Red Raiders in the pros: touchbacks and fisticuffs

Anthony Lynn - HC, Los Angeles Chargers

We’ll start this recap off on a positive note. Former Red Raider running back, Anthony Lynn, is at the helm of the Los Angeles Chargers and has them trending up in a big way. Lynn's Chargers looked impressive on Thanksgiving as they took the Dallas Cowboys to school, winning 28-6. It was the Chargers’ second win in a row, and fifth in their last seven games. So, after a rough start, Los Angeles now sits at 5-6 which actually has them tied for second in the AFC West.

Danny Amendola - WR, New England Patriots

After finding the end zone last week, Danny Amendola was unable to reproduce the same success against the Miami Dolphins. He only hauled in one pass for 15 yards. His work in the return game wasn’t any more exciting. Three punt returns netted just 1 yard. This fluctuation in Amendola’s production has been the norm this season. It isn’t indicative of how important he can be to the Patriots offense.

Le'Raven Clark - OL, Indianapolis Colts

The former second team All-American Le’Raven Clark didn’t see the field the last time the Indianapolis Colts played in Week 10. He did get some playing time this past Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. However, that time was limited to just four special teams snaps.

Michael Crabtree - WR, Oakland Raiders

We’ll get to the fight, but first, the stats. There were none. Ok, let’s to get into the nitty gritty. Aqib Talib does NOT like Michael Crabtree. What he does like, apparently, are Michael Crabtree’s chains. The two got into a skirmish for the second time of their careers, and, for the second time, Talib snatched Crabtree’s chain right off his neck. The pair was ejected in the first quarter. The early exit ended Crabtree’s impressive streak of at least one reception in each game of his career. Here’s the video for you to judge. Leave a comment below as to what you think.

Jakeem Grant - WR, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins continued to exploit Jakeem Grant’s elusiveness exclusively in the return game against the New England Patriots. He returned four kickoffs for an average of 24 yards, including one return of 28 yards.

Branden Jackson - DE, Seattle Seahawks

We have seen Branden Jackson’s playing time continue to increase in Seattle. He rewarded the franchise against the San Francisco 49ers by recording his second tackle of the season. Even better, he also was credited with half a sack.

Pete Robertson - LB, Washington Redskins

Pete Robertson saw his first action of the season on Thanksgiving night as the Redskins took on the New York Giants. He only played one snap on defense, but played a whopping 24 snaps on special teams. He was clearly just trying to hustle, but as Robertson was trying to down a punt, he continued to run into the end zone creating a touchback. The play landed him on “C’mon Man.”

La'Adrian Waddle - OT, New England Patriots

For the third consecutive game, La’Adrian Waddle started for the Patriots. The offensive line as a unit did not play as well this week as they had the previous two. Tom Brady was under fire more often than not and was hit several times. It didn’t cost the Patriots a victory however, as they rolled over the Dolphins in Miami. Waddle logged 83% of the offensive snaps.

DeAndre Washington - RB, Oakland Raiders

In what has become a battle for second on the depth chart at running back in Oakland, DeAndre Washington can take solace in the fact that he had more carries, passing targets, receptions, and yards from scrimmage than fellow back up Jalen Richard. He totaled six carries for 23 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards in Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. However, he didn’t manage to convert any of those touches into touchdowns. One of Jalen Richard’s receptions found the end zone. We’ll keep tabs on this battle next week as Oakland takes on the lowly New York Giants.