BYU in NFL, Week 12: Pitta scores a TD, Keisel gets an assist, Poppinga pops up in Dallas

Former Brigham Young Cougars Dennis Pitta and Brett Keisel made big plays, again, to set up another big clash of former Cougars as the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers meet again next week. For the second week in a row, a NFL team adds a former BYU player to its roster.

Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens, Tight End

Pitta bounced back from last week’s concussion to score the Ravens’ only touchdown in a 16-13 overtime win against the San Diego Chargers. Pitta’s playing time is expected to rise with the Ravens other tight end spraining his knee. Pitta had three other receptions that converted a first down; two were on third down. In the fourth quarter, Pitta had a 16-yard reception that helped Baltimore kick the game tying field goal on the final play of regulation. In overtime, Pitta made an 11-yard grab that helped set up the game winning field goal.

Stats

This week: 6 receptions, 42 yards, 1 touchdown

Season: 44 receptions, 423 yards, 4 touchdowns

Baltimore Ravens: 9-2

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers, December 2

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive End

On the fourth play from scrimmage, Keisel tipped the Cleveland Browns pass. That tipped ball was intercepted by a Steelers linebacker and returned 53 yards for a touchdown. That gave Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead, but the Steelers offense could only score once the rest of the game. The Cleveland Browns would beat the Steelers 20-14. Keisel played a solid game. He had a sack and a tackle for loss on back-to-back series in the fourth quarter that helped force punts and give the Steelers offense as many opportunities as possible to score a game winning touchdown.

Stats

This week: 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 pass break up

Season: 35 tackles (19 solo), 3 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 pass break up

Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-5

Next: at Baltimore Ravens, December 2

John Denney, Miami Dolphins, Long Snapper

The pressure was on. The Dolphins could win the game with a 43-yard field goal on the final play of the game. Denney had already made three perfect snaps on point after touchdown attempts in the game. The PAT snap is just the same as the field goal snap. Denney made another perfect snap, and the Dolphins placekicker did his part. The Dolphins beat the Seattle Seahawks, 24-21. Denney also had perfect snaps on all five Miami punts.

Stats

This week: None.

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

Miami Dolphins: 5-6

Next: New England Patriots, December 2

Dallas Reynolds, Philadelphia Eagles, Center

Reynolds started for the ninth consecutive game as the Eagles took on the Carolina Panthers Monday night. The Eagles defense couldn’t stop Cam Newton, and the game ended in a 30-22 loss.   

Philadelphia Eagles: 3-8

Next: at Dallas Cowboys, December 2

Bryan Kehl, Kansas City Chiefs, Linebacker

Kehl played for the second consecutive week, and third game this season. He was not able to make a tackle or record any other stats in his limited play. Nor was he able to help the Chiefs derail the Denver Broncos. Denver won 17-9.  

Stats
No stats recorded yet.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1-10

Next: Carolina Panthers, December 2

Vic So’oto, Green Bay Packers, Linebacker

So’oto did not play as the New York Giants whipped the Packers 38-10.

Stats
This week: none
Season: 1 tackle

Green Bay Packers: 7-4
Next: Minnesota Vikings, December 2

Brady Poppinga, Dallas Cowboys, Linebacker

The seven year NFL veteran was signed by the Cowboys yesterday (Monday). Poppinga played with the St. Louis Rams last year and the Green Bay Packers for the six previous seasons. Poppinga takes the place of Bruce Carter who was placed on injured reserve following the Cowboys’ 38-31 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Washington Redskins.

Dallas Cowboys: 5-6

Next: Philadelphia Eagles, December 2

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