through the third quarter. But, the Chiefs answered back quickly. They were able to force overtime and win, 33-30. The San Diego defense was able to keep the KC rushing game in check, but allowed Smith to go 34 / 48, 330 yards, two scores, and one interception. The Chargers will face a respectable Jaguars squad who took Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to the last minute of regulation.

Seattle Seahawks

Kam Chancellor (DB): Chancellor and the Legion of Boom found themselves locked in a defensive match with a feisty Miami Dolphins team. Seattle was able to overcome Miami and win, 12-10. Chancellor had seven total tackles, one of which was for a loss. Next up, the Seahawks will face Todd Gurley and the Los Angeles Rams.

Washington Redskins

Kendall Fuller (DB): Fuller was inactive during the Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

DeAngelo Hall (DB): DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Brown, and Big Ben absolutely dominated the Redskins. Hall had six total tackles, but nobody on the Washington defense could make up for Roethlisberger threw for three TDs and Williams ran for two more. The Redskins dropped the game to the Steelers, 16-38. Next, Hall and Washington will face the Dallas Cowboys and rookie QB, Dak Prescott.

Best of luck next week to our veteran Hokies! Be sure to tune into the NFL Network this Thursday to catch Tyrod Taylor and the Buffalo Bills take on the New York Jets!