With the NFL regular season in the books, the Blue Zone looks at the play of some former Blue Devils during the last couple weeks of the season.
Jamison Crowder, WR, Redskins: The most productive rookie to come out of Duke in decades ended his first regular season in the NFL with a bang, hauling in a team-high five catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s 34-23 Week 17 win against Dallas. Crowder’s big day helped him pass Art Monk for the most receptions by a rookie in Redskins history with 59. This number was third amongst rookies in NFL this season, with only star wide receiver Amari Cooper and Miami product Duke Johnson catching more passes.
Crowder finished the season with 604 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging 10.2 yards per catch. Crowder’s role in the slot should continue as the Redskins get ready to host the Green Bay Packers Sunday afternoon in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, especially after his big performance this past weekend. Looking at the bigger picture, Crowder will have the chance to move up the ranks for the Redskins during the next few seasons, and will definitely be considered as a piece the organization will develop themselves around.
Cooper Helfet, TE, Seahawks: Helfet has had a rather quiet season in 2015-16, catching only 13 passes for 130 yards and no touchdowns for Seattle. But the former Blue Devil's production has skyrocketed in the final weeks of the season, catching eight passes for 85 yards combined during Weeks 16 and 17. In Sunday’s game at Arizona, Helfet provided a spark from the beginning of the contest, hauling in two catches for 24 yards on the Seahawks opening drive, which led to an early touchdown. With tight end Jimmy Graham out for the playoffs, Helfet should see time on the field for the defending NFC champions in this weekend's playoff matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Juwan Thompson and Kenny Anunike, Broncos: Thompson and Anunike have seen only limited play time during the past two weeks and have not recorded any statistics. Thompson has not recorded any carries, but has seen some time blocking at fullback to help Denver snag the top seed in the AFC. Anunike hasn't seen action at defensive end since November and will likely not see any playing time in the postseason. There is a chance Thompson could either see time at fullback or running back—with the team's quarterback still to be determined—following the Broncos' first-round bye.
Matt Daniels, S, Chargers: It looked as if Daniels would end the season on the Chargers' practice squad, but he was signed by San Diego on Dec. 29 after the team placed defensive backs Eric Weddle and Darrell Stuckey on injured reserve. Although Daniels did not see playing time in the team's 27-20 loss to the Broncos, he was able to catch up with his former teammate Thompson after the game.
Blue Devil Warriors!! Atlanta Products!! Matt Daniels and Juwan Thompson! Dukegang for Life!! pic.twitter.com/ujbTviLovI
— David Cutcliffe (@DavidCutcliffe) January 4, 2016
Vincent Rey, LB, Bengals: Rey was back in the starting lineup Sunday after playing a reserve role for most of the season for Cincinnati and played 46 snaps in a 24-16 win against Baltimore. It looks like Rey will play mainly on special teams in addition to backing up Bengal starters Vontaze Burfict and Ray Maualuga as Cincinnati moves into the postseason. The former Blue Devil finished the season with a sack and 98 tackles and was a critical part of the stout Bengals defense during the first half of the season.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.