NFL Unsung Heroes of Week 13
NFL Unsung Heroes of Week 13
Every week in the NFL there are teams that need a contribution from an unexpected player. Those players are normally an undrafted player, a rookie that hasn’t shown his value yet, or a journeyman that has never got his chance to show his potential. In week 13 there were three heroes like this that helped lead their teams to victories. Let’s check these three out and how they made their chance to shine happen.
Offense:
WR Devante Parker- Miami Dolphins
Devante Parker is a former first-round pick that has had his up and down in his career since entering the league in 2015. Entering the 2019 season was his last chance to show the organization that he wasn’t a bust. He has been proving them right all season by having a career year in all major receiving categories and against the Eagles he shined. He caught seven passes for 159 yards and scored twice in a 37-31 win. He has consistently beaten man to man coverage against Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby all game. Whether it was high pointing the ball or running a precision route and plucking the ball away before the corner can reach him, he won every snap.
Defense
LB Devin White- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another first-round pick, this time he just hasn’t been able to shine yet. He had been injured during the earlier part of the season, but of late, he has been flashing for all the reasons the Buccaneers made him a top-five pick and the first linebacker taken in the 2019 draft. Against the Jaguars, he had seven tackles, one tackle for loss, 2 passes defended, one quarterback hit, an interception and a fumble recovery that he returned 14 yards for a touchdown. He showed his run-stopping ability, his coverage skills and his ability to make a play on the ball. After this game, he proved he can be a Pro Bowl to All-Pro linebacker one day in this league.
Special Teams
ST Dane Cruikshank & Tye Smith- Tennessee Titans
It isn’t every day that multiple field goals get blocked around the league, unless it was Week 13 in 2019. There was a block by Marlon Humphrey against the 49ers before halftime. Yet, the one that was most memorable and had more of an impact on the game was the field goal blocked by the Titans. Dane Cruikshank came through the middle and blocked an Adam Vinatieri field goal attempt, while Tye Smith picked it up and came up with a 63-yard return touchdown to put the Titans up for good. They ended up winning 31-17. After that, this now makes the third field goal blocked in three weeks. The Titans special teams are playing outstanding and this was just the cherry on top.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/ Podcaster