Photo by: New England Patriots
#NFLKnights: Week 16
Dec 23 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – A season-high 13 former Rutgers football players competed during Week 16 of the 2019 NFL season. Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty and Mohamed Sanu helped New England secure its 11th consecutive AFC East title with a 24-17 victory over Buffalo on Sunday. Steve Longa produced a career-high six tackles, as former RU players accounted for 28 tackles during
Seven Scarlet Knights have punched tickets to the 2019 NFL Playoffs. In the AFC, Baltimore (Gus Edwards) earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. New England (Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty and Mohamed Sanu) clinched the AFC East Division and can secure the No. 22 seed with a win in Week 17, while Buffalo (Tyler Kroft) locked up the No. 5 seed. Tennessee (Logan Ryan) can lock up a spot in the playoffs with a win over Houston next Sunday.
In the NFC, New Orleans (Saquan Hampton) secured a spot in the 2019 postseason and can finish as high as the No. 1 seed after the final week of the season.
Scarlet Knight Touchdown Tracker
Tyler Kroft's game-winning touchdown last Sunday against Pittsburgh, RU has accounted for makes it five touchdowns in 2019, as Gus Edwards and Mohamed Sanu have each produced two touchdowns this season. Sanu has hauled in touchdown receptions for both Atlanta and New England, while Edwards has muscled two rushing scores in 2019. The longest touchdown belongs to Edwards, who ran 63 yards into the end zone during Baltimore's Week 11 victory over Houston.
Standout Season Continues for Ryan
A 2020 Pro Bowl alternate, Logan Ryan leads Tennessee in tackles (109), passes defended (22), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (4) and is fourth in sacks (3.5). Ryan has logged eight or more tackles in eight games this season, including his season-high 13 stops against Kansas City in Week 11.
Defensive Back Production
Former Rutgers defensive backs have had an impressive impact in NFL secondaries, with four Scarlet Knights accounting for 12 interceptions in 2019. Devin McCourty leads the way with five interceptions, Logan Ryan has four, Duron Harmon has two and Jason McCourty has one. Along with rookies Blessuan Austin (New York Jets) and Saquan Hampton (New Orleans), former RU defensive backs have accounted for 243 tackles, 51 passes defended and 12 interceptions this season.
Blessuan Austin (2015-18)
DB | New York Jets
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Buffalo (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Austin started his sixth consecutive game at cornerback and produced four tackles for the New York Giants in their 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Michael Burton (2010-14)
FB | Washington Redskins
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Dallas (4:25 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Burton logged nine snaps at fullback and 22 on special teams for Washington against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Gus Edwards (2017)
RB | Baltimore Ravens
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Pittsburgh (4:25 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Edwards produced 12 carries for 66 yards and added a seven-yard reception for Baltimore in their 31-15 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.
Saquan Hampton (2014-18)
DB | New Orleans (IR)
What to Know: After appearing in five games at safety and on special teams during his rookie campaign, Hampton was placed on season-ending IR on Dec. 17.
Duron Harmon (2009-12)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Harmon started at safety and recorded a tackle for New England in their 24-17 victory against Buffalo on Saturday.
Clark Harris (2002-06)
LS | Cincinnati Bengals
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Cleveland (1 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Harris started at long snapper for Cincinnati against Miami on Sunday.
Jonathan Hilliman (2018)
RB | New York Giants (Practice Squad)
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Philadelphia (4:25 p.m., FOX)
What to Know: Hilliman appeared in three games for the New York Giants before returning to the team's practice squad. Hilliman rushed for 91 yards on 30 carries during his time on the Giants' active roster.
Sebastian Joseph-Day (2014-17)
DL | Los Angeles Rams
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Arizona (4:25 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Joseph-Day started at nose tackle, produced four tackles and logged a tackle-for-loss for the Los Angeles Rams against San Francisco on Saturday.
Tyler Kroft (2011-14)
TE | Buffalo Bills
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. New York Jets (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Kroft was targeted once and played 29 snaps for Buffalo against New England on Saturday.
