Once again, former spring football and UFL stars are making a huge impact and proving to be among the best in the NFL. Their outstanding performances were a welcome highlight following the disturbing news that three UFL teams would be relocating. The Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and San Antonio Brahmas will be departing their host cities for smaller venues elsewhere.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
The Sunday games began across the pond in the UK this week. A closely fought battle between the Cleveland Browns and the Minnesota Vikings ended in a 21-17 victory for Minnesota. One reason why the Vikings emerged with the win is due to the outstanding play this season of DT Jalen Redmond.
In his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, DT Redmond is becoming one of the top defenders in the NFL. On Sunday, he contributed two tackles (one solo) and a pass defense in the winning effort.
Redmond leads the Vikings in sacks after bringing down Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice last week. In five games this season, he has 14 tackles (8 solo), 3.0 sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble.
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
Sometimes, it pays to be patient. NFL rules allow a player to be called up from the practice squad, a maximum of three times in a season. After that third game, the rules specify the player must be added to the 53-man roster. This week marked the third time former UFL MVP quarterback Adrian Martinez was added to the roster. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy has been struggling with injuries this season, with backup Mac Jones playing very well. But with Purdy sidelined, Martinez was needed as the backup. This weekend marked Martinez’s third game. Finally, after spending all of last season on the New York Jets practice squad, Martinez has made an NFL roster.
At one point, it even appeared that Martinez was going to take the field when a visibly shaken-up Jones had to be helped off the field, vomiting on the sidelines. But after returning to action, Jones led the team to an impressive 26-23 overtime win against their division rival, the Los Angeles Rams. Next week, the 4-1 San Francisco travels to Tampa Bay to take on the 4-1 Buccaneers.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks), and Rex Sunahara, (San Antonio Brahmas), Cleveland Browns long snapper
Andre Szmyt (St. Louis Battlehawks) had a perfect outing for the Browns, kicking two of two field goals (longest 31 yards) and two of two extra points. However, it was a disappointing afternoon for Szmyt and Browns long snapper, Rex Sunahara, when Cleveland came out on the losing end of the contest. The Browns are currently 2-3 on the season and will look to rebound with a victory next week against their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Two-time Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey booted two of two field goals and four of five extra points to seal the Dallas Cowboys’ 37-22 victory over the 0-5 New York Jets. Kicking a perfect 10 out of 10 field goals this season with his longest, a stunning 64-yarder, Aubrey continues to be among the best kickers in the NFL.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
In a surprise turn of events following his increased role in the Cowboys’ offense this season, Pro Bowl return specialist and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin was ruled out with a sprained foot on Sunday. Hopefully, Turpin’s injury status will be upgraded this week to allow him to return to the lineup when the 2-2-1 Cowboys take on the 2-3 Carolina Panthers next Sunday.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
Second-year quarterback, Bo Nix, and the Denver Broncos pulled off a stunning 21-17 upset over the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Making the victory even more impressive, the Broncos won on the road in one of the toughest NFL environments. Broncos second-year LB Dondrea Tillman undoubtedly helped his team secure the win when he broke up a Jalen Hurts pass. PFF.com has Tillman listed with 7 solo tackles and 6 pressures this season.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Carving out a nice niche for himself on special teams as a kick return specialist, former St. Louis Battlehawks’ All-UFL Team running back Jacob Saylors continues to shine for the Detroit Lions. On Sunday, he had three returns for 87 yards, including his longest of the afternoon for 37 yards. To date, the talented young athlete has a total of 12 kick returns for 310 yards, averaging over 25 yards per return.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (UFL Michigan Panthers)
Former Michigan Panthers star kicker, Jake Bates, had a relatively quiet afternoon, kicking a perfect five out of five extra points as the Detroit Lions notched another thrilling victory on the road. The final 37-24 score over the struggling Cincinnati Bengals can be seen as a sign of hope for the Bengals, who dropped their third straight game. This was the team’s best offensive performance since the loss of their MVP-caliber quarterback Joe Burrow.
For Detroit, it was their 4th consecutive win, raising their season record to 4-1, atop the NFC North.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
In other exciting news for UFL fans, Saylors’ former Battlehawks teammate Nick Whiteside has been signed to the Lions’ practice squad. The former St. Louis cornerback had a strong pre-season with the Lions. He appeared to have a great shot to make the final 53-man roster until Detroit’s final pre-season outing, where he visibly struggled. But apparently, Whiteside’s earlier games were enough to impress Coach Dan Campbell, who previously praised him, ” I like Whiteside, man. Just the fact that he comes in, he competes, he’s a pro. He jumps into every drill, even if he’s not supposed to be in there; he wants it, and he’s a sponge, and he likes to compete. Are there things he’s got to get better at? Yeah, of course he does, but he just got here too, so there’s something to work with here. You know, Deshea (defensive back coach, Deshea Townsend) is doing a great job with him, too.”
With Detroit seeing multiple injuries to its defense, expect Whiteside to be in action as soon as this weekend when the 4-1 Lions take on the 2-2 Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night on the road.
Bye Week Inactive Players:
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
