Iowa Football: NFL Hawkeyes Produce In Preseason Week 1

The preseason isn’t the best ‘brand’ of football that one can experience watching as a fan. However, for many of the Hawkeyes in the games it is a chance to latch on to their respective teams. Week 1 of the preseason saw many Hawkeyes make an immediate impact.

With the NFL moving the cut period back, the amount of time that the players could potentially make an impact has been extended.

For some of the veterans that has earned their keep in the NFL, preseason performance isn’t what counts at the end of the day. Players like Marshal Yanda, Mike Daniels and Bryan Bulaga are aiming to get to week 1 of the regular season healthy, as their spot on the 53 isn’t in question.

Players who stood out

Of course the quarterback position stands out among the rest. CJ Beathard had a tremendous pro debut with the 49ers. Beathard went 7/11 with 101 yards, and 2 touchdowns. With the high praise he has gotten from new head coach Kyle Shanahan, and his competition in Brian Hoyer/Matt Barkley, it is very feasible that Beathard could see the field early in 2017.

Former Jim Thorpe winner Desmond King also had a first showing that included a highlight. The ball-hawking King who finished tied for 4th all-time in Iowa history in interceptions got his first NFL one against the Seahawks. King who many Iowa and Big Ten fans feel was one of the steals in the draft by the Chargers in the fifth round should continue to produce in many  ways. He also was given an opportunity on a kick return.

Filling in for the Hawkeyes this year as the compliment to the elusive Akrum Wadley is James Butler. Butler will be replacing LeShun Daniels who signed as a free agent with the champion Patriots. Daniels was able to lead the Pats this past weekend in rushing with 39 yards on 11 carries. Fellow Hawkeyes Cole Croston and James Ferentz are also trying to stick it out through this month in Foxboro.

Mike Meyer had a strong kicking game for the NFC champion Falcons. Meyer went 2-2 including a 53 yard bomb for Atlanta. Meyer is competing with an established veteran in 42 year old Bryant who made his first Pro Bowl last season. It is an uphill battle, but Meyer could turn some heads with other teams who are in need of a kicker with his long distance prowess.

Finally, Jaleel Johnson showed why the Vikings invested in him with a sack and tackle in his first game in the purple and gold.

Made Some Plays

Now veterans Anthony Hitchens (Cowboys) and Christian Kirksey (Browns) had tackles in their games.

Undrafted free agent wide receiver Riley McCarron continues to impress for Bill O’Brien and the Texans. McCarron had a catch for 18 yards, and was used on kick and punt returns.

Defensive lineman Louis Trinca-Pasat returned for the Rams after missing 2016 with ACL/MCL injuries. He had a tackle and QB hit in his comeback.

Tight end Henry Krieger-Coble who was released from the Broncos, and picked up by the Colts caught 2 passes for 7 yards.

Former Hawkeye kicker Marshall Koehn contributed an extra point for the Vikings. Koehn is battling with veteran Kai Forbath for the kicking duties.

On To Week 2

Cornerback Greg Mabin didn’t show up on the Bills stats sheet. Neither did Colts wide receiver Tevaun Smith.

Tight end George Kittle did not play in the preseason opener for San Fransisco as he is recovering from a hamstring injury.

Despite an appearance on Hard Knocks first episode with the Bucs, former Iowa corner Maurice Fleming didn’t register a stat in the opening game.

Former Hawkeye and Wolverine quarterback Jake Rudock had a very solid game for the Lions going 13/21 for 142 yards, and 2 touchdowns.