Cyclones in the NFL: Week 1 highlights from A.J. Klein, Leonard Johnson

A.J. Klein and Leonard Johnson squared off against each other in Carolina’s win at Tampa Bay, highlighting former Cyclone players in the NFL.

Since we haven’t updated you on what’s happened in the NFL since the turn of the month, let’s get you up to date:

• After making final roster cuts, Atlanta Falcons’ Tim Dobbins and New York Jets’ Jeremiah George were both released after claiming other players off of waivers. George made it on the Jets’ practice squad while Dobbins is finding another team to play for.
• By my count, there are four Cyclones that have made NFL teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers NB Leonard Johsnon, Carolina Panthers WLB A.J. Klein, Baltimore Ravens LG Kelechi Osemele, and Cleveland Browns NT Ahtyba Rubin.
• The following former Cyclones have made practice squads: Deon Broomfield with the Buffalo Bills, Carter Bykowski on the San Francisco 49ers, Jeremiah George on the New York Jets, and Josh Lenz on the Indianapolis Colts. There’s a possibility that any of these players could move up during the season.

We’ll let you know what happens with some of the former Cyclones that currently aren’t on NFL teams or practice squads, like Jake Knott, Jake McDonough, and Jeremy Reeves.

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA;Carolina Panthers inside linebacker A.J. Klein (56) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers 20, Buccaneers 14

— CAR: A.J. Klein had two tackles (both solo) in Tampa Bay’s first drive of the second half. He took down Bucs QB Josh McCown after the QB scrambled up the middle for 11 yards and a first down on 2nd and 6. Later, Klein had help from Kawann Short on stopping Doug Martin for no gain after the Bucs got their fourth first down of the drive. Despite all those first downs, the Bucs ended up punting at the CAR 36 yard line.

— TB: Leonard Johnson had two tackles (both solo). Johnson was helped by Mason Foster in taking down a short pass from Carolina QB Derek Anderson to Jerricho Cotchery in the team’s first drive of the second half. The Panthers eventually didn’t go anywhere and were forced to punt. On their third drive of the game, Johnson was helped Michael Johnson to take down Jason Avant after a short pass didn’t go anywhere. Carolina would end up missing a 48-yard field goal on that drive.

Steelers 30, Browns 27

— CLE: Early in the second quarter, Ahtyba Rubin recorded two tackles (one assist) on Pittsburgh’s fourth drive of the game. He stopped Le’veon Bell up the middle when the running back picked up a first down on 2nd and 3. He also helped with Barkevious Mingo in stopping Bell after he picked up another first down on 2nd and 2 all the way at the CLE 35. Bell also had a 30-yard catch in the drive, and it eventually ended with a Antonio Brown 35-yard catch for a touchdown.

Bengals 23, Ravens 16

— BAL: Ravens blog Russel Street Report said that Kelechi Osemele played an outstanding game despite the team just scoring 16 points. Baltimore’s offensive line allowed three sacks, four tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.