Knights in the NFL: Preseason week 4 round up

Preseason Week 3 is in the books with plenty of former Rutgers Scarlet Knights in action again either tuning up or doing their best to catch on for the regular season. Week 1 recap here, Week 2 recap here. Week 3 here.

Mohamed Sanu and the Falcons fell again and dropped to 0-4 in the preseason. Sanu and the rest of the starters did not play at all. They are still a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl again.

The Bengals Clark Harris and Tyler Kroft took a long trip to Indianapolis where they fell 7-6. The punting game was solid, but the Bengals two placekickers only converted 2 of 5 field goal attempts, not their best showing. Harris still will be the team’s long snapper this season. Kroft did not play and may start week 1 with Taylor Eifert nursing an injury.

Steve Longa hoped to secure a roster spot in Detroit’s preseason finale at Buffalo. The Bills secured their first win 27-17, but Longa contributed six tackles, three solo. It was enough to secure his place on the 53 man roster heading into week 1. Tim Wright was released earlier in the week.

The New York Giants can’t help themselves from playing in shootouts, this time against New England. Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon didn’t play but Jon Freeny was everywhere, recording a team leading 10 tackles! It wasn’t enough as Freeny was let go from the defending Super Bowl champs. He has performed well though so expect him to land back with the Patriots or elsewhere in the league.

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George Johnson of the Buccaneers did play in the preseason finale they dropped to the Redskins 13-10. Johnson added two tackles to cap off a solid preseason but was released. This will save the Bucs $2.25 million, so he could re-join the team after week 1 or end up elsewhere.

Leonte Carroo made one catch for 12 yards in the Dolphins 30-9 win over the Vikings. He was on the roster bubble, but did make the Dolphins 53 man roster. Carroo is expected to be the team’s number 4 wide receiver to open the season.

Jeremy Zuttah and Derrick Nelson of the Ravens completed a perfect 4-0 preseason by the narrowest of margins, 14-13 over the Saints. Despite being recently added, both players were let go in Saturday’s cut down. Nelson could surface on the not yet full practice squad, Zuttah may find himself in yet another uniform. Brandon Coleman did not play as he was already a lock for the opening day roster of New Orleans.

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Jason McCourty and Kenny Britt traveled to greet Michael Burton and Marcus Cooper in Chicago. McCourty, Britt, and Cooper did not play in the game as no starters from either team played in the Browns 25-0 drubbing of the Bears. All three made their team’s 53 man rosters. Burton saw limited action this preseason as well, but showed enough to keep his spot on the Bears regular season roster.

Logan Ryan did not play as the Titans were crushed by Kansas City, 30-6. Ryan is expected to start after his big offseason pay day. Tennessee hosts the still Oakland Raiders in week 1.

Carlton Agudosi and Kaleb Johnson headed north where they were embarrassed by Kevin Snyder and Quentin Gause in Denver, 30-2. Agudosi caught two passes for 16 yards and has joined Arizona’s practice squad. Snyder and Gause each made two tackles but it was not enough to earn roster spots. Johnson was released by Arizona after strong play as well.

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Andre Patton and the Chargers played an exciting game in San Francisco Santa Clara against the 49ers. The 49ers on the strength of a blocked punt, punt return touchdown, and ridiculous 62 yard TD run by former nemesis C.J. Beathard triumphed 23-13. Patton was only targeted once on a screen pass he secured but was immediately greeted by a host of defenders. It was enough to join the Chargers practice squad however.

Anthony Cioffi’s Raiders went winless in the preseason dropping a 17-13 decision to Seattle. Cioffi chipped in 3 tackles to finish a strong preseason, but was released. He left an impression though as several news outlets are lobbying for him to join their local teams like this one and this one. Good luck Anthony!

Other local scores: Jets 16, Eagles 10.