Pitt alumni struggle in Week 7

Week seven brought one of the worst weeks in recent history for the former Panthers in the NFL, except for one usually quiet alumnus who proved to be valuable for his team.

Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Mike McGlynn (Pitt 2004-2007) has been starting at right guard for the last two seasons. McGlynn, who was originally drafted in 2008 by the Philadelphia Eagles, has proven to be a reliable force in pass blocking and has yet to miss a start for the Colts.

During Sunday night’s matchup with the Denver Broncos, Colts starting center Samson Satele left the game with an apparent knee injury. McGlynn was chosen to move over to center — a position he has not played in nearly three years — and take control of the offensive line.

McGlynn stepped up enormously. He successfully picked out blitzes and helped quarterback Andrew Luck command the offense. When Denver was climbing back into the game and threatening to take the lead, McGlynn never lost his composure. His exchange with Luck was smooth all night and did not appear to have one poor snap all game.

McGlynn’s strong performance at center was a key factor in an emotional 39-33 victory over Peyton Manning and the rest of the Broncos. His durability, versatility, and patience are qualities that the Colts surely admire. If McGlynn, who is in the second year of a two-year contract, keeps possession of this admiration, he may be looking at a nice payday in the offseason. 

Unlike McGlynn, other Panthers could not find notable success in the seventh week of the NFL season.

After a breakout performance last week, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003) recorded just two catches for 17 yards in a 34-22 loss to San Francisco last Thursday night.

Despite only averaging 3.1 yards per carry in week seven, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) still leads the NFL in rushing with 630 yards. McCoy holds a modest 52-yard lead over Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch.

McCoy finished his performance Sunday with 18 carries, 55 yards and another 26 receiving yards on six catches. Philadelphia’s offense never was able to take off, and the Eagles fell to the Cowboys 17-3.

Tampa Bay cornerback Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) only had one tackle against the Atlanta Falcons. Revis could not contain the opposing wide receiver, Harry Douglas, who was able to rack up 149 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay still found itself winless after dropping the game, 32-23.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010), who has been dealing with a knee injury the past few weeks, played sparingly in a 31-13 loss to Green Bay. He did not manage a tackle.

San Francisco punter Andy Lee (2000-2004) booted six punts for an average of 46.7 yards and landed three of them inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. San Francisco found victory over Tennessee, 31-17.