Week 7: Auburn Football Players in the NFL – Offensive Linemen Shine

Here we list out the performances of former Auburn football players in the NFL. It was the offensive lineman who shined during week seven. 

Now that was unexpected.

The speculation was that Mississippi State would both challenge Auburn and, with a win, would potentially save the season. As that game became a breather, eyes looked toward the game against Arkansas being the new defining moment of the season.

More from Auburn Football

• Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
• Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
• Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
• Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
• Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’

Then 56 points happened.

With 56 points, 543 rushing yards – two yards short of Auburn’s single game record – brought destruction on a level unimaginable from the start of the season. Kamryn Pettway continued his performance starring as a freight train, with everyone taking advantage of the paths constructed by the offensive line.

The only game that should now be in question is Alabama.

For the Cleveland Browns, the tradition of being the Mistake by the Lake has yet to elude the football field. Certainly the successes of other Cleveland teams has overshadowed the routine collapse of the Browns, but it’s getting rough. No game is disputed, no game will they be favored. The taste of the Auburn fervor has yet to make a difference.

Here is a listing of Auburn players in the NFL and what they have brought to the table in week seven action:

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are seemingly still recovering from a collapse in 2015 – albeit from the torn ACL of their star quarterback – and there is still a missing identity on offense. For the Raven defense, cornerback Jerraud Powers totalled two tackles in a loss against the consistently baffling New York Jets 24-16.

Cincinnati Bengals

With tight end Tyler Eifert returning from injury, C.J. Uzomah will increasingly have fewer opportunities to play. His absent, however, will not bring any sanity to an otherwise undisciplined Cincinnati Bengals squad. Thankfully, they took on the Cleveland Browns following a brawl against the New England Patriots.

Defensively, the Bengals shut down a powerful Browns rushing assault behind inside linebacker Karlos Dansby’s 11 combined tackles and defensive tackle Pat Sims’ two. It is hoped that this will be the turning point for the Bengals as they walked over Cleveland 31-17.

Cleveland Browns

Offensively, the Cleveland Browns had the potential to take away a win from their more successful Ohio counterparts. Despite wide receiver Ricardo Louis only having a single reception for five yards, offensive tackle Shon Coleman pushed his team ahead for an impressive 180 yards and two touchdowns – 104 yards and a score coming from their quarterback.

Despite a field goal from 28 yards out of Cody Parkey, the Browns defense could not back up the output on offense as they allowed 280 yards rushing. A loss to the Bengals 17-31, Cleveland is now without a win through seven weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs

A week six outing that showcased a Pro Bowl level Dee Ford, was not the same in week seven. Although the Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as an AFC dark horse candidate in a 27-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, Dee Ford was only needed for a single tackle in an otherwise stressful victory.

Los Angeles Rams

Adventuring to Twickenham Stadium, London for a game against the New York Giants had potential to have the Los Angeles Rams emerge out of the NFC West. With Greg Robinson at offensive tackle rolling his team to 74 rushing yards, the Rams wasted their trip to Europe with four interceptions – three straight to end the game – and a 17-10 loss to the Giants.

San Diego Chargers

At this point in the season, it is fair to say that it should be a priority to watch the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have talent for winning or losing their games in miraculous fashion, and they were able to pull for the win over overtime against the Atlanta Falcons. King Dunlap, offensive tackle, is continuing his Pro Bowl level of play allowing his team to run ahead for 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the 33-30 win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Peyton Barber finally got his time to shine against the San Francisco 49ers with 12 rushes for 84 yards and a touchdown in the 31-17 win. Barber, who has sat behind two running backs in the depth chart, is looking to make more of an impact on offense following an injury in the position ahead of him.

Next: Malzahn Saves his job

Here’s to the Ole Miss game and another prayer for Cam Newton’s woes.