After an unorthodox offseason, the NFL was finally back this past weekend. And for Canes fans, as has been the case for the past few decades, it’s an opportunity to observe a “where are they now” for former Miami legends.

Throughout that history, Miami has built its reputation as #TEU as a result of its powerhouse production of tight ends. This year was no different as going into Week One, there were four ProCanes on active NFL rosters, and that doesn’t include Clive Walford or Erik Swoope (Miami basketball) who are currently listed as NFL free agents.

Out of the four active TEs, three scored a TD on Sunday, two of which were entering their 11th and 15th seasons in the NFL, and this proves once again that the University of Miami is the only #TEU. The Canes opening night last Thursday also makes it appear that the pipeline appears strong to continue the TEU legacy as Junior, Brevin Jordan, was Miami’s lead receiver with 3 catches for 51 yards a TD. Miami’s 2021 class currently has verbal commits from a pair of top-tier TE recruits in Elijah Arroyo and Kahlil Brantley.

Let’s get to this week’s matchups, with a focus on the featured ProCanes on the rosters...

Thursday Night Recap:
Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) 30 @ Cleveland Browns (1-1) 35

The battle of former first overall picks/Heisman winners, Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield, ended up being an offensive shootout on TNF. ProCane and Browns DE, Joe Jackson, was waived in the final cuts by the Cowboys but came up big with a fumble recovery at the Bengals 1-yard line midway through the third quarter when it was a one score game. FS, Sheldrick Redwine, continues to be used on Special Teams. Olivier Vernon and David Njoku both were inactive, although Njoku recorded Cleveland’s lone TD in Week One. His usage in Week One was a slight surprise after a tumultuous offseason where he was nearly traded and was listed as TE3 on the Browns depth chart.

ProCanes Updates
Browns:
DE Joe Jackson - Inactive in Week One. 3 tackles and 1 Fumble Recovery in Week Two.
S Sheldrick Redwine - 2 tackles Week One, both on Special Teams
TE David Njoku - Placed on Injured Reserve after Week One. 3 catches on 3 targets for 50 yards and 1 TD.
DE Olivier Vernon - Inactive in Week Two. 2 tackles on 42 Defensive Snaps in Week One.

Sunday Games:

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) (+8.0) @ Tennessee Titans (1-0)

Gardner Minshew and the Jags surprised a lot of people with their victory last week, despite seemingly conducting a fire sale of the roster. Minshew was protected by Center and 2014 Miami alum, Brandon Linder, who graded well and is looking to improve off of a 2019 campaign where he ranked 5th out of 34 Centers according to PFF. Rookie LB, Shaquille Quarterman, did not see any action on defense but maybe he can have his Welcome to the NFL moment against a Titans rushing attack featuring RB Derrick Henry.

ProCanes Updates
Jaguars:
C Brandon Linder - Played all 50 snaps at Center, drew 1 Penalty for facemask, 67.7 Overall grade 82.0 in 29 pass blocking downs and 70.2 in 21 run blocking snaps
LB Shaquille Quarterman - Did not see action on defense but was featured on 13 Special Teams plays
OG KC McDermott - Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers (0-1) (+9.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

This NFC South matchup lines up Miami native/Louisville alum, Teddy Bridgewater against a famed ‘other’ UM alum, Tom Brady. ProCane CB, Corn Elder, will be hard pressed this week facing the GOAT and a top notch receiving corps. Luckily for Elder, he will most likely be placed in the nickel on coverages involving Slot WR, Scotty Miller, so avoids having to matchup against Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, although both are dealing with injuries of hamstring and concussion, respectively.

ProCanes Updates
Panthers:
CB Corn Elder - Recorded 1 tackle and allowed 1 reception on 2 targets. Recorded an overall PFF grade of 29.3 (60.0 Run Defense, 29.4 Coverage)

Denver Broncos (0-1) (+7.0) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

The Broncos are in need of LB help after losing Von Miller for the season last week. However, they got some assistance from ProCane, Anthony Chickillo, after signing him off of the Saints practice squad this week. Chickillo should be given an opportunity to revamp his career that has reached a point of stagnation as of late, including being waived by the Saints as part of their final cuts.

ProCanes Updates
Broncos:
LB Anthony Chickillo - This will be his season debut after spending the past few weeks on the Saints Practice Squad.
Steelers:
CB Trajan Bandy - The Undrafted Rookie remains on the Steelers Practice Squad

Los Angeles Rams (1-0) (-1.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (0-1)

No ProCanes in this matchup but gotta take a stab at FSU alum and CB, Jalen Ramsey, who got away with a controversial play, and potential Offensive Pass Interference Flop, to secure the win last week against Dallas last week - classic Nole.

ProCanes Updates
None.

San Francisco Niners (0-1) (-7.0) @ New York Jets (1-0)

The Jets are absolutely decimated by injuries to their skill position players as Le’Veon Bell and Denzel Mims both head to the IR this week. WR1, Jamison Crowder, has also been ruled out this week, and the Jets lost Quincy Enunwa earlier this offseason. This opens up the offense for Miami legend and ageless wonder, Frank Gore, to handle the RB1 duties. After Canes Junior, Cam’Ron Harris’, impressive debut, he should be taking a few notes from Gore regarding how to maintain longevity at the RB position.

