Iowa Football: Quarter Season Review For NFL Hawkeyes

Football season flies by every year, and will be gone before we know it. As we enter October, the NFL season is a quarter done with the bye weeks approaching for most teams. Most of the Hawkeyes in the NFL are having good seasons throughout ‘The League’.

When former Hawkeye safety Micah Hyde signed a 5-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in the off-season, it was expected he would bring #BillsMafia the play-making Packers fans had become accustomed to. But, through 4 games, Hyde has done more than that, leading the NFL interceptions (3). He is also 4th on the Bills in tackles. The 5th round pick, was the Defensive Back of The Year in the Big Ten in 2012, and continues to ascend.

Another Hawkeye legend in the secondary, Desmond King is starting strong in his rookie campaign. King has 11 tackles on the season, while looking for his first interception.

A rookie that is turning heads in the bay area is tight end George Kittle who currently sits fourth on the 49ers in receptions. Kittle is carving out a spot at the go-to tight end for San Fransisco with his 10 receptions on the season currently. His college and pro teammate QB CJ Beathard is waiting in the wings, and it might not be long before he takes over for journeyman Brian Hoyer.

Named a captain of the Browns in the off-season, Christian Kirksey is second on the team in tackles (27) and sacks (1.5). A pro bowl selection might be in his future at this rate.

The resurgent Rams have turned heads in their second season in Los Angeles under young coach Sean McVay. Austin Blythe has filled in at center on occasion, while defensive lineman Louis Trica-Pasat is on the practice squad.

A couple defensive lineman that have returned from injury this season are Carl Davis of the Ravens, and Adrian Clayborn of the Falcons. Davis has 8 tackles on the season, while Clayborn has five tackles and two sacks. Karl Klug also has five tackles this year with the Titans.

What the Hawkeyes are best known for is strong offensive line play. Hawkeye alums such as Riley Reiff, Brandon Scherff, and Bryan Bulaga until his injury are examples of first round picks that are among the best in the league.

Mike Daniels is nursing a hip injury for the Packers, and looks to return to being perhaps the best interior defensive lineman in the league.

Potential future Hall of Famer Marshal Yanda went out this year with a season ending ankle injury. CJ Fiedorowicz was put on IR with a concussion, along with Adam Gettis. Coming back from a knee injury this week is Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens.

Players that are waiting to be activated from the practice squad are Vikings DT Jaleel Johnson, Patriots WR Riley McCarron and OL Cole Croston, and Rams OT Andrew Donnal. Greg Mabin was waived by the Bills in the middle of September.