Pitt in the NFL: LeSean McCoy helps Eagles to victory

Several former Pitt football players enjoyed successful weekends in the NFL, highlighted by a…Several former Pitt football players enjoyed successful weekends in the NFL, highlighted by a 100-yard performance from Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

McCoy (Pitt running back, 2007-2008) seems to dominate the New York Giants in the fourth quarter every time the two meet. And Sunday night was no different, as the Eagles held on to a 19-17 victory against their division rival.

This season, he brought his average yards per carry in the fourth quarter up to a whopping 6.4 yards, more than a full yard greater than his next-best quarter average. In doing so, the Eagles also improved their record to 10-1 in games that McCoy gets more than 20 carries, as compared to a bleak 20-21 record when he does not reach that threshold.

“I think we just stuck with it,” McCoy said after the game. “I just had that feeling — that feeling that I wanted the ball.”

The quietest 4-0 team in football — the Arizona Cardinals — received solid contributions from former Panther Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt wide receiver, 2002-2003) in a 24-21 overtime win against the Miami Dolphins.

Coming off last week, when he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Fitzgerald had a key reception in a fourth-quarter scoring drive that ultimately sent the game into overtime.

He finished the day with eight receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, LaRod Stephens-Howling (Pitt running back, 2005-2008) was sidelined with a groin injury for the Cardinals on Sunday.

Last week, one of the most influential Panthers in the NFL, Darrelle Revis (Pitt defensive back, 2004-2006), suffered a season-ending ACL tear against Miami. The loss of Revis was evident on Sunday as the Jets were beaten by the San Francisco 49ers, 34-0.

Aaron Berry (Pitt defensive back, 2006-2009) was signed by the Jets to a two-year contract shortly after Revis was injured in an attempt to fill the void at cornerback.

Punting the ball for the 49ers was Andy Lee (Pitt punter, 2000-2003).

In his ninth NFL season, he continues to show his Pro-Bowl caliber form. Last weekend, he was able to pin the Jets’ offense inside the 20-yard line twice, while also recording a booming 61-yard punt, tying his season record.

Jabaal Sheard (Pitt defensive end, 2007-2010) recorded his first sack of the year on Thursday night, in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded six tackles and played a key role in containing Baltimore’s star rusher, Ray Rice, to only 49 yards on the ground.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jon Baldwin (Pitt wide receiver, 2008-2010) logged four catches for a total of 50 yards in a 37-20 loss to division-foe San Diego Chargers.