LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running back
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 31 &- Miami 23
Rushing Attempts: 15
Rushing Yards: 70
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Receptions: 3
Receiving yards: 18
Going into the year, it looked as if Jets running back Shonn Greene would be getting the majority of the carries. However, after the first three games, it is looking more and more like Tomlinson fits the Jets’ offensive style more than Greene. LT got more carries than Greene and was able to produce with his opportunities. Tomlinson’s 4.7 yards per carry were about a yard more than Greene’s 3.6 yards per carry. His sole rushing touchdown came late in the game and extended the Jets’ lead to eight, ultimately putting the game out of reach.
Drew Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 31 &- Miami 23
Tackles: 1
Interceptions: 1
Not a huge statistical game for Coleman, but a late interception sealed the win for the New York Jets. Miami, down by eight, drove down the field and got within striking distance of potentially tying the game. On fourth down, Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne looked for tight end Anthony Fasano in the back of the end zone but ended up being picked off by Coleman. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez was able to run out the clock on the next play by kneeling it to end the game.
David Hawthorne
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
Outcome of game: Seattle 27 &- San Diego 20
Tackles: 9
Forced Fumble: 1
Trailing by three to the Seahawks, the Chargers marched down the field and were threatening to score in the red zone until Hawthorne forced Chargers fullback Mike Tolbert to fumble and turn the ball over. This turnover maintained a Seattle lead and helped the Seahawks expand their lead on their next offensive possession. His nine tackles, second on the team, slowed the Chargers’ high-powered offense enough to earn Seattle’s second victory of the year, going to 2-1 overall.
Daryl Washington
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Arizona Cardinals
Outcome of game: Arizona 24 &- Oakland 23
Tackles: 4
With players leaving during free agency and offseason injuries occurring, the Cardinals have had to rely on Washington to fill at least one of these holes on defense. So far he has stepped up to that challenge and performed nicely. Washington has developed into one of the young leaders on the Cardinals’ defense. Four tackles against the Oakland Raiders may not sound like much, but his 20 in the first three games have kept opposing offenses in check and helped the Cardinals go 2-1 on the season.
Jerry Hughes
Position: Defensive end
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
Outcome of game: Indianapolis 27 &- Denver 13
So far, Hughes has had a disappointing start to his rookie season. The Colts’ first round draft pick has hit a roadblock in his progression, as he is labeled the third to fourth string defensive end on the Colts depth chart. With starters like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, Hughes was not projected to get much playing time. Situational play, however, especially in pass rushing situations, was expected of Hughes. It will be interesting to see if Hughes will be able to take his game to the next level or if he will pan out.
Jason Phillips
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
Outcome of game: Ravens 24 &- Browns 17
Phillips was a standout linebacker at TCU, so it’s a surprise that he has not done much to this point in his career. The Ravens drafted Phillips because of his tenacious style of play, but his skill has not progressed at the speed Baltimore would like. During the preseason, he was evaluated as having exceptional skills defending the run but being atrocious defending the passing game.
Stephen Hodge
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Dallas Cowboys
Outcome of game: Cowboys 27 &- Texans 13
Currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because of a knee injury, Hodge is out for at least the first six games of the season. With the depth the Cowboys have at linebacker, Hodge is not expected to have a huge impact in Dallas. He has been regarded as a much-liked player and has contributed to special teams, though.
Aaron Brown
Position: Running back
Current Team: Detroit Lions
Outcome of game: Vikings 24 &- Lions 10
A third string player is nothing glamorous, but Brown might see more playing time with a new foot injury to rookie star Jahvid Best. Brown has already moved ahead of previous starter Kevin Smith on the depth chart.
Judge Howell is a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Plano.