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Hawkeyes in the NFL: Week 12 Top Performers

On3 imageby: Kyle Huesmann11/28/23HuesmannKyle
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A look at how former Hawkeyes fared during Week 12.

With the completion of week 12, somehow, the NFL season is already 2/3 of the way over. Once again, it has been another good year for former Hawkeyes in the NFL. Tight ends catching passes, lineman blocking and defenders making plays. Through 11 weeks, Sam LaPorta and TJ Hockenson lead the way with seven appearances in this article, while George Kittle has five. Josey Jewell, AJ Epenesa, Geno Stone and Tristan Wirfs have all appeared four times. it will be a tight race among the tight ends to see who will finish on top. With that, lets take a look who added another top five finish to their total this week.

Honorable Mentions

DE Lukas Van Ness– 3 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 QB hurries vs Detroit

DB Geno Stone– 6 tkls vs LA Chargers

DB Micah Hyde– 7 tkls vs Philadelphia

1. TE TJ Hockenson

All this guy does is catch the football. He’s caught at least five passes in ten of 12 games this season, including Monday night against the Bears. TJ Hockenson finished with five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. His 17 yard touchdown reception gave the Vikings the lead with 5:54 to play, but the Bears got a late field goal to win the game.

On the season, Hockenson has accumulated 80 catches for 786 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks first amongst all tight ends in receptions and yards, while he is tied for second in touchdowns. Hockenson is already putting up career-best year, but needs one more touchdown grab to tie his career-high for a season.

2. TE Sam LaPorta

Speaking of a guy that just catches passes, Sam LaPorta is already really good at that and he hasn’t even finished his rookie season with the Lions. On Thanksgiving Day, LaPorta caught five passes for 47 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. During their first drive of the game, he had a 31 yard reception, as well as a seven yard reception for Detroit’s lone first half touchdown.

On the season, LaPorta has 55 catches for 539 yards and five touchdowns. Amongst all tight ends, he ranks sixth in catches, fifth in yards and second in touchdowns. Sam has broken the Lions franchise record for tight end rookie receptions and yards, while he is just one of six tight ends in NFL history to catch 55+ passes in their rookie season.

3. LB Josey Jewell

The Broncos have quietly turned around their season to get to 6-5 and this past weekend, Josey Jewell had a hand in Denver’s win over Cleveland. Jewell finished with four tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. His 83.2 game grade by Pro Football Focus was the 12th highest by a linebacker during week 12.

On the season Jewell has 61 tackles, seven quarterback hurries and two passes broken up. He ranks 12th amongst all linebackers that have played at least 50% of snaps with just five missed tackles.

4. OG Brandon Scherff

The Hawkeyes could use some of Amani Hooker’s first play pick six magic on Saturday against Michigan, but he is currently racking up tackles for the Tennessee Titans. In Sunday’s win over the Panthers, Hooker made nine tackles, which was his second most of the season. On the year, Amani has accumulated 63 tackles and three passes defended. He needs just two tackles next week to set a career-high for tackles in a season.

5. S Amani Hooker

The Hawkeyes could use some of Amani Hooker’s first play pick six magic on Saturday against Michigan, but he is currently racking up tackles for the Tennessee Titans. In Sunday’s win over the Panthers, Hooker made nine tackles, which was his second most of the season. On the year, Amani has accumulated 63 tackles and three passes defended. He needs just two tackles next week to set a career-high for tackles in a season.

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