In a weekend that saw Missouri football’s hopes tumble yet again in a heartbreaking loss after a huge victory, most of the university’s NFL products never saw the field on Sunday. Only the two Smiths, Brad and Justin, and Ziggy Hood played on Sunday. The rest sat with injuries or their team had a bye week.
Justin Smith played well against Denver across the pond at Wembley Stadium. He brought down Broncos’ quarterback Kyle Orton twice, doubling his season sack total in the process.
The wildcat has rejuvenated Brad Smith the quarterback while slowly killing his role as a wide receiver. Halfway through the year and he still only has one reception for 11 yards. Smith fumbled this week running out of the modified formation against Green Bay.
Ziggy Hood started at defensive end for Pittsburgh, filling in for the injured Aaron Smith. He notched another tackle on the day, marginally increasing his previous average of a half tackle per game. His production, or perceived lack of it, can be attributed to the structure of the Steelers’ 3-4 defense. The team’s usual starters at defensive end, the injured Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith, each only average about two and a half tackles per game.
When New Orleans had Chase Daniel stand up before the snap in the field goal formation, Pittsburgh called a timeout. The Saints decided to kick the field goal after Pittsburgh adjusted for the possibility of a fake. Daniel held.
Justin Smith extended his streak to 147 games and notched two sacks. Brad Smith fumbled.