Hawks in the NFL: Week Four Highlights

With the exciting news that Jerry is back in the fold for BHGP, I couldn’t resist guest writing for Rob this week so he can spend some extra time getting you guys some amazing content. No word yet on if IHOP has begun a sponsorship of The Pancake Reel.

I prefer to give out a game ball each week to a top performer and this was an incredibly tough week for that as there were no standout Hawkeye performances (unlike what happened in College Park, MD). My top two or three choices were all in losing efforts so that makes it tough, but this week I’m going to give out the Perseverance Award rather than a game ball.

As Rob has previously noted, this is not meant to be a full update on every former Hawkeye in the NFL. This is more catered to the former Hawkeyes who stood out or had something interesting or important happen to them this past week.

Hope you enjoy and go Hawks and former Hawks!

DESMOND KING

It was rainy in Buffalo and Houston came into the game as an eighteen point underdog. Well the game wasn’t that close as Josh Allen and the Bills put a 40-0 hurting on the Texans. King not only played all 71 snaps on defense, he led the team in tackles with nine and recorded one tackle for a loss and one forced fumble.

It would have been easy to quit in the wet weather and while playing uphill all game but King stood out as a fierce competitor. Even “standing up” to Spencer Brown.

NOAH FANT

The three-headed former Hawkeye tight-end hydra of Fant (6 catches, 46 yards), T.J. Hockenson (4 catches, 42 yards) and George Kittle (4 catches, 40 yards) each had middle of the road stat lines in week four. However, Fant gets the publicity nod as he hauled in a touchdown in the Broncos 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

CHAUNCEY GOLSTON

After seeing his first action of the season in week three, Golston upped his work load to 49 snaps and had five tackles and a half a sack on Sunday in the 36-28 victory over Carolina. According to this article from brother site bloggingtheboys.com, Golston is becoming a star before our eyes.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

AJ EPENESA

A.J. Epenesa saw the same number of snaps as the previous week (20) but that accounted for 43% of the plays vs. only 37% the week before. Snaps were limited to Houston in the Bills 40-0 rout. Starter Matt Milano left the game with an injury and there is no word on if Milano will be available to go against Kansas City next week.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

MICAH HYDE

Micah Hyde had a relatively slow day in the rout over Houston with just one tackle but he did intercept a tipped ball for a pick six against poor rookie QB Davis Mills.

HOG BELLIES

While I’m no O-Line expert, I know that if you go to Iowa, you have a decent shot of making an NFL roster. I also know that watching the Buccaneer/Patriots game that #9 Matt Judon was constantly reeking havoc on the Bucs when he lined up on the left side but when he tried the right side, Tristan Wirfs made him non-existent. I wonder if he’s got to meet Gisele yet? Oh and Lawrence Guy might want to watch his six next time they play Tampa after his post-play trash play on Wirfs.

Other Hawk linemen played and I’m sure did well. Any of you lineman recruits coming to the Penn State game on Saturday, make the correct choice, black and gold is for you.

CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY

Former Hawkeye linebacker, Christian Kirksey, joins King as one of the few bright spots on for Houston. After churning out 10 tackles (seven solo) in week three, Kirksey added seven more in week four in the shutout against Buffalo.

However, I disagree with Mr. Kirksey (politely), it is time to panic for Houston.

ANTHONY HITCHENS/BEN NIEMANN

The much maligned linebackers for the Kansas City Chiefs continue to rack up the tackles as Hitchens had four and Niemann added two more in the Chiefs 42-30 win over the Eagles.

However, Hitchens saw his lowest usage of the season and is something to watch going forward.

So that’s it for the highlights of week four. Hopefully next week we have more to read and are enjoying a great weekend of an Iowa victory and success for the huge number of former Hawkeyes in the NFL.