Hawkeyes in the NFL: Week 10 Top Performers
Another week of football is in the books and that means it’s time to take a look back at how former Hawkeyes fared. Week 10 saw a couple of really good performances by tight ends, as well as more sacks from a defensive end having a career season and a punt return touchdown by a former Hawkeye wide receiver. We take a look back at the top performances from Hawkeyes in the NFL during Week 10.
Honorable Mentions
TE Sam LaPorta- 4 rec 40 yds vs Chargers
DE Anthony Nelson- 3 tkls, 1 QB hurry vs Tennessee
LB Jack Campbell- 5 tkls vs Chargers
1. TE TJ Hockenson
Have a day TJ Hockenson. The Vikings pass catcher put together the biggest tight end performance of the week and nearly did all of his work in the first half against the Saints. Hockenson caught ten passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in the first half, while he finished the game with 11 catches for 134 yards. His longest reception was a 28 yard touchdown reception to extend the Vikings lead to 24-3 late in the opening half.
Through ten weeks, Hockenson is atop the stats list for catches (71) and yards (681), while his four touchdown catches is tied for third most amongst all tight ends. He is on track to go for 121 catches, 1,158 yards and seven touchdowns.
2. TE George Kittle
George Kittle only caught three passes in the 49ers 34-3 win over the Jaguars, but that was all he needed to have a big day. He finished with 116 yards and a touchdown on those three catches, including a 66-yard touchdown reception put San Francisco up 20-3 in the third quarter. His other two catches went for 18 and 29 yards.
On the season, Kittle has 35 catches for 559 yards and four touchdowns. Despite being tied for 15th amongst all tight ends with 35 catches, he is third in yards. His 15.9 yards per catch leads all tight ends by a couple of yards. Big play George Kittle.
3. DE AJ Epenesa
AJ Epenesa is having a career best season and it continued on Monday Night Football last night against the Broncos. Despite the loss, Epenesa racked up four quarterback pressures, including two sacks and a quarterback hit. His sack on the final drive pushed Denver out of field goal range, but a penalty by the secondary allowed them to get the game-winning field goal.
On the season, Epenesa has 25 quarterback hurries, including seven sacks and three hits. He also has an interception return for a touchdown.
4. WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Ihmir Smith-Marsette hasn’t been able to break into the Panthers wide receiver rotation this season, but has been their punt returner. On Thursday against the Bears, Smith-Marsette broke through with his first punt return touchdown. The 79-yard return put Carolina in front in the first quarter.
On the year, Smith-Marsette has eight punt returns for more than ten yards, including a 79-yard touchdown return and a 24 yard return against the Colts last week. He is third in the league with 202 return yards and is one of five players to have a punt return touchdown.
5. OG James Daniels
The Steelers got the win over Green Bay on Sunday and James Daniels was a big help on the offensive line. He allowed just one pressure on 30 pass blocking snaps, which allowed Kenny Pickett to complete 14/23 passes for 126 yards. Daniels 82.3 pass blocking grade by Pro Football Focus ranked 5th amongst all offensive guards for the week.
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