The first week of the NFL pre-season is now in the books and a few Cougars got an opportunity to showcase what they have to offer their respective teams. The following are highlights from Week one.
2nd year defensive back Daniel Sorenson was Kansas City’s third leading tackler with four total tackles in their victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Kansas City Star wrote a nice article about him trying to secure a roster spot as a second-year undrafted free agent.
Bouncing back from injury Kyle Van Noy had a solid outing for the Detroit Lions, recording one solo and two total tackles, a pass deflection, and a quarterback hurry in Detroit’s 23-3 win over the New York Jets.
Fellow sophomore player Uani (Devin) Unga had three tackles in New York’s 23-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He is listed as an “under-the-radar defensive helper” who could become Jon Beason’s backup at middle linebacker while Jameel McClain is out indefinitely with a neck injury.
Undrafted free agents Robertson Daniel, Alani Fua, and Paul Lasike all played for their respective teams during week one. Robertson Daniel had one solo tackle in Oakland’s 18-3 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Alani Fua recorded two solo tackles and one quarterback hurry in Arizona’s 34-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Josh Weinfuss of ESPN listed Fua as a “Nobody who looked great”, noting that his size can make him a formidable presence. He believes Fua’s play has made a statement that he might be worthy of a roster spot. Teammate Paul Lasike had two carries for 10 yards (with a long of seven) in the loss.
Lasike getting some love. pic.twitter.com/ThcTEOahOq
— Noah Cook (@noahmcook) August 16, 2015
Finally, while Devin Mahina recorded no statistics in Washington’s 20-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, he is listed as the #3 tight end as both Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen are out for the season with injuries. Presumed starter Jordan Reed is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain so the top three tight ends are all currently sidelined. This makes it likely that Mahina will see some action this pre-season and have an opportunity to make the roster.
Other players of Note:
- Brett Keisel, a 2010 pro-bowl selection (defensive end) and owner of “da beard”, has officially retired after 13 seasons with the Pittsburg Steelers, according to the Bleacher Report.
- Brad Sorenson, a 2nd year quarterback with the San Diego Chargers was originally a BYU commit but transferred to Southern Utah after his redshirt year. He completed 4-8 passes for 24 yards in San Diego’s 17-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
- Chicago’s rookie tackle Tayo Fabuluje was drafted out of TCU but he was also once a commit and student at BYU. He has struggled over the last few weeks with allergies or asthma, but played in Chicago’s 27-10 victory over the Dolphins.
- Quarterback transfer (Kansas, Miami) Jake Heaps recorded no statistics in the New York Jet’s 23-3 loss to the Detroit Lions. However, Heaps did have good news this week as quarterback Geno Smith had his jaw broken in a locker room brawl. With Smith out Heaps moves up to the #3 quarterback position.
Stat Lines (alphabetical)
Ziggy Ansah (DE, Detroit Lions, 3rd season). Recorded no statistics in Detroit’s 23-3 win over the New York Jets.
Robertson Daniel (CB, Oakland Raiders, UDFA Rookie). Recorded one solo tackle in Oakland’s 18-3 victory over the St. Louis Rams.
John Denney (LS, Miami Dolphins, 11th season). Recorded no statistics, but was noted as one of the Dolphin’s team captains in Miami’s 27-10 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Hebron Fangupo (DL, Kansas City Chiefs, 2nd season). Recorded no statistics in Kansas City’s 34-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Alani Fua (LB, Arizona Cardinals, UDFA rookie). Recorded two solo tackles and one quarterback hurry in Arizona’s 34-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Spencer Hadley (LB, Oakland Raiders, 2nd season). Recorded no statistics in Oakland’s 18-3 victory over the St. Louis Rams.
Paul Lasike (RB, Arizona Cardinals, UDFA Rookie). Had two carries for 10 yards (with a long of seven) in Arizona’s 35-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jordan Leslie (WR, Minnesota Vikings, UDFA Rookie). Recorded no statistics in Minnesota’s 26-16 victory over Tampa Bay.
Devin Mahina (TE, Washington Redskins, UDFA Rookie). Recorded no statistics in Washington’s 20-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Dennis Pitta (TE, Baltimore Ravens, 6th season). Pitta is currently on the injured list (hip) and did not play in Baltimore’s 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Dallas Reynolds (G, New York Giants, 4th season). Recorded no statistics in New York’s 23-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Daniel Sorenson (DB, Kansas City Chiefs, 2nd season). Had three solo tackles and one assist for four total tackles in Kansas City’s 34-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Uani (Devin) Unga (LB, New York Giants, 2nd season). Had three tackles in New York’s 23-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
De’Ondre Wesley (OT, Baltimore Ravens, UDFA Rookie). Recorded no statistics in Baltimore’s 30-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He has seen some time at right tackle with the second-team during training camp.
Kyle Van Noy (LB, Detroit Lions, 2nd season). Had one solo and two total tackles, a pass deflection, and a quarterback hurry in Detroit’s 23-3 win over the New York Jets.
None of the four players with mini-camp invites seem to have found roster positions (Harvey Jackson, Carolina; Skye PoVey, Green Bay; Solomone Kafu, Arizona; Ross Apo, Seattle).
