Marshall in the NFL, Week 17

Weekly review of Marshall University alumni in the NFL:

1. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants

The New York Giants won the NFC East and secured a playoff spot by beating Dallas 31-14 Sunday night. Ahmad Bradshaw lead all Giants rushers with 57 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. He also caught three passes for 12 yards and hauled in a TD reception.

For the year Bradshaw rushed for 659 yards and nine touchdowns while adding a additional 267 yards through the air on 34 catches with two touchdowns.

2. C.J Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

C.J Spillman was credited with two tackles during San Francisco’s season capping win over St. Louis, 34-27. San Francisco won the NFC West and has a first round bye in the playoffs.

Spillman recorded 18 tackles during the 2011-2012 season, mostly on special teams.

3. Chris Crocker, Safety, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite losing to Baltimore 24-16 the Cincinnati Bengals still qualified for the playoffs. They will meet the Houston Texans this Saturday in a first round match-up. During the Bengals loss to Baltimore Chris Crocker recorded three tackles.

For the year Crocker made a impressive 61 tackles, recorded 3.5 sacks, and forced a fumble. Crocker did not record an interception for the second year in a row.

4. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Pittsburgh Steelers

Doug Legursky sat out Pittsburgh’s week 17 win against Cleveland with a shoulder injury. It is unclear if Legursky will be available for Sunday’s first round playoff game against Denver.

Legursky started at all three interior positions (left guard, center, and right guard) along the offensive line this season. Coming out of training camp he won the battle to start at right guard but injuries along the Steelers offensive line caused Legursky to move around. Legursky was held out of four games this season including week 17 while recovering from toe and shoulder injuries.

5. Byron Leftwich, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers*

* On injured reserved, broken arm.

Byron Leftwich spent the entire year on injured reserve after breaking his non-throwing arm in the preseason.

6. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Albert McClellan recorded one assisted tackle during Baltimore’s 24-16 win over Cincinnati.

After spending all of last year on the Ravens practice squad McClellan made the 53 man roster out of training camp. Playing mostly special teams McClellan registered 19 tackles. He did start one game (week 12 vs. SF) and was credited with four tackles.

7. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Lee Smith was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury prior to Buffalo’s week 17 loss to New England.

Smith started his NFL career as a fifth round pick of the Patriots but was cut during training camp. Buffalo picked him up shortly after and placed Smith on the practice squad for three weeks before he made his NFL debut on October 2nd against Cincinnati. Playing mostly special teams until week 13 Smith recorded a few tackles and appeared in Buffalo’s goal line packages. Smith recorded his first NFL receptions on December 4th, catching three passes for 11 yards. For the year Smith caught four passes for 11 yards.