Pitt in the NFL: Pro Panthers make little noise in NFL’s Week 8

The former Panthers in the NFL are no longer delivering the highlight performances that fans are used to watching every Sunday, and week eight only brought more mediocrity from the Pitt alumni.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt 2002-2003) still is struggling to get back to 100 percent after a hamstring injury first bothered him in the third week of the season. Fitzgerald was a game-time decision for the fifth straight week last Sunday against the Falcons.

Despite his injury, Fitzgerald, who has not missed a game yet this season, managed to jump start the Cardinals’ offense with a 10-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter. Arizona scored a season-high 27 points and held the Falcons to only 13 points to earn its fourth win of the season. 

Fitzgerald finished with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown.

The Cardinals are on a bye next week, which will give Fitzgerald more time to prepare his injured hamstring for a tough battle with the Houston Texans in week 10.

That is, however, only if the Cardinals’ all-time leading receiver stays in Arizona. ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday afternoon that Fitzgerald could be moved prior to the Oct. 29 trade deadline.

Running back LeSean McCoy (Pitt 2007-2008) and his Philadelphia Eagles could not move the ball against the New York Giants. McCoy tallied only 48 yards on 15 carries and four catches for 18 yards. The Eagles managed only a defensive touchdown in the 15-7 loss.

McCoy still leads the race for the rushing title with 733 yards, yet his lead dwindled down to 64 yards over Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch. McCoy, who has not scored in four weeks, has seen his performance fall dramatically in October, along with the rest of the Philadelphia offense.

If the Eagles cannot turn things around in November, McCoy will lose his lead in rushing yards rather shortly.

Cleveland defensive end Jabaal Sheard (Pitt 2007-2010) has been struggling to stay on the field since injuring his knee in week three. He was able to record one tackle and bat down a pass at the line of scrimmage in limited action against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

The Browns were unable to thwart the streaking Chiefs and dropped the game, 23-17.

Tampa Bay cornerback Darrelle Revis (Pitt 2004-2006) and the rest of the Buccaneers defense could not contain Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, who scored three total touchdowns Thursday night. 

Revis performed much better than he has in recent weeks while adjusting to playing in the Tampa Bay zone defense. He did not allow his receivers to score and was able to deflect two passes.

The Buccaneers offense, on the other hand, could not catch up to Newton’s dynamic running ability. Carolina came out on top, 31-13.

San Francisco punter Andy Lee (Pitt 2000-2004) did not see much action in a 42-10 thrashing over the winless Jacksonville Jaguars. Lee had only one punt, but booted it for a season-long 61 yards.