Pitt in the Pros: Week 6

Kenny Pickett finally made his black and gold debut

Pitt has a history of having great players excel in the NFL and the current crop of former Panthers at the next level is no different. Whether at quarterback, running back, or the defensive side of the ball the Pro Panthers continue to ball out.

Offense:

Kenny Pickett: Coming into his second NFL start, the 2021 ACC Player of the Year looked poised to make a statement against one of the NFL’s greatest, Tom Brady. Pickett lived up to the hype of this matchup going 11 of 18 for 67 yards and a touchdown. While these numbers may not seem stellar it is important to remember that he was taken out of the content in the second half and put into the NFL’s Concussion Protocol. The Steelers would go on to win the contest 20 – 18. Mike Tomlin on Tuesday said that if Pickett can clear the concussion protocol, he will start Sunday’s game in Miami.

James Conner: The former Panthers running back entered the season as the number-one back for the Arizona Cardinals but has not lived up to the expectations. During the Week 5 game against the Eagles, Connor emerged with a rib injury and was questionable throughout the week. Come Sunday, Conner was ruled out for the Cardinals’ game against the Seahawks. Currently, he is listed as questionable for the Cardinals’ game on Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints.

Tyler Boyd: The former Pitt standout receiver is still a key figure in the Cincinnati Bengals offense, even in the middle of his sixth season in the Black and Orange. Boyd is looked at as a secondary threat in the Bengals’ offense with Ja’Marr Chase as the key passing weapon for Joe Burrow. In the Week 6 game in New Orleans, Boyd was a game-time decision with an ankle injury but left his mark by collecting 66 yards over 6 catches. The Bengals host the Atlanta Falcons in Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday.

Defense:

Aaron Donald: Donald is looked at as the Gold Star of Pitt Athletics and has become one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. However, Sunday was an off game for the Defensive Tackle by having 4 total tackles against the Carolina Panthers, all of which were assists. This should not be alarming due to this being the beginning of the season still. Donald’s best football this season is still to come. The LA Rams are on a bye this week.

Jordan Whitehead: The New York Jets have been a team on a role this season and the same can be said over the past couple of weeks for Jordan Whitehead. Whitehead had 7 total tackles against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6, 5 solo, and 2 assists. This is his second week in a row with 7 tackles in a game. If the Jets season is any indication this may be the start of a special season for Jordan Whitehead. The Jets go into Denver to battle the Broncos on Sunday.

Damarri Mathis: The Denver Broncos have not had the season many had planned, but that does not mean that players aren’t excelling. Damarri Mathis, much like Jordan Whitehead, has come into his own over the past couple of games. In Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mathis collected 6 total tackles, 5 solo, and 1 assist. This is the second week in a row that Mathis has collected 6 tackles. If the Broncos can begin to turn this season around it will be interesting to see what the season holds for Mathis. The Broncos host the New York Jets on Sunday.