Syracuse Orange in the NFL: Week 15 standouts include Zaire Franklin, Oronde Gadsden

As the NFL season hits the stretch run, several former Syracuse football players are playing key roles for teams chasing a spot in the playoffs. Even those playing a complementary role are finding ways to contribute. There were certainly a few highlights for the former Orange in week 15, especially for some of our favorite offensive skill players.

Zaire Franklin, Colts

Yet again, Franklin was a standout player for the Colts in a losing effort. The former Syracuse linebacker had 10 tackles, including seven solo tackles and one tackle for a loss, as the Colts lost to the Seahawks 18-16 despite not giving up a touchdown.

LeQuint Allen, Jaguars

A blowout win for the Jags gave Allen a little more playing time than usual. He carried the ball four times for 11 yards, while also making a catch for five yards. Allen also had a 50-yard kickoff return in the game. While his role is small, Allen continues to contribute regularly to a Jacksonville team that’s won five in a row and leads the AFC South. His pass blocking continues to gain praise, and with the injury to Bhayshul Tuten, there could be a bigger role for him moving forward.

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

Tucker might be finding his niche as Bucky Irving’s backup. For the second straight game, the Bucs used him in a goal-line situation, giving Tucker touchdowns in back-to-back games. He also had two kickoff returns for 42 yards. However, Tucker gained a mere seven yards on four carries in Tampa’s Thursday night loss to the Falcons.

Riley Dixon, Buccaneers

Dixon punted four times in Thursday’s loss, averaging 41.3 yards per punt. Two of his punts pinned the Falcons inside the 20-yard line.

Matthew Bergeron, Falcons

On the winning side of Thursday’s game was Bergeron, who continues to play well on Atlanta’s offensive line after missing a few games with an injury. Behind Bergeron and company, the Falcons averaged 5.3 rushing yards per carry against the Bucs, while aging quarterback Kirk Cousins was only sacked once.

Andre Szmyt, Browns

Szmyt gave the Browns their only points in a 31-3 loss to the Bears. He nailed a 50-yard field goal amidst freezing temperatures in Chicago.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

The Chargers got a scrappy 16-13 win in Kansas City on Sunday, with Gadsden leading the team in receiving. The rookie tight end had 61 yards on four catches, with a long of 27 yards. It may not sound like much, but it was enough to make Gadsden the new franchise leader in receptions and yards by a rookie tight end.

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Dolphins

Miami’s four-game winning streak came to an end Monday night in Pittsburgh, taking the Dolphins out of the playoff picture. In the loss, Melifonwu tallied three tackles, including one solo tackle early in the game.

Garrett Williams, Cardinals

The woes for Williams and the Cardinals continue, as Arizona lost 40-20 to Houston on Sunday. Williams did his part with eight tackles, including five solo tackles and one for a loss.