Preseason Week 2 is in the books with plenty of former Rutgers Scarlet Knights in action again either tuning up or doing their best to catch on for the regular season. Week 1 recap here.
In Thursday’s action, Derrick Nelson of the Ravens traveled to the home of old friend Leonte Carroo in Miami. The Ravens were dominant again in a 31-7 win, not allowing a sack. Carroo coming off a 33 yard touchdown in week 1 did not record a catch, but the entire Dolphin offense struggled. Jeremy Zuttah returned to the Ravens but not in time to play in the game.
Also in the Sunshine state, George Johnson of the Buccaneers crossed the state over to Jacksonville. It was a defensive slugfest with Tampa Bay prevailing 12-8. Johnson registered no tackles, but did have one quarterback hit in the win.
Saturday, Logan Ryan got his first home game in a Titans uniform against geographic “rival” Carolina. Ryan added one tackle and the Titans offense looked like a completely different group, winning 34-27.
Bengals Clark Harris and Tyler Kroft looked to stay hot, hosting Kansas City. Cincinnati instead got walloped 30-12, but not because of their kicking game with Harris snapping. Bengal kickers went 4-4 on field goals and did well in the field position battle. Kroft recorded no stats but played 20 snaps on offense at tight end and fullback. He was lauded in the offseason for the work he put in to make himself stronger.
Steve Longa played some snaps with Detroit’s starters who completely suffocated the Jets. He finished second on the team with four tackles, having played more snaps than any other Lion ‘backer. Tim Wright did not play again in the 16-6 triumph.
Devin McCourty and Jon Freeny enjoyed Houston as each registered three tackles, but the Patriots lost 27-23. Duron Harmon did not register any stats.
For the Bears, Michael Burton and Marcus Cooper (2 tackles) got the better of Carlton Agudosi and Kaleb Johnson of the Cardinals in the valley of the sun, 24-23. The first team offensive line for the Cardinals was not nearly as good as their backups so big changes might be in store for the unit. Agudosi returned to practice Thursday but I don’t believe he played. Unfortunately, the top 5 receivers seem to be locked in so he will have to really show something the last two preseason games. Burton finds himself in a similar position for Chicago who might not keep a fullback on their roster.
Kevin Snyder and Quentin Gause headed to the Bay Area to play San Francisco, in Santa Clara of course. Denver demolished the 49ers 33-14. Gause bounced back with two tackles, while Snyder added one.
Quentin also posted a nice photo from last week’s action on twitter with Kevin Snyder and Michael Burton …
Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the NFL. There’s a lot of us doing big things. Always remember where you come from, once a Scarlet Knight always. pic.twitter.com/M36kJJRYKm
— Quentin Gause (@quentingause) August 11, 2017
Anthony Cioffi’s Raiders hosted their former L.A city rival, the Rams. The Super Bowl or bust Oakland fans left disappointed as they fell 24-21 at the Coliseum. The starting defense was unimpressive which may shake things up this week in Oakland. Cioffi helped his case with two tackles.
Sunday, Mohamed Sanu (Falcons) traveled to the Steel City to take on Pittsburgh. Sanu caught both his targets for 25 yards but Atlanta fell 17-13.
Brandon Coleman got another matchup with a former Knights receiver, this time Andre Patton. Coleman caught one ball for 8 yards in the Saints 13-7 win. Patton didn’t register stats, but expect some changes with the Chargers offensive struggles yet again.
Monday in Cleveland, Jason McCourty and Kenny Britt hosted the New York football Giants Andrew Turzilli. The Browns pulled out a Monday Night Football victory, 10-6. Turzilli did not record a reception but Britt caught his one target for 8 yards in the win. Jason McCourty did his share with 4 tackles for the victors.
Other local NFL scores: Eagles 20, Bills 16.
