Editor's note: Sharrif Floyd's name was originally misspelled. It has since been corrected.
With Week 1 of the 2013 NFL season finished, here are a few former Gators who are making the most tangible impact for their respective teams.
Caleb Sturgis, kicker: Caleb Sturgis’ performance against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday reaffirmed the Miami Dolphins’ decision to release veteran Dan Carpenter in favor of the rookie. Sturgis was perfect at FirstEnergy Stadium, going 3 for 3 and connecting from 36, 45 and 49 yards. Sturgis is one of seven NFL kickers to make three or more field goal attempts in Week 1. His 49-yard field goal stands as the third-longest after a week of play.
Ray McDonald, defensive end: Ray McDonald’s contract extension in 2011 continues to pay dividends for the San Francisco 49ers — one of the league’s deepest teams.
In Sunday’s 34-28 victory, McDonald combined for four tackles and split a sack with teammate Aldon Smith as the 49ers’ defensive front manhandled the Packers, holding Mike McCarthy’s team to just 63 yards on the ground and forcing two costly turnovers.
McDonald has been a stout five-technique left defensive end in the 49ers base 3-4 defense for more than two seasons. He is a huge, long-armed run-stuffer, and much of that was evident on Sunday as the Packers failed to gain any push or leverage in their run game.
Maurkice Pouncey, center: In a division of outstanding interior defensive lineman, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey — one of the team’s most valuable performers — after one week of play.
Pouncey suffered tears to both his ACL and MCL against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and will miss the remainder of the 2013 season. The success and failure of the Steelers in the last few seasons has been spoiled by its inability to protect Ben Roethlisberger and its lack of a formidable run game.
The Steelers managed just 32 yards versus the Titans on Sunday — third fewest in an opener since World War II.
In four seasons with the Steelers, Pouncey has started in all but three games.
Without him, the Steelers could very well see a decline in their run game that ranked 26th in the league in 2012.
Notes: Twenty-seven former Gators were active this past weekend. Of those 27 players, 10 started at their respective positions on Sunday, including rookies Caleb Sturgis and Sharrif Floyd. Former Gator Will Hill remains suspended for the first four games of 2013 due to failed drug tests.
Follow Chuck Kingsbury on Twitter @chuckkingsbury.
Caleb Sturgis kicks a 45-yard field goal against the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter of Miami’s 23-10 victory on Sunday.
