It was a fantastic week for two former Cougars and a quiet week for several others as the NFL regular season came to a close. Dennis Pitta probably has the most to celebrate as he completed a fantastic comeback season after being injured the previous two years. He played in all 16 games and set the Baltimore Raven’s tight end records for receptions in a game (11) and receiving yards in a season (729). Meanwhile, Daniel Sorensen continued to quietly work his way to stardom recording his third interception on the season. All statistics, snap counts, and transactions for active players are recorded below.
Joe Flacco, Dennis Pitta Set A Pair Of Team Records In Finale https://t.co/qt8P7HHVm6 via @Ravens
— BYU Insider (@byu_insider) January 3, 2017
Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah (DE, 2010-12; Detroit). Detroit (9-7) lost its third straight with a 31-24 defeat at the hands of Green Bay. Ansah had a quiet week with one solo tackle and two assisted tackles in the loss. He started at defensive end and played 50 snaps with the defense (67%). Season Totals: 35 tackles (21 solo, 14 assisted); four quarterback hurries, three tackles for loss; two sacks
John Denney (LS, 2001-04; Miami). Miami (10-6) fell 35-14 to New England. Denney played 7 snaps (27%) on special teams. Season Totals: No stats
Paul Lasike (RB/FB, 2012-14; Chicago). Chicago (3-13) fell to Minnesota 38-10 and Lasike was inactive for the game (probably why they lost, right?). Season Totals: three carries for eight yards; one reception for three yards; one kickoff return for five yards.
Dennis Pitta (TE, 2004, 2007-09; Baltimore). Baltimore (8-8) fell to Cincinnatti 27-10. Pitta broke two Raven’s records for tight ends in the game. His 11 receptions (for 91 yards) was the most ever for a Raven’s TE, and his 729 total yards on the season is also the most ever for a Ravens TE. He was targeted 16 times, with eleven receptions for 91 yards. He started at tight end and played 54 snaps on offense (74%). Season Totals: 86 receptions for 729 yards, two touchdowns; one fumble lost.
Dennis Pitta should earn back $3M of his $4M pay cut through incentives. https://t.co/RVzjyF1P3u
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) December 11, 2016
Daniel Sorensen (DB, 2008, 2011-13; Kansas City). The Chiefs (12-4) defeated San Diego 37-27. Sorensen had four solo tackles, an interception, a pass defended, and recovered an onside kick. He played 45 snaps on defense (68%) and 21 snaps on special teams (75%). Season Totals: 61 tackles (53 solo, 8 assisted); four TFL; five pass deflections; two forced fumble; two fumble recoveres (including one for 55 yards); three INT with one returned 48 yards for a TD; one kickoff return (for zero yards); one sack.
Chiefs’ Daniel Sorensen becoming takeaway artist, like teammate Marcus Peters https://t.co/8Gf4gkE9gU
— BYU Insider (@byu_insider) January 3, 2017
Kyle Van Noy (LB, 2010-13; New England). New England (14-2) defeated Miami 35-14. Van Noy had one solo tackle. He played 19 snaps on defense (32%) and 8 on special teams (31%). Season Totals: 51 tackles (31 solo, 20 assisted); one sack; two TFL; three pass deflection; one interception; one forced fumble.
Additional Cougars on the injured reserve:
- Bronson Kaufusi (DE, 2012-15). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Uani ‘Unga (MLB, 2011-13). On the injured reserve for New York Giants
- De’Ondre Wesley (OT, 2013-14). On injured reserve for Baltimore Ravens.
- Alani Fua (ILB, 2010-14). Placed on injured reserve after week 3. Season Totals: One assisted tackle
Cougars currently on practice squads:
- Jordan Leslie has been everywhere this season. He was waived by the Atlanta Falcons in August, spent one week on the Tennessee Titans practice squad in September, and was added on October 18th to the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
- Rob Daniel (CB, 2013-14). Daniel spent 2015-16 on Green Bay practice squad and some time on 53 man roster. He was released after training camp in early September 2016 but was elevated to the Green Bay practice squad before week 3. That only lasted a week or so as he was waived by the Packers on September 25, 2016. However he was picked up by Baltimore and played 19 snaps (61%) on special teams (but recorded no stats) on an October 23 loss to the Jets. He was waived by the Ravens on November 5, 2016 but then re-activated to the practice squad on November 12th.
- Cody Hoffman has spent this season on the practice squad for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
- Manoa Pikula (ILB, 2012-15). Cut by the Green Bay Packers in the pre-season but is currently listed on the Injury Report
