Let’s take on final look back at last week before tonight’s Thursday Night Football
It’s time again to look and see how the former Pittsburgh Panthers are doing on the Professional stage.
Offense:
Kenny Pickett: Kenny Pickett took the reins of the Steeler’s offense once again this season and was up against a formidable opponent in the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Come the end of the first quarter things looked to be close as the score was tied at 7, and this was about the high point of the afternoon for any Steelers fan watching. However, that did not mean all hope was lost, this game allowed for the former Pitt standout to get more reps as the leader of the offense and truly see how well he adjusts to the professional level. Pickett completed 25 of 38 passing attempts for 191 yards and threw an interception. These are not amazing statistics but being behind a lacking offensive line and running game leaves the offense in the hands of the rookie. The Steelers are on a bye week and will look to develop Pickett more this week and try to bounce back with a better performance in week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.
Tyler Boyd: Tyler Boyd had a great game last week against the Atlanta Falcons and looked to have another this week in Cleveland against the Browns, but the targets were not there as Joe Burrow was left running for his life to try and stay away from Myles Garrett and the Browns defense. This led to a not-so-great stat line for the former Panthers wideout. Boyd caught 3 of 5 passes thrown in his direction for 38 yards and a touchdown. I would not expect these numbers to continue because Boyd has been on a hot streak as of late. The Bengals will face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 pm.
James Connor: The former star runner for the Panthers looked to continue his success at the NFL level this season in Arizona and has not gotten that chance as of late due to injuries. James Conner last played for the Arizona Cardinals on October 9 against the Eagles when he injured his ribs. So far in practices for week 9 he has been limited but has a strong possibility of returning to the lineup this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at 4:05.
It’s now time to dive into the defensive side of the ball.
Defense:
Aaron Donald: One of the current NFL players most synonymous with the Pitt football organization did not disappoint this week against the San Francisco 49ers. Donald totaled 7 tackles, 5 solo, and 2 assists, but did not record a sack. Do not worry Panther fans this has been the case often this season. Donald has stayed the star player he has always been, but just not the dominating force on quarterbacks this season. Donald hopes to add a few sacks to his stats this week as the Rams face Tom Brady and the reeling Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 4:25.
Jordan Whitehead: Jordan Whitehead continued his impressive tackling season this time against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Even in defeat, Whitehead put up an impressive performance with 5 total tackles, 2 solo, and 3 assists, which being a safety and many times the last line of defense against a score is impressive. Whitehead looks to continue these stats this week but will have a difficult task in front of him as Josh Allen and the red-hot Buffalo Bills come to town at 1 PM on Sunday.
Damarri Mathis: Much like Jordan Whitehead, Damarri Mathis has another great performance this week on the Broncos’ defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mathis collected 4 total tackles throughout Sunday’s contest, 3 solo, and 1 assist but did not record a sack or tackle for loss during the contest. These stats have been very consistent for Mathis over about the last month as he has collected 20 total tackles in his last 4 games. He looks to continue his performance in week 10 against the Tennessee Titans after a much-needed bye week for this Broncos team that needs some answers for not living up to expectations this season.
If there are any players, you feel need to be covered in the next Pitt in the Pros leave them in the comments!