Gators in the NFL: Smack, Barber Shine in Week 2 Wins
From The Swamp on Saturdays to nationwide on Sundays, the Florida Gators have produced talent that continues to make an impact in the NFL.
With 35 former Gators on active rosters across the NFL, each week gives way to new opportunities for Florida products to make an impact. Some make their presence known in the box score while others contribute beyond the numbers.
The Green Bay Packers trailed the New York Jets late in the fourth quarter. With just over three minutes remaining the special teams kicking unit was sent onto the field to tie the game. Former Gators kicker Trey Smack drilled a 34-yarder which sent the game to overtime. Another high pressure situation arose when the Packers offense stalled in overtime and Smack was tasked with another big kick. With ice in his veins in his second NFL game, he knocked through the game winning 26-yard field goal to move Green Bay to 1-1.
While not as dramatic, offensive guard Austin Barber put up an impressive stat line allowing no pressures in the Browns game Sunday in Tampa. Barber’s 88.1 pass-blocking grade ranked third amongst all offensive linemen in Week 2. The former Gator’s performance played a big role in allowing the Browns to defeat the Buccaneers 23-19 and move to 1-1. Rookie Austin Barber and the Cleveland Browns will make their way home to take on the Panthers next Sunday, Sept. 27th.
Consistency is key and kicker Evan McPherson lived up to that in Week 2. The Bengals traveled to Houston and knocked off the favored Texans 20-6. In this contest McPherson connected on both 51 and 57-yard field goals while also going 2-for-2 on extra points. Through two games, McPherson is now 6-for-6 on field goals and 5-for-5 on extra points. The former Lou Groza Award semifinalist will look to carry that same consistency forward that he had while at Florida.
Although the Jaguars fell short in Denver, former Gators linebacker Ventrell Miller has continued to prove himself as a crucial piece in the Jaguars defense. On Sunday he recorded seven tackles (three solo, four assisted) as well as one QB hit. Miller’s seven tackles was the highest of any player on the Jaguars defensive side of the ball and the second week in a row that he has led the team.
Defensive tackle and former Gator Caleb Banks made some noise after recording no stats in Week 1. This year’s 18th overall pick played a large role in the Vikings matchup with the Bears finishing with six tackles, three solo tackles and a tackle for loss. Banks’ biggest play of Sunday afternoon was when he shed a block and stuffed running back D’Andre Swift for a three-yard loss.
Beyond the standout performances, several other Gators contributed in Week 2 across the NFL.
Gervon Dexter recorded a half-sack and four quarterback pressures in Atlanta, Tommy Townsend averaged more than 50 yards per punt including a 65-yarder, Kyle Pitts had one catch for 15 yards, and Chimere Dike totaled 101 yards on four kickoff returns for Tennessee.
Other former Gators, including Demarcus Robinson, Jeremiah Moon, Dante Fowler Jr. and C.J. Henderson also saw action in Week 2, though performances were minimal.
From clutch kicks to disruptive defense, former Gators continued to make their presence felt in Week 2 of the NFL. While each player has taken a different path from The Swamp to the league, their performances continue to put Florida in the national spotlight.
Category: Former Gators, Gators Football, NFL
