NFL week 14 kicked off Thursday Night Football with a prime-time game featuring the Detroit Lions hosting the Dallas Cowboys in perhaps the biggest game of the week. In addition to the outcome having huge payoff implications for both teams, several former UFL and other spring football stars played a big role.
Detroit Lions v. Dallas Cowboys
In a thrilling night of high-scoring action, the Detroit Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 44-30.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Although his team wound up losing, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey gave a sensational, record-shattering performance. The first kicker in NFL history to record three field goals over 55 yards in a single game, Aubrey drilled kicks from 57 yards, 55 yards, and a stunning 63-yard boot.
In addition, he converted two other kicks from 42 yards and 29 yards, along with one extra point. Aubrey accounted for 16 of Dallas’ 30-point total. With a total of three 60-yard-plus kicks this season, Aubrey might just be the greatest NFL kicker of all time.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former USFL New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin is the Cowboys’ all-purpose utility player. On Thursday night, he caught two passes for 26 yards, earned a four-yard carry, and had seven kick returns for 176 yards. Although Turpin is one of the premier NFL kick returners, the Lions’ special teams unit did a great job keeping him in check Thursday night, not allowing him past the 27-yard line.
Perrion Winfrey, Dallas Cowboys (Birmingham Stallions)
Former All-UFL and Birmingham Stallions DT Perrion Winfrey was inactive for the Lions game.
Next week, the 6-6-1 Cowboys will host the 5-8 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 14th.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (Michigan Panthers)
On a night that will be remembered as one of the greatest for NFL field goal kicking, former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates provided his own highlight reel. Delivering a 38-yard field goal on the Lions’ first possession of the night, Bates went on to kick a 47-yarder and a 46-yard field goal, along with 5/5 extra points. Unfortunately, a 52-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks and All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylor continues to shine as the Lions kick returner. On Thursday night, he had five kick returns for 141 yards. Averaging 28.2 yards per carry, his longest was for 30 yards.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback ( St. Louis Battlehawks)
In the wake of serious injuries that depleted the Lions’ secondary, former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside is back with the team after being waived a week ago. However, he took only two snaps, one on defense and one on special teams, and did not record any stats.
Next up, the Detroit Lions will travel to the West Coast to take on the red-hot Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 14th.
New Orleans Saints v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former Birmingham Stallions‘ wide receiver Kevin Austin, Jr. was inactive as a healthy scratch on Sunday as the Saints pulled off a 24-20 victory over their division rival, the Buccaneers.
Next week, the 3-10 New Orleans Saints will face another NFC South division rival, the 7-6 Carolina Panthers.
Atlanta Falcons v. Seattle Seahawks
The Atlanta Falcons lost a bruising Sunday afternoon battle 37-9 at the hands of one of the league’s top teams, the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks. Former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London had six tackles in the loss, including two solo.
In week 15, the 4-9 Falcons take on the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.
Cleveland Browns v. Tennessee Titans
The Cleveland Browns suffered a surprising 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Before Sunday’s loss, the Titans had only one win on the season. Browns’ rookie quarterback Shadeur Sanders did his best to keep the Browns in the fight, completing 23/42 passes for 364 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. By contrast, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward passed 14/28 for 117 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt contributed a 38-yard field goal and two extra points, but what might have led to the Browns’ loss could have been a decision to go for a couple of failed two-point conversions instead of opting for the extra points.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
Cleveland Browns long snapper Rex Sunahara (San Antonio Brahmas) snapped the ball 6 times for Corey Bojorquez, who punted for 222 yards, along with Szmyt’s lone field goal and two extra points.
Next week, the 3-10 Browns hope to secure their fourth win of the season when they travel to Soldier Field to face the 9-4 Chicago Bears.
Green Bay Packers v. Chicago Bears
In another thrilling NFC North battle, the Green Bay Packers triumphed over their division rival, the Chicago Bears, by a score of 28-21. Reclaiming the NFC North division title, quarterback Jordan Love played an outstanding game, completing 17/25 for 234 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. The Packers’ offensive line did a terrific job deflecting the Bears’ defensive pressure and allowing only one sack.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
Former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan punted three times on Sunday for 145 yards.
In Week 15, the 9-3-1 Packers prepare to face the 11-2 Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles Rams v. Arizona Cardinals
Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
On Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams pummeled their division rival, the Arizona Cardinals, by a score of 45-17. Former Birmingham Stallions‘ “Thiccer kicker,” Harrison Mevis, was perfect on the day, kicking one 26-yard field goal and 6/6 extra points.
Next week, the 10-3 Rams will host the 8-5 Detroit Lions in what promises to be another thrilling NFC showdown.
Minnesota Vikings v. Washington Commanders
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
The Minnesota Vikings scored a stunning shutout upset of the Washington Commanders by a score of 31-0 on Sunday. Former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond had six total tackles with two solo and one sack. Redmond continues to be one of the leading Vikings defenders with a season total of 25 solo tackles, 5.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Next week, the 5-8 Vikings will play Sunday night in Dallas when they take on the 6-6-1 Cowboys.
Denver Broncos v. Las Vegas Raiders
Denver Broncos LB Dondrea Tillman (Birmingham Stallions)
The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday by a score of 24-17. Helping the team earn its tenth consecutive victory, former Birmingham Stallions‘ linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed one assisted tackle. So far, this season, Tillman continues to be an impact player with 31 tackles (nine solo), 2.5 sacks, three pass defenses, and two interceptions.
In Week 14, the 11-2 NFL-leading Broncos will host NFC North division leaders, the 9-3-1 Green Bay Packers.
Practice Squad Players:
Brandon Smith, New York Jets wide receiver (D.C. Defenders), was waived by the Jets on December 2nd.
Kohl Levao, New York Jets guard( San Antonio Brahmas)
Liam Fornadel, New York Jets guard (D.C. Defenders)
Kaden Davis, Cleveland Browns WR (Michigan Panthers)
Jonathan Garvin, Chicago Bears DE (Birmingham Stallions)
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions) on bye this week.
Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are in NFL Week 15.
