Pitt in NFL: Fitzgerald has best game of season in Week 12

Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald led all former Panthers in week 12 of the NFL season with a two-touchdown performance, including a highlight-worthy grab off a fade route early in the first half.

Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003) showed off his speed when he bolted past two Indianapolis Colts defenders, displayed his vertical ability by stretching over the trailing cornerback and presented his catching prowess as he came down with the ball after being wrestled in the end zone.

With five receptions for 52 yards, Fitzgerald became the youngest receiver in NFL history to reach 11,000 receiving yards. His performance led the Cardinals to a 40-11 victory over Indianapolis.

Since the bye week, Fitzgerald has fallen into a steady rhythm with quarterback Carson Palmer, compiling 113 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the two-game stretch.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) had three solo tackles against the Lions before suffering a groin injury prior to halftime. Cornerback Johnthan Banks stepped into Revis’ role in the second half, but opposing receiver Calvin Johnson was able to find separation against Banks throughout the contest.

The Buccaneers ended up taking the game, 24-21, but are still unsure of how serious Revis’ injury is. They are waiting for the results of his MRI to come in early this week. Tampa Bay will need Revis next week to cover the shifty Steve Smith when the Buccaneers take on the very hot Carolina Panthers, who have won seven straight games.

Cleveland defensive end Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010) had only one tackle in a 27-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although he was on a bye this week, LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) still possesses the lead in the race for the league’s rushing title. McCoy’s 1,009 yards hold a slim 12-yard lead over Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson.

Panthers fans can look forward to an alumni battle this Thanksgiving weekend when McCoy’s Philadelphia Eagles take on Fitzgerald’s Cardinals.

McCoy hopes to add to his rushing lead next week, but the Cardinals currently allow the least rushing yards per game in the NFL. On the other hand, Fitzgerald looks to continue his hot streak against a Philadelphia secondary that allows the most receiving yards per game.