BYU in NFL Report, Week 15: Pitta sets new career highs

The star of the week for former Brigham Young Cougars in the NFL was clearly Dennis Pitta. He had his best day, individually, as a pro. Bryan Kehl had his best game of the season, and Brady Poppinga continued his immediate impact in Dallas. On a down note, Vic So’oto is no longer on the Packers’ active roster. 

  

Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens, Tight End

Pitta had career highs 125 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. His 7 receptions were one away from tying a career high. Each touchdown reception was highlight reel material. The first was a diving 31-yard catch that saw Pitta do a backwards somersault from the 3 yard line into the end zone. Somehow he managed to avoid being touched by the Denver defender. The complete play can be seen by clicking here. His second touchdown was 61 yards. Pitta broke three tackles on the play, two while tip-toeing down the sideline to stay in bounds. The complete play can be seen here. The 61-yard reception was also a career long. Unfortunately, those were the only two touchdowns for the Ravens, and they lost to the Denver Broncos, 34-17. It was Pitta’s first 100-yard game of his career. He now has over 1,000 yards receiving for his career.

Stats

This week: 7 receptions, 125 yards, 2 touchdowns 

Season: 57 receptions, 613 yards, 7 touchdowns, 1 tackle

Baltimore Ravens: 9-5

Next: New York Giants, December 23

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive End

Keisel didn’t make any tackles this week, but he came up with a big fumble recovery. Near the end of the first quarter, the Cowboys were threatening to score. Keisel ended that threat by recovering a Dallas fumble at the 8-yard line.  

Stats

This week: 1 fumble recovery

Season: 40 tackles (23 solo), 3 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 pass break up, 1 fumble recovery

Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7

Next: Cincinnati Bengals, December 23

John Denney, Miami Dolphins, Long Snapper

Denney saw action on three field goals, one fake field goal, one point after touchdown, and 1 punt. His long snaps were flawless on each play, and the Dolphins comfortable won 24-3 over the Jacksonville Jaguars.   

Stats

This week: None.

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

Miami Dolphins: 6-8

Next: Buffalo Bills, December 23

Dallas Reynolds, Philadelphia Eagles, Center

Reynolds started for the 12th consecutive week. The Eagles lost 34-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Philadelphia Eagles: 4-10

Next: Washington Redskins, December 23

Bryan Kehl, Washington Redskins, Linebacker

Kehl had his best game of the season. He made two tackles, which triples his season total from one to three. Both tackles came on punt returns while the game was still close. The Redskins stayed hot with a decisive win over the Cleveland Browns, 38-21.

Stats
This week: 2 tackles (1 solo)

Season: 3 tackles (1 solo).

Washington Redskins: 8-6

Next: at Philadelphia Eagles, December 23

Vic So’oto, Green Bay Packers, Linebacker

So’oto was demoted this week. He was initially released from the Packers on Wednesday to make room for defensive tackle Jordan Miller. The next day So’oto was signed to the practice squad. Needless to say, So’oto did not play in the Packers’ 21-13 win over the Chicago Bears.  

Stats
This week: none
Season: 1 tackle

Green Bay Packers: 10-4
Next: Tennessee Titans, December 23

Brady Poppinga, Dallas Cowboys, Linebacker

After making his mark on special teams last week, Poppinga started for the first time this season. He made the game’s first tackle on a run by the Steelers. Dallas won the game 27-24 in overtime.

Stats

This week: 1 tackle (1 solo)

Season: 3 tackles (2 solo)

Dallas Cowboys: 8-6

Next: New Orleans Saints, December 23

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