Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Week 13 of NFL competition concluded on Monday night, ending a week that featured holiday games and a slate that saw every single team in action for the second time this season. There was much to be thankful for during Week 13, most notably the performances of former Hokies for their teams around the league. In this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we look at the most profound performances from Tech alumni and forecast some exciting matchups to come in Week 14.
K John Parker Romo
After being signed to the 53-man roster in early November, kicker John Parker Romo has shined through four games with the Vikings this season. Against the Cardinals on Sunday, Romo converted three of four field goals, sending the ball through the uprights from 31, 44, and a season-high 55 yards, raising his average on the year to an impressive 91.7% field goal percentage (11 for 12). Additionally, Romo’s second of two extra points on the day with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter was the difference, allowing the Vikings to win their fifth straight game by a score of 23-22. Look for Romo to see more action against an Atlanta Falcons team that has allowed 28 field goals in 12 games.
S Chamarri Conner
Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner’s Black Friday performance was yet another example of the Jacksonville, Florida native's skill on the gridiron. The former Hokie tallied seven total tackles against the Raiders, six of which were solo efforts, over 46 snaps in Kansas City’s secondary. Both his total tackle and solo tackle numbers ranked second overall among the Chiefs’ defense, and for his efforts on gameday, Conner earned a season-best 81.0 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
LB Tremaine Edmunds
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has strung together an impressive season over 12 starts for the Chicago defense. Against conference rival Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, Edmunds posted five tackles, over 70 snaps at the middle linebacker position. Edmunds was only one of three Bears defensive players to play 100% of the game, a feat he has now achieved in six straight games and in ten of twelve contests over the season. Edmunds earned a 70.5 PFF coverage grade against the Lions, his third-highest of the season.
K Joey Slye
New England kicker Joey Slye produced another solid performance for the Patriots on Sunday, sending three field goals of 31, 35 and 54 yards through the uprights against the Indianapolis Colts. Slye has been a significant part of the scoring for the Patriots this season, as his 83 points make up 37.6% of points scored over thirteen games. Slye has been in the spotlight more than once this season, as his 63-yard field goal in Week 4 set franchise records and personal career highs for the former Hokie.
LB Amare Barno
In his first game of the season, linebacker Amare Barno made his presence felt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After starting the year on the PUP list, the third-year edge rusher compiled four tackles and his first sack on just nine defensive snaps. Barno played 28 total snaps in the contest, with 19 coming on special teams. As the former Hokie continues to get into form, expect his snap totals over the closing weeks of the regular season.