With Week 3 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.
Major Wright, safety: Major Wright has caused major problems for opposing passing offenses in 2013. That continued during the Chicago Bears’ matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.
Wright intercepted a pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second quarter and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown to give the Bears a 24-3 lead.
So far in 2013, Wright has proved his ability to play in the box and off the edge in Chicago’s Cover-2 shell.
His numbers certainly speak for themselves: 24 combined tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles.
Wright and fellow safety Chris Conte combined for six interceptions in 2012. That trend should continue as this season progresses.
Matt Elam, safety: The Baltimore Ravens no longer have linebacker Ray Lewis or safety Ed Reed, but they do have a group of playmakers to fit their hard-nosed style of play, including former UF safety Matt Elam.
Despite limited action on Sunday, Elam collected a career-high four tackles. He also added one pass deflection.
More importantly, he showcased his aggressive style by attacking receivers who came across the middle, an aspect of his game that Baltimore — an organization that puts a premium on strength and physical play — covets.
Carlos Dunlap, defensive end: For two consecutive weeks, Dunlap has been a key cog in the Cincinnati Bengals defense for a variety of reasons: pass-rush ability, containment on the edge and influence in stopping opponents’ passing attack.
Dunlap recorded a season-high six tackles in Sunday’s victory, his first registered sack of the season and two pass deflections.
His play spearheaded the Bengals, who beat the Green Bay Packers 34-30 in a sloppy, turnover-filled game.
Through three games, Dunlap has recorded 12 tackles — most among Cincinnati’s defensive lineman — and 1.5 sacks.
Notes: Former Gators running back Chris Rainey worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday and ran the 40-yard dash in the low 4.3s, according to Pro Football Talk.
Rainey played for the Steelers last season and appeared in 16 games, scoring two touchdowns, before being released during the offseason.
Tight end Jordan Reed suffered a quad contusion after taking a hit to the leg in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. With starter Fred Davis sidelined, Reed has become Washington’s No. 1 receiving option at tight end.
The former Gator hauled in five catches for 50 yards on six targets a week after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
Kicker Caleb Sturgis continued a flawless start to his NFL career by connecting on two field goals to help the Miami Dolphins beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-23.
Follow Chuck Kingsbury on Twitter @chuckkingsbury.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Chicago Bears strong safety Major Wright (21) and cornerback Tim Jennings on Sept. 8 at Soldier Field.
