Badgers in the NFL, Week 7: Melvin Gordon leads league in touchdowns

Former Wisconsin Badgers made an impact in all three phases of the game in Week 7. Before we dig in to the action, past performances and news for Badgers in the NFL can be found here, while a complete list of alumni on active rosters is here.

Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers running back

For the first time in the 2016 season, the former Badgers back went without a touchdown in Week 6. Sunday, he made up for lost time in San Diego’s win over the Atlanta Falcons. Gordon scored twice on the ground and once on a reception on Sunday. He totaled six catches for 53 yards, while gaining 68 rushing yards on 22 carries. On Gordon’s 19th carry, he took a run that seemed to be a loss on 3rd-and-1 and turned it into a 13-yard gain to set up a field goal to force overtime against the Falcons.

Gordon now has 10 total touchdowns on the season, the most in the NFL. His eight rushing touchdowns are tied for the league lead with LeGarrette Blount and David Johnson. Gordon is averaging just over 90 total yards and better than a touchdown per game for the 3-4 Chargers.

Tanner McEvoy, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver

While McEvoy didn’t stuff the stat sheet on Sunday, he made an impact on a national stage. With the Seahawks down 3-0 to the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter, McEvoy blocked a punt that set up a Seahawks drive at the Arizona 27-yard line:

Four plays later, the rookie wide receiver made his only catch of the game, a 10-yard reception that set up a field goal to tie the game.

Jared Abbrederis, Green Bay Packers wide receiver

In what was a costly day for the Badgers in terms of injuries, another blow came to Abbrederis.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback

Wilson’s numbers were what you expect from a quarterback in a game that ended in a 6-6 tie. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 225 yards, without a touchdown or interception. It was the second week in a row where Wilson failed to record a touchdown or interception. His lack of rushing production (one carry for minus-2 yards in week 7) has led to speculation on his health.

James White, New England Patriots running back

The Patriots hung on to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-16 and White made the most of his two catches. He took them for 32 yards, including this 19-yard touchdown in the opening quarter:

The 3rd year back is tied for second on the team with 27 receptions.

Beau Allen, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle

The Eagles handed the Minnesota Vikings their first loss and the former Badgers big man recorded three tackles and a QB hit. Those numbers, however, weren’t the story as Allen also added a recovered fumble that he returned for 10 yards. After the game, Allen credited his experience at fullback earlier this season for the return and ball security:

Notes and highlights:

• Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks recorded seven catches for 55 yards in the team’s loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. He ranks third on the team in receptions.
• In that same game, Giants linebacker Jonathan Casillas recorded four tackles as New York won 17-10.
• Jacksonville Jaguars Brad Nortman punted five times, averaging 39.6 yards and recording a long of 56. He remains in the top 10 in the NFL in punting average and net average.
• Wide receiver Alex Erickson handled two punts for a total of three yards for the Cincinnati Bengals.
• The Cleveland Browns lost to the Bengals 31-17 as trade rumors have once again started swirling around left tackle Joe Thomas.
• ICYMI, the Browns added defensive back Darius Hillary to their active roster on Friday.