Hawkeyes in the NFL: Week 4 Top Performers
The fourth week of the NFL season is complete, which means another week of former Hawkeyes taking the field for their respective squads. In total, there are currently 28 former Iowa players on active rosters. We take a look at the top performances of the weekend, including one of the best punting games you’ll see all season.
Honorable Mention Performances
CB Riley Moss – 8 tkls, 1 PD, 1 FR vs New York Jets
LB Jack Campbell – 7 tkls, 1 tfl vs Seattle
LB Josey Jewell – 7 tkls vs Cincinnati
TE Erick All Jr – 4 rec, 28 yds vs Carolina
DB Amani Hooker – 5 tkls, 1 PD vs Miami
DE Anthony Nelson – 4 tkls, 1 sk vs Philadelphia
1. Chicago Punter Tory Taylor
I hope the Bears gave Tory Taylor a game ball because he won them the game on Sunday against Los Angeles. In Chicago’s 24-18 win, Taylor punted five times for 277 yards (55.4 AVG), including three punts inside the 20-yard line. His 66-yard punt in the fourth quarter boosted the Bears win probability from 75.7% to 82.7%.
On the season, Taylor has punted 20 times for 958 yards (47.9 AVG), including nine punts inside the 20-yard line. He ranks fifth in the league in punt yards and fifth in punts inside the 20-yard line.
2. San Francisco TE George Kittle
The 49ers picked up a dominating win over New England on Sunday and George Kittle helped the cause after missing week three with a hamstring injury. Kittle caught four passes for 45 yards and a first quarter touchdown over three defenders that has been making its rounds on social media. San Francisco rolled to a 30-13 win, which limited George to just four targets.
On the season, Kittle has 15 receptions for 161 yards, eight first downs and two touchdowns. He ranks tied for sixth in catches amongst all tight ends, as well as fifth in yards and fourth in first down receptions.
3. Detroit TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta isn’t off to rapid start that he had last season as a rookie, but he’s still been a key part of the Lions 3-1 start to the year. On Monday night against the Seahawks, LaPorta caught four passes for 53 yards in their 42-29 win. In the fourth quarter he took a screen pass for 30 yards down to the ten-yard line setting up a Detroit touchdown to extend their lead to two possessions. LaPorta now has recorded 4+ catches in 17 of his 21 career games.
4. Jacksonville RG Brandon Scherff and Los Angeles LT Alaric Jackson
Offensive lineman have been a big part of the top performers list over the first couple of weeks of the season and this week, two new names make their first appearance of the season.
The Jaguars came up short against the Texans, but right guard Brandon Scherff had a solid day of blocking for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Per Pro Football Focus, his 81.5 game grade ranks 9th-best amongst all offensive lineman for week four, while his 87.6 pass blocking grade ranked 5th-best for the week. Scherff did not allow a single pressure over 35 pass blocking snaps, which allowed Trevor Lawrence to toss a pair of touchdown passes.
As for Alaric Jackson, he had a productive day, but like Scherff, it did not lead to a win. The Rams fell to the Bears 24-18, however, Jackson’s 80.4 game grade ranks 13th-best amongst all offensive lineman for week four, while his 91.2 run blocking grade ranked second-best for the week.
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