Nov. 23, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Three former Tar Heels turned in big performances this past Sunday. Fullback Madison Hedgecock caught a touchdown pass and Hakeem Nicks caught five passes for 65 yards to help lead the Giants 34-31 over the Falcons in overtime. Greg Ellis disrupted the Bengals offense with three tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery as the Raiders upset the Bengals 20-17.
Sam Aiken, New England- Seventh-year wide receiver was inactive with a hip injury for the Patriots' 31-14 victory of the Jets.
Ethan Albright, Washington- Long-time deep snapper helped the Redskins convert field goals of 45 and 31 yards for their only points in a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to archrival Dallas.
Kentwan Balmer, San Francisco- Second-year defensive tackle saw action for the 49ers in a 30-24 defeat at Green Bay Sunday.
Connor Barth, Tampa Bay- Elder brother of the current Tar Heel kicker, Casey, converted his only extra point attempt in the Buccaneers' 38-7 loss to the unbeaten Saints.
Dre' Bly, San Francisco- Two-time Pro Bowler saw action in the defensive backfield for San Francisco as they fell 30-24 to the Packers.
Jason Brown, St Louis- Starting center anchored the offensive line for a Rams offense that racked up 123 yards rushing in a 21-13 loss to division-leading Arizona Sunday.
Alge Crumpler, Tennessee- Veteran tight end will try to help the Titans earn their fourth consecutive victory as they travel to Houston to take on the Texans Monday night.
Greg Ellis, Oakland- Former All-America defensive end had a big day as the Raiders upset Cincinnati 20-17, notching three tackles, a sack, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery.
Brooks Foster, St Louis- Rookie wide receiver, who was the Rams' fifth-round pick this year, is on injured reserve after ankle surgery.
Madison Hedgecock, New York Giants- Fifth-year fullback recorded two catches for nine yards, including a three-yard touchdown reception, as the Giants broke a four-game losing streak by squeaking out a 34-31 overtime victory over Atlanta.
Jesse Holley, Dallas- Wide receiver is listed on the Cowboys' practice squad.
Vonnie Holliday, Denver- Defensive tackle had one tackle and three assists, but the Broncos were handled by San Diego 32-3.
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants- Rookie wide receiver, the Tar Heels' all-time leading receiver, made five receptions for 65 yards for the Giants in a 34-31 overtime win over the Falcons.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh- Two-time Pro Bowler rushed six times for 24 and caught a pass for 11 yards in the Steelers' 27-24 overtime loss at Kansas City.
Julius Peppers, Carolina- Two-time All-Pro selection made one tackle and forced a fumble in the Panthers' tough 24-17 loss to the Dolphins Thursday night.
Richard Quinn, Denver- Rookie tight end saw action for the Broncos in a 32-3 loss to the Chargers Sunday.
Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh- Kicker converted his only field goal attempt, a 36-yarder, and was perfect on three extra points, but Pittsburgh was upset by the Chiefs, 27-24, in overtime.
Garrett Reynolds, Atlanta- Rookie offensive tackle was inactive in the Falcons' 34-31 overtime loss to the New York Giants.
Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis- 11th-year center helped lead a Colt offense that amassed 375 yards in a 17-15 nail-biter over Baltimore that ran Indianapolis' record to 10-0.
Gerald Sensabaugh, Dallas- Starting strong safety had one tackle and one assist as the Cowboy defense kept Washington out of the end zone in a 7-6 win.
Ryan Sims, Tampa Bay- Eighth-year defensive tackle recorded one tackle and one assist in Tampa Bay's 38-7 loss to New Orleans.
Brandon Tate, New England- Rookie wide receiver, a third-round pick of the Patriots, is on injured reserve with a knee injury and is out for the season.
Hilee Taylor, Carolina- Second-year defensive end was inactive in the Panthers' 24-17 loss to Miami Thursday night.
David Thornton, Tennessee- Starting linebacker and his Titan teammates head to Houston Monday night for an intra-divisional tilt with the Texans.
Greg Warren, Pittsburgh- Deep snapper keyed the Steelers' conversion of one field goal and six punts in their 27-24 overtime loss to Kansas City.
Wallace Wright, New York Jets- Special teams ace had one assist, but the Jets dropped a 31-14 decision to New England Sunday.
