Photo courtesy of Denver Broncos Media Services
Denver linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) tackles Bills running back Bryce Brown (35) during a Broncos 24-17 win on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Sports Authority Field. Fueled by Marshall, Denver held the Bills to 74 yards rushing.
By Chris Boline
Each week The Nevada Sagebrush will take a look at former Wolf Pack players in the National Football League. Week 14 in the NFL was not kind to Nevada alumni as their respective teams went a combined 2-12. The Denver Broncos were the only team with former members of the Pack to seal a victory.
1. Brandon M.Marshall
Linebacker, Denver Broncos
After another outstanding performance, Marshall locks up the top spot in this week’s Pack in the Pros rankings. The linebacker racked up nine tackles and one interception as Denver held on to victory over the Buffalo Bills 24-17. Marshall now has 109 tackles on the year, which ranks among the top 10 tacklers in the NFL. Given Marshall’s performance this season, he has become the favorite to win The Nevada Sagebrush’s first annual “Pack in the Pros Season MVP.” The former castoff of the Jacksonville Jaguars is proving week after week that he belongs in the league. He is also warding off confusion between him and the Chicago Bears wide receiver of the same name with his Pro Bowl-level performance on the field.
2. Duke Williams
Safety, Buffalo Bills
Marshall’s former Nevada teammate, Duke Williams, had one of his most consistent performances of the year. Williams finished the game with three combined tackles and one forced fumble. The second-year pro was the cause for the only Broncos turnover of the game when he jarred the ball loose from Denver tight end Jacob Tamme. However, the Bills’ frantic rally at the end of the game was not enough to secure a win over the Broncos. Williams now has 46 tackles on the season to go along with one interception and the forced fumble.
3. Joel Bitonio
Offensive tackle, Cleveland Browns
Although Johnny Manziel did not see the field on Sunday and Cleveland lost, Bitonio still had a solid game. The offensive line of the Browns allowed only one sack and racked up over 100 yards rushing. However, the Browns came up short, thanks to a lackluster performance from quarterback Brian Hoyer who had one of his toughest days as a pro (two picks and his completion percentage was under 50 percent). Nonetheless, Bitonio has had an outstanding rookie campaign. He was named to the Midseason All-Rookie Team by NFL.com and was rated as one of the highest graded rookies by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. earlier this season. Even though he might not win Rookie of the Year, Bitonio is going to be a significant part of future Cleveland offensive lines.
Honorable Mention
Josh Mauga
Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs
Mauga had a solid day, even though his team fell short. The linebacker totaled five tackles, good for second on the team, but the Chiefs lost 17-14 to the Cardinals. Similar to Marshall, Mauga has found his groove in the linebacking corps of an AFC West team this season. The fifth-year pro leads the Chiefs in tackles with 85 on the season and has been a big part of Kansas City’s resurgence this season.
