Dec. 7, 2009
Two former Carolina wide receivers reeled in big touchdown catches. Sam Aiken continued his stellar play catching a 81- touchdown pass from Tom Brady in a losing effort to the Dolphins 22-21. Hakeem Nicks caught a 21-yard touchdown pass as Nicks and Madison Hedgecock helped lead the Giants over the Cowboys 31-24.
Sam Aiken, New England- Veteran wide receiver reeled in an 81-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady but the Patriots fell just short against Miami, losing 22-21.
Ethan Albright, Washington- Long-time deep snapper helped Washington convert three field goals but the Redskins fell just short of upending unbeaten New Orleans, dropping a 33-30 overtime thriller.
Kentwan Balmer, San Francisco- Defensive tackle was inactive with a shoulder injury as the 49ers lost 20-17 to the Seahawks Sunday.
Connor Barth, Tampa Bay- Second-year kicker returned to his home state Sunday afternoon and scored the Buccaneers’ only points by connecting on field goals from 21 and 46 yards in a 16-6 defeat at the hands of Carolina.
Dre’ Bly, San Francisco- Former three-time All-America cornerback had four tackles and defended one pass as San Francisco dropped a key divisional tilt to the Seahawks by a score of 20-17.
Jason Brown, St Louis- Starting center once again led an offensive line that helped running back Steven Jackson rush for over 100 yards, but the Rams continued to struggle with a 17-9 setback at Chicago.
Alge Crumpler, Tennessee- Veteran tight end had two catches for 14 yards but he and his Titan teammates saw their five-game losing streak come to an end Sunday in a 27-17 defeat at undefeated Indianapolis.
Greg Ellis, Oakland- Defensive end was inactive with an injured knee but his Raider teammates picked up the slack, upsetting Pittsburgh 27-24.
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- Fullback helped keep the Giants in the playoff race by paving the way for New York backs to rush for 100 yards in a key 31-24 victory over Dallas Sunday.
Jesse Holley, Dallas- Wide receiver is listed on the Cowboys’ practice squad.
Vonnie Holliday, Denver- 12th-year defensive tackle produced two tackles, one going for a loss, and two quarterback hurries as the Broncos dominated the Chiefs by a score of 44-13.
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants- Rookie wide receiver, the Giants’ first round pick, had two receptions for 37 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown catch, in New York’s 31-24 win versus rival Dallas.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh- Running back had three carries for 15 yards as Pittsburgh was stunned at home by Oakland, 27-24.
Julius Peppers, Carolina- Defensive end recorded two tackles, including one for a loss, and a quarterback hurry as the Panthers defense forced five interceptions in a 16-6 win over the Buccaneers.
Richard Quinn, Denver- Rookie tight end helped make room for Bronco running backs to pound out 245 yards rushing as Denver whipped Kansas City 44-13.
Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh- Eighth-year kicker converted a 33-yard field goal attempt and three extra points in the Steelers’ 27-24 loss to the Raiders.
Garrett Reynolds, Atlanta- Rookie offensive tackle saw action as a replacement Sunday but the Falcons struggled, losing to Philadelphia 34-7.
Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis- Veteran center and the Colts offensive machine continued to roll, allowing zero sacks in a 27-17 win against Tennessee that kept Indianapolis unbeaten.
Gerald Sensabaugh, Dallas- Starting strong safety notched five tackles, an assist and defended a pass in the Cowboys’ road loss to the Giants.
Ryan Sims, Tampa Bay- Starting defensive tackle recorded two tackles but Tampa fell in a defensive struggle against the Panthers.
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 saw action in the Panthers’ 16-6 win over visiting Tampa Bay Sunday.
David Thornton, Tennessee- Eighth-year linebacker had a big day for the Titans, racking up eight tackles and five assists to lead the team, but his effort was not enough as the Colts beat Tennessee.
Greg Warren, Pittsburgh- Deep snapper helped the Steelers convert one field goal and record a net average of 43.3 yards per punt in Pittsburgh’s loss Sunday.
Wallace Wright, New York Jets- Special teams ace made two tackles and assisted on two more in the Jets’ 19-13 victory over Buffalo in Toronto Thursday night.
