Cyclones in the NFL: Kelechi Osemele impresses in Ravens camp, Leonard Johnson starts with Buccaneers
By Brian Spaen
Many former Iowa State football players have made an impact in the second weekend of NFL preseason action, putting up impressive performances while starting with the team and even setting their team up to win the game.
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A couple of updates before we get to the games: Oakland Raiders cornerback Jansen Watson left the team a week ago, reportedly to “contemplate his future“. It’s an interesting move considering Watson played decently in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Also, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jake Knott didn’t play in his second consecutive game. He is on the injury list with a hamstring. Knott’s 4-game suspension doesn’t have any impact on preseason games.
Giants 27, Colts 26
— IND: Josh Lenz was targeted twice in the game but didn’t have any catches. The first miss was around two minutes left in the first half inside the red zone from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on 1st and 10. The Colts would score a touchdown to make it 20-0. Lenz had his other incomplete in the 3rd quarter on another 1st down play when the team was in the no huddle, this time from quarterback Chandler Harnish.
David Sims recorded three total tackles. He was called for offensive holding on a kickoff after the Giants scored to cut the lead to 26-7. Now with the team back at their own 6 yard line, it made it easier for the Giants to score again when they picked up a fumble and eventually made it 26-14. New York would go on to win the game after being down 26-0, scoring all 27 points in the final quarter.
Jul 25, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jets 25, Bengals 17
— NYJ: Jeremiah George recorded a solo tackle in the final period of the game. Jeremy Reeves sat out this game with a knee injury.
Ravens 37, Cowboys 30
— BAL: Kelechi Osemele continues to dominate this preseason and is the most impressive former Cyclone in the NFL. From the ESPN blog covering the Ravens:
"If he dominates this way in the regular season, the Ravens could have another Pro Bowl guard. He put so many defensive players on their backs that I’m surprised IHOP hasn’t signed him to an endorsement deal."
Reggie Stephens is making more news in practice, having an altercation with linebacker Nicholas DiMarco earlier in the week.
Dolphins 20, Buccaneers 14
— TB: Leonard Johnson was third on the team with three tackles (all solo), two of them coming in the first quarter. He’s earned a starting position at nickelback and started in this game.
Steelers 19, Bills 16
— BUF: Deon Broomfield intercepted a pass on the team’s 29 yard line, setting up a last minute chance for Buffalo to tie or win the game with 49 seconds left. In typical Bills fashion, the drive ended on a fumble three plays later.
Texans 32, Falcons 7
— ATL: On the second play of the second half, Tim Dobbins got to Case Keenum and sacked him for a yard, but he committed a 15-yard facemask penalty. If he avoided the facemask, the Texans would have faced 3rd and 18.
Here’s the rest of Week 2 action for today and tomorrow, highlighted by A.J. Klein on the Carolina Panthers.