In addition, ProCanes, WR Braxton Berrios and TE Christopher Herndon, could anticipate larger roles. Lawrence Cager, who transferred from Miami to UGA in his final collegiate season and is an undrafted rookie, is currently on the Jets Practice Squad so could be a call-up candidate.

For the Niners, WR Travis Benjamin opted out at the beginning of the season.

ProCanes Updates
Niners:
WR Travis Benjamin - Opted Out
Jets:
WR Braxton Berrios - 1 snap as PR, Fair Catch
TE Christopher Herndon - 40 snaps on Offense, 6 Receptions on 7 Targets for 37 Yards
RB Frank Gore - 14 snaps on Offense, 6 Rushes for 24 Yards

Buffalo Bills (1-0) (-5.5) @ Miami Dolphins (0-1)

The AFC East is theoretically up for grabs so long as the Patriots don’t seamlessly transition from Tom Brady to Cam Newton (after week one that appears possible). The Dolphins are up and coming after an offseason full of transactions and trying to bolster an abysmal Offensive Line (similar to the college Miami team) and the Bills have an overall decent roster but need their QB, Josh Allen, to be more consistent. For ProCanes, former top ten pick and OL, Ereck Flowers, got paid 3 years/$30million by the Dolphins in Free Agency after having his first successful pro season last year, despite looking like a bust before that. For the Bills, S Jaquan Johnson is competing in a loaded secondary featuring Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde at Safety. Thus, he didn’t get any defensive snaps last week but may carve out a situational role as the season progresses or could be a safety blanket in the event of any injuries to the secondary. Lastly, Dolphins WR Allen Hurns opted out prior to the season.

ProCanes Updates
Bills:
S Jaquan Johnson - 15 Special Team snaps
Dolphins:
OL Ereck Flowers - 62 Snaps at G, 1 Holding Penalty, 56.1 overall PFF Grade (77.1 Pass Blocking, 47.4 Run Blocking)
WR Allen Hurns - Opted Out

Minnesota Vikings (0-1) (+3.0) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

ProCane and Colts DE, Al-Quadin Muhammad, saw decent action in the season opener as he played 23 snaps on defense. Muhammad is listed behind Denico Autry on the depth chart who recorded 2 sacks on Sunday.

For the Vikings, K.J. Osborn saw action on Special Teams as KR. He returned two kicks for 64 yards total, with a long of 38. The hard working rookie is proving he belongs in the NFL, even if only at Special Teams for now.

ProCanes Updates
Colts:
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad - 23 snaps on Defense
Vikings:
PR K.J. Osborn - 2 Punt Returns for 64 yards

Detroit Lions (0-1) (+5.5) @ Green Bay Packers (1-0)

No WRs, no problems for Aaron Rodgers. Packers’ Rookie DE, Jonathan Garvin, had 6 defensive snaps in his debut, largely just on pass rush plays. Also, albeit not a player, 2019 OL coach, Butch Barry, is currently a senior analyst for Green Bay.

ProCanes Updates
Packers:
DE Jonathan Garvin - 6 Defensive Snaps

Atlanta Falcons (0-1) (+4.0) @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

At one point this offseason, the Falcons had a projected starting offensive lineup of 11 out of 11 former first round picks. This wasn’t necessarily a good thing because some of the projected starters had not lived up to first round expectations and ended up in Atlanta. Matt Ryan also led the NFL in passing yards this past week, but it was also not a great statistic as most were in come-from-behind chunk yardage plays. As for ProCanes, Dallas cut DE, Joe Jackson, but he ended up getting picked up by the Browns. Also, tenth year DE, Allen Bailey, played most of opening week in a situational role.

ProCanes Updates
Falcons:
DE Allen Bailey - 16 Defensive Snaps.

Washington Football Team (1-0) (+6.5) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Please, please, please let the D’Eriq King-Kyler Murray comparisons continue. If so, we can anticipate a solid season and King can anticipate an early NFL selection because Kyler is evolving into a nice success. On the flip side, Gregory Rousseau is considered the best EDGE rusher this year, whereas Chase Young was considered the best last year - and Young had a fantastic debut.

ProCanes Updates
None.

New York Giants (0-1) (+5.5) @ Chicago Bears (1-0)

This game features quite a few ProCanes. For the Bears, FS Deon Bush was mostly featured on special teams during week one, but was noted to have gotten in a skirmish with fellow Canes alum, TE Jimmy Graham, during a recent camp practice. Graham, who is in somewhat of a TE competition, ran away as the most involved TE in week one, and recorded a TD. Age is not a factor with this one as Graham continues to play well in the NFL. Punter, Pat O’Donnell, is also leading the charge on special teams. For the Giants, S Adrian Colbert, was waived by the Chiefs during the final cuts, but he ended up getting picked up by the Giants.