Steve Longa (2012-15)
LB | Detroit Lions
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Green Bay (1 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Longa produced a career-high six tackles for Detroit against Denver on Sunday.
Devin McCourty (2005-09)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: McCourty produced six tackles to help New England to a 24-17 victory against Buffalo on Saturday.
Jason McCourty (2005-08)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: McCourty saw limited action as he continues to recover from an injury as New England clinched the AFC East Division with its 24-17 victory over Buffalo on Saturday.
Andre Patton (2012-16)
WR | Los Angeles Chargers
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Kansas City (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Patton hauled in two receptions for 18 yards, including a 10-yard catch, for the Los Angeles Chargers against Oakland on Sunday.
Logan Ryan (2009-12)
DB | Tennessee Titans
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Houston (4:25 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Ryan produced seven tackles and a pass defended for Tennessee against New Orleans on Sunday.
Mohamed Sanu (2009-11)
WR | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Sanu hauled in three receptions for 24 yards, including a 10-yard reception, to help New England to a 24-17 victory over Buffalo on Saturday.
Kemoko Turay (2014-17)
DL/LB | Indianapolis Colts
What to Know: Turay suffered a leg injury during the second half of Indianapolis' 19-13 victory over Kansas City during Week 5 and will miss the remainder of the season. Turay finished the season with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Kevin Wilkins (20145-18)
DL | New York Giants (Practice Squad)
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Philadelphia (4:25 p.m., FOX)
What to Know: The New York Giants signed Wilkins to its practice squad on Dec. 18. Wilkins, who signed with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent this season, appeared in all four preseason games for the Eagles, producing nine tackles and three tackles-for-loss.
#NFLKnights Playoff PictureI'm taking this squad over any! 🙏🏾🔒#AFCEastChamps 🏆 #GoPats pic.twitter.com/RY5125bbAT
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re) December 22, 2019
Seven Scarlet Knights have punched tickets to the 2019 NFL Playoffs. In the AFC, Baltimore (Gus Edwards) earned a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. New England (Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty and Mohamed Sanu) clinched the AFC East Division and can secure the No. 22 seed with a win in Week 17, while Buffalo (Tyler Kroft) locked up the No. 5 seed. Tennessee (Logan Ryan) can lock up a spot in the playoffs with a win over Houston next Sunday.
In the NFC, New Orleans (Saquan Hampton) secured a spot in the 2019 postseason and can finish as high as the No. 1 seed after the final week of the season.
Scarlet Knight Touchdown Tracker
Tyler Kroft's game-winning touchdown last Sunday against Pittsburgh, RU has accounted for makes it five touchdowns in 2019, as Gus Edwards and Mohamed Sanu have each produced two touchdowns this season. Sanu has hauled in touchdown receptions for both Atlanta and New England, while Edwards has muscled two rushing scores in 2019. The longest touchdown belongs to Edwards, who ran 63 yards into the end zone during Baltimore's Week 11 victory over Houston.
Standout Season Continues for Ryan
A 2020 Pro Bowl alternate, Logan Ryan leads Tennessee in tackles (109), passes defended (22), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (4) and is fourth in sacks (3.5). Ryan has logged eight or more tackles in eight games this season, including his season-high 13 stops against Kansas City in Week 11.
Defensive Back Production
Former Rutgers defensive backs have had an impressive impact in NFL secondaries, with four Scarlet Knights accounting for 12 interceptions in 2019. Devin McCourty leads the way with five interceptions, Logan Ryan has four, Duron Harmon has two and Jason McCourty has one. Along with rookies Blessuan Austin (New York Jets) and Saquan Hampton (New Orleans), former RU defensive backs have accounted for 243 tackles, 51 passes defended and 12 interceptions this season.
Blessuan Austin (2015-18)
DB | New York Jets
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Buffalo (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Austin started his sixth consecutive game at cornerback and produced four tackles for the New York Giants in their 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Michael Burton (2010-14)
FB | Washington Redskins
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Dallas (4:25 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Burton logged nine snaps at fullback and 22 on special teams for Washington against the New York Giants on Sunday.
