#ProTops Week 17 NFL Update
For 20 of the 32 NFL Teams, this final week was the beginning of the nightmare which can only be described as “the off-season”. Also, for 12 of the remaining teams, their quest for a Super Bowl title began after this past weekend. Finally, for some of our Hiltopper football alumni, this week was bittersweet as it closed another chapter in their respective individual careers. Let’s take a journey into how they did in the final week of the 2019 regular season.
Mike White’s Jets cruised to a win over the wildcard bound Bills 13–6. White ends the season on the practice squad after being released on waivers from the Cowboys.
Taywan Taylor finished the season with the Browns by playing in only three games, mostly on special teams. He had three returns for 53 yards. With the firing of head coach Freddie Kitchens after a disappointing 6–10 season, it is uncertain to see his depth progress going into 2020 as numerous changes are being made in Cleveland.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe was not in action during the Bears 21–19 win over the Vikings. His season ended with him playing in 15 games on special teams. In his short career, he has already played an impressive record of 31 games. The Bears ended 2019 with an 8–8 record.
Deon Yelder remained inactive but finished 2019 as a potential growing depth player for the Chiefs. He had three total receptions for 50 yards in 9 games. Kansas City enters the playoffs as the 2nd seed, gaining a first-round bye.
Forrest Lamp ended his season by being on the injured reserve for the Chargers. He played in seven games, starting two of them. We love and hope to see Forrest healthy & back on the Chargers offensive line in 2020.
Jack Doyle only had one reception for six yards in the Colts 38–20 loss to the Jaguars. He finishes the year with 43 catches, 448 yards, and four touchdowns. He should be a prime tight end option going into 2020. Indianapolis finishes the year at 7–9.
Despite the Rams not making the playoffs after a Super Bowl appearance on the previous year, it still was a record-setting year for Tyler Higbee. In Sunday’s game versus the Cardinals, he missed going for his fifth straight game with over 100 yards in receptions. On the bright side, he did come up with eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams finished 9–7 with a win over the Cardinals 31–24. Higs had a monster season. He completes 2019 with 69 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns. This was a well-deserved career year.
Last but not least, everyone’s favorite basketball player turned blocking tight end George Fant has earned a crucial starting opportunity. His Seahawks played host to division leaders, The 49ers. In a game that was not only shadowed by the return of the charismatic Hawks alumni Marshawn Lynch, they were also playing for the chance to win the NFC West after clinching a playoff berth. Fant did have some challenges containing Nick Bosa and Company. However, he did have a stronger second half, holding his own with the potential defensive rookie of the year. The Field Gulls showed George some love postgame.
The Hawks went on to lose the contest 26–21. They are still in the playoffs at 11–5 with a wild card berth. They will travel back to Philadephia to play the Eagles on Sunday afternoon. Fant finishes the season playing all 16 games, starting seven of them. We’re looking forward to following him in the wildcard game next weekend.
Another great season is in the books for our Hiltopper football alumni. Best of luck to the Chiefs and Seahawks in their roads to the Super Bowl. Until 2020, #PROOOOOOO TOPS!
