Tag: Jason Avant

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Charles Woodson

In a 34-14 loss to the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raider Charles Woodson had 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hurry.

Honorable mention: The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Chad Henne went 30/51 for 331 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 30-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Avant caught 3 passes for 45 yards in a 24-22 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Kansas City Chief Junior Hemingway had 5 catches for 45 yards in a 27-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers. Tom Brady completed 14/24 passes for 122 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 34-20 Patriots win over the Buffalo Bills.

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Jason Avant

Jason Avant (#8) with Steve Breaston, Matt Gutierrez, and Braylon Edwards (left to right)

Avant had 5 catches for 87 yards and 1 touchdown while his Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 26-16.

Honorable mention: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall had 4 tackles, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups in a 34-30 victory over the Green Bay Packers. New York Jets linebacker David Harris had 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hurry in a 27-20 victory over Buffalo. Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson had 1 carry for -2 yards and 2 kickoff returns for 54 yards in a 45-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Jason Avant

It was a strong week for our former Michigan athletes, but no one had a more eye-popping performance than Philadelphia Eagle Jason Avant. His team won 23-21 over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he finished with seven receptions for 133 yards, including one of the most impressive one-handed grabs you’ll ever see. Avant has 38 receptions for 495 yards through 13 games, and his play looks to be improving alongside that of QB Nick Foles.  Teammate Brandon Graham had two tackles in the win.

Honorable mention:  Stevie Brown picked off Drew Brees twice as his Giants routed the Saints; he returned the two interceptions a total of 91 yards.  Brown is now second in the NFL with seven interceptions and is also the Giants’ new single-season record holder for most interception return yards with 259.  In addition to the picks, Brown had eight tackles, 2 pass breakups, and a forced fumble in the game.

Miscellaneous: 

• Tom Brady and the Patriots beat up on the one-loss Texas by a score of 42-14.  Brady threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns and torched the Texans on play action.  He is quietly having another MVP-caliber season.
• David Molk, banged up after nearly a full NFL season, was
  placed on the Injured Reserve for the Chargers.  The move cleared up a
  roster spot that was filled by a healthy lineman, fellow Wolverine and current teammate Stephen Schilling. 
• After being released by the Seahawks, Braylon Edwards re-signed with one of his former teams, the New York Jets.
• Martell Webb was released from the Colts’ practice squad.
• Cam Cameron, who coached at Michigan from ’83 to ’93, was fired as the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
• David Harris recorded 10 tackles and a sack in a win over the Jaguars.  He has a team-leading 101 tackles through 13 games.
• Steve Hutchinson was placed on the Injured Reserve for the Titans due to a knee injury.
• Jonas Mouton recorded his first career tackle against the Bengals earlier in the month.
• Chad Henne went a dismal 21/43 passing with zero touchdowns and two interceptions in his third start of the year.  Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville’s starter to begin the season, was recently placed on the IR, so Henne should get a few more games to prove he’s starter-quality.   

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Brandon Graham

Wait, can someone remind me why the ’09 defense wasn’t awesome?

The Philadelphia Eagles are a train wreck, but at least their 2010 first round draft pick has started to make an impact.  Graham only played about half of his team’s snaps in a loss to the Cowboys, but he started the game and showed well, particularly in the first half.  He finished with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for a loss, and a few quarterback hurries.  Most game recaps praise his quickness and play against the run but comment that his production fell off as the game went on.  The performance is Graham’s best showing since tearing his ACL and meniscus in late 2010.

Honorable Mention:  Eagle teammate Jason Avant had his best game in a while, as well.  He caught five passes for 79 yards in the loss.  Avant is listed as a starter at WR and should see his numbers improve whenever Philadelphia gets a competent quarterback.

Miscellaneous:

• The often injured and always outspoken Braylon Edwards didn’t do a thing in Seattle’s upset win over Chicago, but he did feel the need
  to burn a few bridges via tweet, something he has become quite adept at doing.  Unfortunately, Edwards was waived by the Seahawks on Tuesday.  Here’s to hoping he finds a new home – if only because he is a Michigan man.
• 49er Mario Manningham re-injured his left shoulder in a loss to the Rams.  He caught five passes for 37 yards in the contest.
• In his second start of the season, Chad Henne went 18/41 passing for 208 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a loss to the Bills.      
• Stevie Brown had four tackles and may no longer be the frontrunner for the NFL MVP.
• Mike Martin had two tackles in a loss to the Texans.

Former Michigan Athlete of the Week: Tom Brady

“Stop asking me about my arm.” – Tom Brady