BYU in NFL, Week 10: Two former Cougars have big roles in their teams' victories

Two former Brigham Young Cougars had big games to help lead their teams to victory. Ironically, their teams will play each other next week. Another former Cougar saw his season cut short.  

Note: If you missed the special update on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie last week, click here to be redirected to that story.   

Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens, Tight End

Pitta played an integral role in the Baltimore Ravens setting a franchise record for points scored in a game. He led the team in receptions (5) and receiving yards (67). He also added a touchdown that gave the Ravens a 17-3 lead in the second quarter. Pitta’s first reception was for 7 yards on 3rd and 13. Although he didn’t pick up the first down, he moved the Ravens into field goal range on their first drive of the game. The 48-yard field goal was good giving Baltimore a 3-0 lead. On the next drive, Pitta did convert a 3rd and 9 with an 18-yard reception. That drive ended in a touchdown. Pitta caught two passes for 37 yards (both for first downs) as the Ravens drove 80 yards in the final 1:37 of the first half to score a touchdown and take a 27-10 lead. The Ravens beat the Oakland Raiders 55-20.

Stats

This week: 5 receptions, 67 yards, 1 touchdown

Season: 37 receptions, 376 yards, 3 touchdowns

Baltimore Ravens: 7-2

Next: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive End

On Monday Night Football, Keisel and the beard were in rare form. The Steelers defense had to pick up some slack with Ben Roethlisberger going down with an injury. Keisel had a season high 8 tackles, 6 solo, and 2 sacks. Keisel started fast with three tackles on the first series of the game, including a 6-yard sack on 3rd and 4 to force a punt. He was pretty quiet the rest of the first half, but made some noise again at the start of the third quarter. Keisel got pressure on the quarterback early in the drive, and made a stop after the Chiefs moved inside the red zone. That drive finished with a missed field goal. In the fourth quarter, Keisel forced a punt twice with a tackle for no gain on 3rd and 1, and by pressuring the quarterback again on 3rd and 6. Keisel’s final tackle came on the first play of overtime. The Steelers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime, 16-13.

Stats

This week: 8 tackles (6 solo), 2 sacks

Season: 26 tackles (14 solo), 2 sacks

Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-3

Next: Baltimore Ravens

John Denney, Miami Dolphins, Long Snapper

Denney only made one short snap for the Dolphins on the team’s only points of the day—40-yard field goal. The bulk of Denney’s work came on punts. He made six perfect snaps when the Dolphins needed to punt.

Stats

This week: None.

Season: 1 tackle (1 solo), 1 forced fumble

Miami Dolphins: 4-5

Next: at Buffalo Bills, Thursday, November 15

Dallas Reynolds, Philadelphia Eagles, Center

Reynolds started for the seventh consecutive game in a 38-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Philadelphia Eagles: 3-6

Next: at Washington Redskins

Vic So’oto, Oakland Raiders, Linebacker

So’oto was released by the Oakland Raiders last Tuesday, November 6, 2012.    

Stats

Season: 1 tackle

Oakland Raiders: 3-6

Bryan Kehl, Kansas City Chiefs, Linebacker

Kehl did not play in the Chiefs' 16-13 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.    

Stats
No stats recorded yet.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1-8

Next: Cincinnati Bengals

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com