#ProTops: NFL Week 16 Update

Christmas weekend was a gift for our beloved Hilltopper football alumni.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our Towel Rack family. The Hilltopper Alumni were in full force for the holiday weekend as they finish their seasons a few other teams are still battling for playoff contention ahead of Super Wild Card weekend. Let’s see how they’ve fared over the holidays:

The nation was treated to a premier Christmas Day matchup between the Colts and the Cardinals. It was the luck of the horseshoe that battled the elements in Glendale, Arizona to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jack Doyle left the game early where he suffered both a knee & ankle injury in the first quarter. 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32937672/indianapolis-colts-te-jack-doyle-exits-vs-arizona-cardinals-knee-ankle-injuries

Despite numerous setbacks, the Colts were victorious 22-16. Their playoff chances remain solid in their favor for the final two weeks. 

Moving on to Sunday, the Jets were among the few teams to reap the benefit of a win on Christmas weekend. They’ve beaten the Jaguars 26-21 to get their fourth win of the season. Mike White did not play as Zach Wilson was able to have  a successful day at the helm. 

The undisputed MVP of the jets season George Fant played all offensive snaps, adding on to another highly successful week on the blindside of Wilson as a left tackle. 

The Jet Press @TheJetPress

George Fant didn’t allow a single pressure (again) in Week 16. Finished with an 88.5 PFF pass block grade that ranked 2nd among all tackles in the NFL this week. He’s allowed just one pressure over his last three starts. Dude continues to ball out. What a season.

Not to mention…. He also made an interesting play on Sunday in the form of an interception breakup. How is this man not on a Pro Bowl roster?

Pro Football Culture @proftblculture

George Fant lays a big hit on Damien Wilson to prevent an interception #TakeFlight

The team MVP may count for something. Thank you Jets fans for recognizing greatness. 

Jon Snow @j0n_sn0ws_gh0st

@JetsWayPodcast Honestly if I had a vote, I would probably vote George Fant. Guy has been nothing short of great in pass pro all year. Only one game with more than 2 pressures allowed (it was 3 in that game), only 1 sack credited against him all year. Just my opinion, nothing more lol

After missing two weeks due to being on Covid-19 protocol, Tyler Higbee was able to return to the gridiron. The Rams traveled to Minnesota to face the Vikings. They were able to pick up the 30-23 victory on the road, now in sole first place of the NFC West following the Cardinals loss. Higs was able to catch five receptions for 41 yards. 

Closing Sunday afternoon was the Bears picking an upset 25-24 win over the Seahawks. Joel Iyiegbuniwe’s Monsters of the Midway placed the Hawks’ among the teams eliminated from playoff contention. Iggy was inactive during the win.  

Monday Night Football came with a post Christmas surprise for Forrest Lamp. He was among 14 practice squad players who were activated to the Saints 53 man roster against the Dolphins to a recent spike in players on Covid-19 protocol. 

Ben Volin @BenVolin

Saints called up 14 (!) guys from the practice squad for tonight’s game vs the Dolphins

The Saints were eliminated from postseason contention as they lost to the Dolphins 20-3. Lamp did not have any snap counts but was able to dress for his first game of the season.