:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57397753/usa_today_10379363.0.jpg)
Another week of NFL action is down, and your favorite former Hawkeyes are right there in the thick of it all.
The biggest news coming out of the weekend — unfortunately for former Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard — was a blockbuster Monday trade that sent New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers for a second round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Major QB shakeup: 49ers trading 2018 2nd-round draft pick to New England for Patriots’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2017
The immediate impact of the trade is obviously yet to be seen, but common sense tells you that nobody trades a second-round pick for a player who is just going to hold a clipboard. Garoppolo has spent his short NFL career watching and being mentored by the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, all under the watch of the greatest coach to ever roam the NFL sidelines. Historically, backup quarterbacks from New England during the Brady-Belichick era have not fared well at new locations, but the Garoppolo situation looks and feels different. The best player is going to play, but right now, this does not look good for C.J.
All is not lost, however for our own CJB!
And another shoe drops: 49ers are releasing QB Brian Hoyer, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2017
It’s your job to lose, C.J.
With that, let’s get down to business. Here’s how your favorite former Hawkeyes fared in Week 8 of the NFL season.
C.J. Beathard, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
C.J. had another rough outing behind a shoddy offensive line in San Francisco’s 33-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He went 17-36 for 167 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had six carries for 40 yards. Bad line or not, it’s obvious that Beathard was on a short leash. This performance alone may not have forced San Francisco’s hand in the Garoppolo trade, but you gotta think it made it easier for 49ers GM John Lynch to pull the trigger.
George Kittle, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle had another quiet day in the 49er loss, catching just two passes for 22 yards.
Micah Hyde, Defensive Back, Buffalo Bills
Hyde continued his monster 2017 season on Sunday, playing a key role in Buffalo’s 34-14 stomping of the Oakland Raiders. Micah was in on five tackles, defended one pass and snagged his NFL-leading fifth interception. He’s on pace to have far and away the best season of his 5-year NFL career to this point.
Desmond King, Defensive Back, Los Angeles Chargers
King worked his way into the box score against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots over the weekend. He continued a solid rookie campaign, logging four tackles in a 21-13 loss.
Adrian Clayborn, Defensive Tackle, Atlanta Falcons
Clayborn logged two tackles in Atlanta’s 25-20 win over the New York Jets. Apparently he’s been logging a bunch of drug tests as well:
3 drug test in 3 weeks . NFL you are wasting your kits. This is not the body of someone that take steroids if you haven’t noticed lol
— Adrian Clayborn (@AJaClay) October 30, 2017
Anthony Hitchens, Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
Hitchens had a nice afternoon in Dallas’ 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins. He got in on four tackles and helped hold the Redskin rushing attack to under 50 yards.
Christian Kirksey, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns
Kirksey continues to be one of Cleveland’s bright spots in yet another dark season for the franchise. He defended one pass and got in on eight tackles in a 33-16 loss to the Vikings. His 67 total tackles on the year currently have Kirksey tied for fourth-most overall in the NFL.