Pitt in the NFL: Former players struggle in Week 5

In week five of the NFL season, former Panthers players did not put up the incredible stats that fans are used to seeing, yet each alumnus found a way to push his team to victory.

Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) had a mediocre performance against his team’s division rival, the New York Giants, as he only averaged 2.3 yards per carry. He also snagged seven receptions for 46 yards and scored on a goal-line carry in a 36-21 victory.

Despite his lack of yardage, McCoy’s 46 rushing yards on 20 carries were still enough to keep a steady lead in the race for the rushing title. His performance brings his season total in rushing yards to 514, and he now has a 93-yard lead over second-place rusher Adrian Peterson, who was on a bye this week.

McCoy will attempt to stretch his rushing lead next week against former Panther Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) and the rest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense. Tampa Bay, coming off a bye week, will have had two weeks to prepare for McCoy’s rushing attack.

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003) only tallied 43 yards on three receptions in a 22-6 win over Carolina. Fitzgerald has yet to pass 100 yards in a game this season. He will have a tough time eclipsing that mark next week against a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranks third in passing yards allowed.

San Francisco punter Andy Lee (Pitt 2000-2004) continued to show why he is one of the best punters at the professional level. He punted four balls for an average of 48.8 yards to keep the Houston Texans pinned deep in their own territory. The Texans never obtained good field position and fell to Lee’s 49ers, 34-3.

Indianapolis Colts right guard Mike McGlynn (Pitt 2004-2007) and the rest of his offensive line only allowed two sacks against the Seahawks, who have one of the best pass defenses in the league. The strong protection for quarterback Andrew Luck helped the Colts come back against Seattle, 34-28.

McGlynn, who bounced around positions on the offensive line with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals, has secured a strong hold of the Colts’ right guard spot and looks to protect the young Luck for years to come.

Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010) was inactive for the second straight game due to a sprained knee, but his team, the Cleveland Browns, has won its third straight game after a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in week five.