Syracuse Orange in the NFL: Oronde Gadsden, Garrett Williams among stars in week 9

Week nine was an odd one for former Syracuse Orange players in the NFL. Several of our favorites, Sean Tucker and Riley Dixon of the Bucs, had a bye week. Injuries also impacted multiple former Orange players whose teams were in action. Fortunately, there were plenty of positives to share, as we recap how former Syracuse football players fared in week nine.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

Once again, Gadsden led the Chargers in receiving, hauling in five catches for 68 yards. Despite not playing much during the early part of the season, only three tight ends have more receiving yards than Gadsden.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins

It was another brutal game for the Dolphins last Thursday, losing 28-6 to the Ravens. Melifonwu didn’t help matters, making just one tackle as Miami’s starting safety.

LeQuint Allen, Jaguars

Just about every play mattered in Jacksonville’s 30-29 overtime win over the Raiders on Sunday. Allen made small but important contributions, gaining 10 yards on his only carry of the game. Of course, Allen continues to earn praise for his blocking ability, which is why he continues to see regular snaps.

Zaire Franklin, Colts

The Colts suffered just their second loss of the season on Sunday, falling to the Steelers 27-20. However, Franklin was once again one of the team’s defensive leaders, collecting six tackles in a losing effort.

Garrett Williams, Cardinals

Unfortunately, Alijah Clark was inactive during Monday Night Football because of an injury to his ribs that he picked up last week. Luckily, Syracuse was represented in primetime with Williams coming off IR. Williams had a key pass breakup near the goal line in the first quarter and totaled four tackles while helping the Cardinals hold one of the top offenses in the NFL to just 17 points.

Matthew Bergeron, Falcons

Despite Atlanta’s three-game losing streak, Bergeron continues to be a starter along the offensive line for the Falcons. However, his streak of consecutive starts to open his career could be in jeopardy, as Bergeron left Atlanta’s loss to the Patriots with an ankle injury. His status will be monitored closely this week.