ProBlue: The best Michigan football NFL performances in Week 8
This week is another slate full of defenders for the Wolverines.
It looks like Michigan could be knocking on the door of three 10-plus sack seasons. With Hutchinson and Gary expected to reach the mark, Mike Danna has come on as a surprise. He currently sits with 5.5 sacks on the season, and still has nine games remaining on the schedule. Kwity Paye got a sack in the first three games of the season, but has failed to reach paydirt since. He could turn up the heat down the stretch, but it will be tough with the season halfway done.
In the secondary, Daxton Hill, Josh Metellus, DJ Turner, Jabrill Peppers, and Chris Long are all cementing their starter status for the future. It has truly been a wonderful season for Michigan defenders at the next level — offense is a different story.
Here are the five best performances for former Wolverines in the NFL this week.
Josh Metellus, safety, Vikings
Metellus continues to prove the Vikings right. He took over the starting role this offseason and Minnesota has not looked back. In Sunday’s win, the team captain led the team with eight tackles, broke up a pass, and had a beautiful interception that he ripped away from former Michigan State Spartan receiver Jayden Reed.
Mike Danna, EDGE, Chiefs
Another week, another Danna sack.
The standout pass rusher has registered at least half a sack in all but two contests this year, and continued his consistent playmaking skills on Sunday with two tackles and a sack.
Danna is a huge part of what the Chiefs do on defense. He is headed into a contract year, but has the chance to finish this year with 10-plus sacks, making him a valuable man in the NFL.
Mo Hurst, defensive tackle, Browns
This is the ProBlue debut for Mo Hurst! The hulking defensive tackle has finally found a home in Cleveland, and is having a spectacular year.
Sunday, Hurst pulled off one of the best plays from across the NFL. On a funky blitz, Hurst was dropped into coverage over the middle of the field. Instead of just dropping to a spot, Hurst flipped his hips with the QBs eyes and jumped a crossing route over the middle of the field. He first batted the ball into the air with a massive paw, but was someone able to corral it with one hand while diving to the ground. It was truly a spectacle.
Hurst added two tackles to his final stat line.
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Colts
The Paye-n train has arrived! Like the other players before him on the list, Paye has been enjoying a breakout season of sorts in Indy. Though he has just three sacks so far this season, Paye has proven to be a good starter and plus-run defender.
Sunday’s stat line fits that narrative perfectly. Paye recorded six tackles and one TFL in the team’s loss to the Saints. Paye has been solid but would turn into a terrific pick if he could generate more consistent pressure.
Jabrill Peppers, safety, Patriots
Peppers has been a monster for the Pats all season. He is third on the team in tackles, first in passes defended, and has forced a pair of turnovers.
New England struggled Sunday against the Dolphins, but Peppers had yet another strong outing with five tackles and a TFL. Though this may be a throwaway year for New England, Peppers has likely cemented himself as a starter for the future, along with Kyle Dugger.