4th quarter Gus Edwards is one of my favorite @Ravens players.
— Matt Wise (@TheMattWise) December 22, 2019
Oh, you need to make a stop?
Let me introduce you to 4th quarter Gus.
Your defense worn out?
Here's some Gus for you.
Think you can stop the dive when you know it's coming?
There's a Gus for that.#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/7aGHt5WY7S
Gus Edwards (2017)
RB | Baltimore Ravens
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Pittsburgh (4:25 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Edwards produced 12 carries for 66 yards and added a seven-yard reception for Baltimore in their 31-15 victory over Cleveland on Sunday.
Saquan Hampton (2014-18)
DB | New Orleans (IR)
What to Know: After appearing in five games at safety and on special teams during his rookie campaign, Hampton was placed on season-ending IR on Dec. 17.
Duron Harmon (2009-12)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Harmon started at safety and recorded a tackle for New England in their 24-17 victory against Buffalo on Saturday.
Clark Harris (2002-06)
LS | Cincinnati Bengals
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Cleveland (1 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Harris started at long snapper for Cincinnati against Miami on Sunday.
Jonathan Hilliman (2018)
RB | New York Giants (Practice Squad)
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Philadelphia (4:25 p.m., FOX)
What to Know: Hilliman appeared in three games for the New York Giants before returning to the team's practice squad. Hilliman rushed for 91 yards on 30 carries during his time on the Giants' active roster.
Sebastian Joseph-Day (2014-17)
DL | Los Angeles Rams
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Arizona (4:25 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Joseph-Day started at nose tackle, produced four tackles and logged a tackle-for-loss for the Los Angeles Rams against San Francisco on Saturday.
Tyler Kroft (2011-14)
TE | Buffalo Bills
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. New York Jets (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Kroft was targeted once and played 29 snaps for Buffalo against New England on Saturday.
#Lions LB Steve Longa (@StrongaLonga3) joins LBs Christian Jones and Jarrad Davis as the only Lions linebackers to record six total tackles in the first half of a game this season.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 22, 2019
Longa's six tackles today are a career-high.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/8Og0mFBOnW
Steve Longa (2012-15)
LB | Detroit Lions
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Green Bay (1 p.m., FOX)
Week 16: Longa produced a career-high six tackles for Detroit against Denver on Sunday.
Devin McCourty (2005-09)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: McCourty produced six tackles to help New England to a 24-17 victory against Buffalo on Saturday.
So this was cool.@mccourtytwins | @curtismartin pic.twitter.com/wGoHHl8Uco
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 22, 2019
Jason McCourty (2005-08)
DB | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: McCourty saw limited action as he continues to recover from an injury as New England clinched the AFC East Division with its 24-17 victory over Buffalo on Saturday.
Andre Patton (2012-16)
WR | Los Angeles Chargers
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Kansas City (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Patton hauled in two receptions for 18 yards, including a 10-yard catch, for the Los Angeles Chargers against Oakland on Sunday.
Logan Ryan (2009-12)
DB | Tennessee Titans
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 at Houston (4:25 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Ryan produced seven tackles and a pass defended for Tennessee against New Orleans on Sunday.
Mohamed Sanu (2009-11)
WR | New England Patriots
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Miami (1 p.m., CBS)
Week 16: Sanu hauled in three receptions for 24 yards, including a 10-yard reception, to help New England to a 24-17 victory over Buffalo on Saturday.
Kemoko Turay (2014-17)
DL/LB | Indianapolis Colts
What to Know: Turay suffered a leg injury during the second half of Indianapolis' 19-13 victory over Kansas City during Week 5 and will miss the remainder of the season. Turay finished the season with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Kevin Wilkins (20145-18)
DL | New York Giants (Practice Squad)
Next Game: Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Philadelphia (4:25 p.m., FOX)
What to Know: The New York Giants signed Wilkins to its practice squad on Dec. 18. Wilkins, who signed with Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent this season, appeared in all four preseason games for the Eagles, producing nine tackles and three tackles-for-loss.
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