UConn in the NFL: Week 8

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tennessee Titans

7 tackles, 2 Pass breakups

Wreh-Wilson has earned some high praise from head coach Ken Whisenhunt for improving mightily after returning from a concussion earlier in the year. In his first 4 games, Blidi committed 8 penalties, had 2 pass breakups, and recorded 16 tackles. In his last three games, he had 5 pass break ups, 25 tackles, and his first career interception and was only penalized once. The Titans feel like they have found a long term answer at cornerback in an otherwise frustrating start to the 2014 season.

FB Anthony Sherman, Kansas City Chiefs: 1 reception for 24 yards

On the last play of the 3^rd quarter at their own 30 yard line and up 13 points, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith dumped it off to Anthony Sherman who then took it 24 yards and set up a Jamaal Charles touchdown run just two plays later. At 4-3, the Chiefs are just half a game out of the wild card, and they are getting top level production out of their fullback.

RB Donald Brown, San Diego Chargers:  DNP

Brown sat out his third game in a row with a concussion, a game where the Chargers had to abandon the run early in order to keep up with Denver's high-powered offense in a loss. Hopefully Donald can return this week in Miami and share carries with rookie Branden Oliver.

TE Ryan Griffin, Houston Texans: No Stats

Houston is still getting ZERO production from the tight end position as Ryan Fitzpatrick only threw the ball to three receivers and two running backs. However, Garrett Graham has proven to be a formidable blocker, and with the Texans racking up wins, it would take an injury for him to see significant playing time.

CB Darius Butler, Indianapolis Colts: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble

After sitting out the last three games with an ankle injury, Darius Butler returned just in time to be victim to one of the best performances EVER by a quarterback from Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben went 40/49 for 522 yards and 6 touchdowns. Butler got pretty badly picked on by Roethlisberger after having to fill in for pro bowl-caliber cornerback Vontae Davis- who left in the first quarter with an injury. It should be noted, however, that Butler's forced fumble led to the Colts making it a one possession game.

Will Beatty, New York Giants: Bye Week

Beatty and the Giants had a much needed bye week after a poor showing against the Cowboys.  He will take on former teammate Darius Butler and the Indianapolis Colts next week.

Robert McClain, Atlanta Falcons: 4 tackles (4 solo)

McClain found his way back into the box score with a four tackle game, the most he's had since week 3.  Unfortunately, the Falcons blew a 21-0 lead and lost 22-21 to the Detroit Lions in London.  McClain will also take on a former Husky next week as the Falcons play Danny Lansanah and the Tampy Bay Buccaneers next week.

Danny Lansanah, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2 tackles (1 solo), 1 TFL, 1 PD

Lansanah has not been recording as many tackles as he was when he first cracked the Bucs line-up, but he was able to record his 3rd tackle for loss of the year in a 19-13 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  Yesterday, Tampa Bay traded linebacker Jonathon Casillas, who was the starting SAM linebacker before Lansanah.  Clearly, the Bucs are more than pleased with Lansanah's performance this season and are willing to go forward with him.  Tampa Bay takes on the Atlanta Falcons next week.

Sio Moore, Oakland Raiders: 9 tackles (8 solo), 2 TFL

Moore was once again all over the field in the Raiders' 23-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns.  He continues to fill up the stat sheet but did unfortunately drop what would have been a key interception.  While healthy, Moore has been an absolute beast, recording 45 tackles in just five games.  He is still third on the team in tackles despite missing two games.  The Raiders will try to contain Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks next week.

Tyvon Branch, Oakland Raiders: IR

Branch is still sixth on the Raiders in tackling which really says a lot about where the team is at.  In 2006, he had five tackles in the come from behind double overtime win over the Pitt Panthers.  Here are the highlights. UNREAL

Marcus Easley, Buffalo Bills: DNP (Knee)

Although he was a limited participant at practice last week, Easley missed his fifth game in a row due to a sprained MCL. The Bills decided to be cautious with their special teams ace and make sure that he's fully healthy when he returns after their bye this week. Easley will return when the Bills take on the Chiefs week 10 in Orchard Park.

Jordan Todman, Jacksonville Jaguars: 2 carries, 10 yards; 2 catches, 0 yards; 2 kick returns, 52 yards

Even though Denard Robinson has broken out as the Jaguars "number one running back," Todman has still carved out a role for himself as a kick returner, and third-down back. His 16 snaps Sunday were tied with Toby Gerhart for third among Jaguars running backs in the 27-13 loss to Miami. Todman leads the NFL with 505 yards on 19 kick returns.

Kendall Reyes, San Diego Chargers: 1 tackle

Reyes had a tough game in San Diego's 35-21 loss to Denver and there is some evidence that he is falling out of favor amongst Chargers' fans. The Chargers SB Nation blog, Bolts From The Blue, said "I think it's time for Kendall Reyes to be rotated in on passing downs only. He's simply not an every down player, and he's a major liability in run defense when teams show passing personnel groups." Husky fans are hoping that Reyes has a bounce back game this week against the Dolphins and flashes the ability that made him a second round pick in 2012.

Dwayne Gratz, Jacksonville Jaguars: 1 tackle

Gratz returned to the starting lineup due to an injury to Alan Ball and helped the Jaguars' pass defense perform admirably in their 27-13 loss to the Dolphins. Ryan Tannehill went 16-29 for 196 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Jacksonville placed Ball on the injured reserve Wednesday, so Gratz will presumably be a starting cornerback from this point forward.

Shamar Stephen, Minnesota Vikings: 2 tackles

Stephen continued his rotational role, playing 18 snaps and making the most of it with a pair of tackles including one at the line of scrimmage. Both the Vikings front office and fans seem high on this year's 7^th round pick as he continues to give them solid performances when his number is called.

Dan Orlovsky, Detroit Lions: DNP

Orlovsky did not play in Detroit's 22-21 win over the Falcons in London. We have run out of non-safety related football highlights, so here is "Golfing with Dan Orlovsky."