Sept. 12, 2012
By Eric Roberts, WakeForestSports.com
Josh Bush - Jets
The New York Jets hosted their divisional rival the Buffalo Bills on Sunday to open the season. Bush received his first opportunity to play in the game in the third quarter. He recorded his first career tackle early on in the third quarter on a kickoff after a Jets touchdown. He wrapped up the return man quickly at the Bills own 22 yard-line. The Jets' defensive performance was superior all game long as they limited the Bills' offense from scoring until late in the game. Bush still sits second on the depth chart at both safety positions, but he will continue to play a major role on special teams. Bush and the Jets take on the Steelers on Sunday in an AFC conference tilt.
Tyson Clabo - Falcons
Clabo started the first game of the season at tackle for the offensive powerhouse Atlanta Falcons. This game marked Clabo's 76th consecutive start in the regular season. The Falcons got on the board early and often playing at the Kansas City Chiefs. Clabo anchored an offensive line that helped Boston College alumni Matt Ryan throw for three touchdowns and rush for another. The Falcons took advantage of a strong third-quarter performance to help them defeat the Chiefs 40-24. Clabo and the offensive will look to have the same dominant performance next week as they take the field on Monday night against a competitive Denver Broncos squad.
Chris Givens - Rams
Givens experienced his first NFL game-day on Sunday as the visiting St. Louis Rams took the field against the Detroit Lions. His first career receiving attempt came with 8:42 left in the third quarter as quarterback Sam Bradford looked deep to Givens on a third and long. The pass was broken up, however, by the defender to force the Rams to punt on fourth down. Givens' presence was also felt on special teams as he recorded a tackle on a punt late in the third quarter to pin the Lions deep in their own territory. The Rams' defense was unable to hold the off the relentless passing game of Matthew Stafford and the Lions as he threw the winning touchdown with 15 seconds left on the clock. Givens and the Rams showed convincing signs for success this season as they look to battle back next week against the Washington Redskins.
Joe Looney - 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers let their presence be known to the entire National Football League on Sunday as they took down the Green Bay Packers. Despite a late fourth quarter comeback from the Packers, the 49ers were able to hold on for a 30-22 victory. They played a balanced game between the pass and rush as they totaled 377 total yards for the game, 191 passing and 186 rushing. Looney, who did not see any action in Week 1, still sits second on the depth chart at the left guard position. The performance on Sunday showed the determination of the 49ers to be even better than last year after a tough loss in the NFC Championship ended their season. The 49ers host the Detroit Lions on Sunday as the two teams battle it out to reveal who the team to beat in the NFC is.
Calvin Pace - Jets
Pace and the New York Jets defense created chaos for the visiting division rival Buffalo Bills. The Jets easily captured the victory 48-28, marking the first time the Jets put up 48 points or more since Week 4 of the 2008 season against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bills were unable to put up any points until the two-minute warning in the second quarter. Pace contributed to the success of the defense with one solo tackle and two other assisted tackles. Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick felt anxious in the pocket from the pressure all game long as he finished the game throwing three interceptions. The Jets now have a 4-1 record in their first game of the season dating back to 2008. Pace and the Jets' defense will be tested next week as they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers.
Kyle Wilber - Cowboys
The Cowboys took the field early as they opened up the start of the 2012 NFL season with the first game of the year. The defending Super Bowl champions hosted the Cowboys who were looking to start the season off right and defend their title. The passing game of the Cowboys was untouchable as Romo threw for over 300 yards and adding three touchdowns. The game had a sort of playoff vibe after last season's week 17 matchup between these two teams in which the Giants claimed victory knocking the Cowboys out of playoff contention. Fueled with revenge, the Cowboys took victory over their NFC East division rival 24-17. Wilber, who was inactive for Week 1, awaits his chance to play as he sits third on the depth chart at strong side linebacker. The Cowboys travel to Seattle on Sunday to take on the Seahawks.
Injured
Brandon Ghee - Bengals (Injured Reserve)
Aaron Curry - Raiders (PUP List)
Practice Squad
Chris DeGeare - Titans
