Pitt in the NFL: Fitzgerald highlights former Panthers’ play in Week 13

For those who were watching the former Panthers grind out impressive performances in Week 13 of the NFL season, the offensive battle between the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles took center stage.

Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003), coming off a brilliant Week 12 performance, had another strong showing against Philadelphia. The 10-year veteran grabbed five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Fitzgerald’s score came on a 43-yard catch-and-run after he took the pass from a crossing route, bounced off a Philadelphia defender and ran up the sideline to the end zone. The touchdown marks his ninth of the season, which is more than double his total from a year ago.

On the other hand, it was the Eagles offense that dictated the pace of the game and came out on the better end of the 24-21 battle.

Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) helped move his offense into the red zone multiple times with 115 total yards from scrimmage, yet he relinquished his status as the league’s leading rusher.

McCoy’s 19 carries for 79 yards pushed his season rushing yardage total to 1,089, but Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson, who only trailed McCoy by 11 yards entering Sunday, had a 211-yard display in an overtime victory against Chicago.

Peterson is now first in the league with 1,208 rushing yards, and McCoy will have a difficult time gaining ground next week against a stingy Detroit defense that ranks third in the league against the rush.

A couple of former Panthers found the highlight reels on the defensive side of the ball, as well.

Cleveland defensive end Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010) also had a flashy showing in a 32-28 loss to Jacksonville. He had two tackles and a sack as he penetrated through Jacksonville’s offensive line throughout the entire game.

Despite being questionable to play with a groin injury, Tampa Bay’s Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) had four tackles, defended a pass and held Carolina’s Steve Smith to only 51 yards receiving. The rest of the Tampa Bay defense could not keep Carolina in check, however, and dropped the game 27-6.

San Francisco punter Andy Lee (Pitt 2000-2004) nailed four punts for an average of 47.8 yards and landed two inside the opponent’s 20-yard line in a 23-13 victory over the St. Louis Rams.