ProCanes Updates
Giants:
S Adrian Colbert - 5 Defensive Snaps, 15 Special Teams Snaps
DT RJ McIntosh - Inactive
Bears:
TE Jimmy Graham - 3 receptions for 25 yards on 7 targets, and 1 TD
S Deon Bush - 7 Defensive Snaps, 20 Special Teams Snaps
P Pat O’Donnell - 5 Punts, 42.6 Yard Average (213 Yards Total), 55 Long

Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) (-8.5) @ Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)

The defending Super Bowl Champions are still looking good. As for the Chargers, they escaped a close opener over 2020 first overall pick, Joe Burrow. The Chargers also feature quite a few ProCanes. LB, Denzel Perryman, did not get much play in week one but made a key play in by forcing a fumble from RB, Joe Mixon, in the fourth quarter that led to a turnover. OL, Tyree St. Louis, made his NFL debut, which came as a relative surprise as he was looking like a third string option going into the season. However, the Chargers line was banged up with Mike Pouncey (now out for season) and Trai Turner both out. While he was featured at RG, St. Louis is versatile and can be utilized at Tackle. S, Rayshawn Jenkins, appears ready to use last year as a springboard to really break out this year even though his debut was relatively overwhelming. Kickers are people too as K, Michael Badgley, went 3/4 for in week one on field goals and 1/1 on XP, with the only miss being a 50-yard attempt

ProCanes Updates
Chargers:
S Rayshawn Jenkins - 2 tackles on 68 Defensive Snaps (57.4 PFF Grade)
LB Denzel Perryman - 3 tackles on 12 Defensive Snaps, 1 Forced Fumble
RG Tyree St. Louis - NFL Debut, played 74 snaps at RG, registering an Overall PFF grade of 44.9 (42.2 in Pass Blocking and 46.4 in Run Blocking)
K Michael Badgley - 3/4 FG and 1/1 XP
Chiefs:
OG Danny Isidora - Practice Squad

Baltimore Ravens (1-0) (-7.0) @ Houston Texans (0-1)

Arguably the best active ProCane DE, Calais Campbell, is already appearing to enjoy the change of scenery to Baltimore. Campbell showed off versatility by dropping back on short passes and breaking up Baker Mayfield throws (one of which led to an INT), as well as showing off his run defense prowess. Of note, Campbell only had 1 tackle but deflected 3 passes. RB, Gus Edwards, technically finished his college career at Rutgers but played four years at the U and is part of a high octane rushing attack in Baltimore. RB, Duke Johnson, on the other hand, suffered an injury in the Thursday night season opener. His status for Sunday is still questionable after he missed the entire second half.

ProCanes Updates
Texans:
RB Duke Johnson - 5 rushes for 14 yards, 1 pass target; Injured for Second Half
RB Gus Edwards - 4 rushes for 17 yards
DE Calais Campbell - 1 tackle, 3 passes deflected

Sunday Night Football:

New England Patriots (1-0) (+4.0) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

The Seahawks feature a few ProCanes as well. The most notable being TE, Greg Olsen, who, similar to Jimmy Graham, was the lead TE (out of 62 Offensive Snaps, Olsen played 41). Former first round pick WR, Phillip Dorsett, plays his former team for the first time since changing places this past offseason. Dorsett was inactive week one, and still may be battling an injury. Seattle also features two recent RB Miami grads in Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas. Homer has mostly been utilized in a Special Teams role, where rookie Dallas may fit in as well. Homer might also get some action as a role RB. The Patriots waived RB Lamar Miller and WR Jeff Thomas in their final cuts.

ProCanes Updates
Seahawks:
TE Jimmy Graham - 41 Offensive Snaps, 4 catches on 4 targets for 24 yards and 1 TD
RB Travis Homer - 3 rush attempts for -1 yards, 2 receptions on 2 targets for 4 yards, 2 Kick Returns for 43 yards total.
WR Phillip Dorsett - Inactive
RB DeeJay Dallas - Inactive

Monday Night Football:

New Orleans Saints (1-0) (-5.0) @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)

It’s too bad there are fan restrictions because a football team in Vegas is going to be fun, especially with all of these night games.

ProCanes Updates
None.

Other News:

Canes Eligible for Canton: The Hall of Fame modern-era list of 130 nominees has been released, and includes recent (but not first year) nominees WR Reggie Wayne, TE Jeremy Shockey, and P Jeff Feagles. Wayne appears to be the most likely to be inducted out of this group, in a year where his former Colts teammate, Peyton Manning, becomes eligible.

Stream for Charity with Jon Feliciano: Despite being on the IR, gotta give a plug to ProCane, Jon Feliciano, who will be hosting a Streaming Event on Twitch on Monday, September 21, 2020, to help raise funds for Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The six-year pro started all 16 games last year for the Bills, but has been a philanthropic spirited person off the field as well as he donated a total of $25,000 to Meals on Wheels South Florida and Feeding South Florida to help those impacted by the COVID-19 this past offseason. You’re a good man, Jon.