With Week 13 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.
Joe Haden, cornerback: On first and 10, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne, dropped back, studied his options and slightly underthrew a deep pass intended for Cecil Shorts.
Unfortunately for Henne, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden read Henne’s eyes and made a play.
Haden’s interception came in the second quarter of the Browns’ 32-28 home loss to the Jaguars. After making the read, the fourth-year corner proceeded to run to his left and return the pick for 13 yards to Jacksonville’s 47-yard line.
During the game, Haden also recorded three tackles and broke up a pass. After his pick Sunday, Haden has four interceptions on the year — tying him for fourth most in the league this season. All four have come in his past four games.
Other former Gators thrive on defense: Many former UF defenders filled up the stat sheet this week.
Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Bostic, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald each recorded one sack Sunday.
Floyd also forced a fumble — the first of his NFL career — on Chicago’s Kyle Long during his team’s 23-20 overtime loss to the Bears. In the same game, Bostic recorded nine tackles and a quarterback hit.
During his team’s 24-17 victory against the Washington Redskins, New York Giants safety Will Hill forced a fumble by Washington receiver Pierre Garcon and recovered it with 1:18 left in the game to seal the win. The Redskins had no timeouts remaining.
Notes: In his first game with the Indianapolis Colts and his first regular-season NFL game since Dec. 30, 2012, Chris Rainey returned two kickoffs for 45 yards and three punts for 29 yards. Rainey signed with the Colts on Nov. 20 and will likely be their primary kick returner for the remainder of the season.
Making his NFL debut with the Miami Dolphins, running back Mike Gillislee ran for 21 yards on six carries during his team’s 23-3 win against the New York Jets. Gillislee, who spent the first 11 games of the season on Miami’s inactive list, filled in for Daniel Thomas (ankle), who could miss the remainder of 2013.
Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis went 3 of 4 on field-goal attempts Sunday against the Jets, with makes from 34, 43 and 18 yards out. His miss came on a 41-yard try in the first quarter. Sturgis also assisted a tackle on special teams.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (hip) and Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (post-concussion symptoms) missed their respective games this week.
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Miami Dolphins running back Mike Gillislee (23) falls short of the end zone while running against the New York Jets during the first half of his team’s 23-3 victory on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
