McCoy leads former Panthers in Week 9

Many former Panthers were on a bye in week nine of the NFL season, yet Pitt fans were still able to show some pride watching former Pitt players perform at the professional level.

Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) scored his first touchdown in over a month against the Oakland Raiders Sunday afternoon. He took a swing pass down the sideline from quarterback Nick Foles — who tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes in the game — and ran 25 yards into the end zone. 

McCoy finished the day with 44 yards, rushing on 12 carries and four catches for 36 yards. His Eagles offense finally came out of a slump and was able to topple the Raiders, 49-20.

Despite only carrying the ball 12 times, mostly because Foles had a career day, McCoy still maintains his league lead in rushing. McCoy has now chalked up his total to 777 yards on the ground this year, which is 51 more than Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) recorded four tackles against Seattle, but opposing wide receiver Doug Baldwin was able to rack up 75 yards on the day and a crucial game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Although the Buccaneers jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first quarter, they dropped the game in overtime, 27-24.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010) looked healthy again after struggling with a knee injury through most of October. He recorded four total tackles and a sack in a 24-18 victory over division rival Baltimore.

Amid rumors at last week’s trade deadline, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003) stayed put in Arizona. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim addressed the rumors near the deadline during a radio interview with Arizona Sports 620 KTAR-FM.

“Our intent is for Larry Fitzgerald to retire a Cardinal — period,” Keim said. “If there is any gray area there, let me know, and we can get that out.”

The Cardinals had a bye week this week.

Last Monday, the Houston Texans signed the Panthers’ leading rusher from last season, Ray Graham. Graham (Pitt 2009-2012), an undrafted rookie, was on the Texans practice squad after spending training camp with the team.

Two other running backs, Deji Karim and Dennis Johnson, were also added to Houston’s roster in order to provide depth to an injured backfield. Johnson received eight carries against Indianapolis Sunday night, while Graham did not receive a single carry.