Week 11 was a good day to be a former Syracuse football player in the NFL, especially if you were in Buffalo. With Zaire Franklin on a bye and Andre Cisco and Matthew Bergeron hurt, there were fewer Orange in action. However, many of those on the field found a way to shine. Let’s see what happened!
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers
After an injury scare in week 10, a return to his home state of Florida didn’t go so well for Gadsden and the Chargers in week 11. He caught just two passes for 41 yards, which was actually enough to make him the Chargers’ second-leading receiver. Of course, it came in a brutal 35-6 loss to LeQuint Allen and the Jags.
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars
Speaking of LeQuint, he had eight carries in Sunday’s game, most of which came in garbage time with the Jags leading the whole game. He gained 36 on those eight carries, with a long of 12 yards on one play, showing that he’s more than just a good blocker.
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers
The Bucs finally discovered that when you give Tucker the ball, good things happen. What a novel idea. Tampa’s #44 finally became the featured back over Rachaad White, getting 19 carries and rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns, including a 43-yard touchdown. Tucker also had two catches for 34 yards, including a 28-yard catch and run for a touchdown. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to beat Josh Allen and the Bills, but Tucker still had 140 total yards on 21 touches with three touchdowns. Congrats to Sean, and to all of those (including myself) who started Tucker in their fantasy football league this week.
Riley Dixon, Buccaneers
The Bucs scored 32 points against Buffalo, but they still needed Dixon to punt the ball four times in an upstate New York homecoming for him. Three of those punts Dixon managed to pin inside the 20, as he had another good day in a losing effort.
Andre Szmyt, Browns
The other Syracuse specialist in the NFL also had a good day in a losing effort. Szmyt was 3 for 3 on field goals during Cleveland’s 23-16 loss to the Ravens. He also converted the PAT when the Browns scored their only touchdown of the game.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins
Melifonwu got to go to Madrid this week, as the Dolphins played the Commanders in Spain. He finished the game with five tackles in Miami’s 16-13 win, giving the Dolphins (a shocking) three wins in their last four games.
Garrett Williams, Cardinals
After only returning from IR earlier this month, Williams left Sunday’s game with a shin injury. To his credit, he still had three tackles and one defended pass against the 49ers. But Williams' going down adds to Arizona’s injury woes.
Alijah Clark, Cowboys
Clark fought through an injury to his ribs to play Monday night. Of course, the return of Malik Hooker made the Dallas defense much better, while relegating Clark to backup duties. Nevertheless, the former Syracuse safety made three tackles to help the Cowboys in their 33-16 win over the Raiders.