Orange in the NFL Update

Football success doesn’t stop in Syracuse. 25 former standouts are currently competing on NFL teams in 2006. Through four weeks of the NFL season, former student-athletes who used to wear the color orange are putting up impressive numbers at the professional level.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb had an impressive showing for all Monday Night Football fans this past week as he went 16-for-30 for 288 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he rushed for 47 yards and two touchdowns for the Eagles as they defeated Green Bay, 31-9. McNabb has compiled season statistics of 85-for-143 for 1,288 yards and nine touchdowns, and 16 rushes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Former Orange player squared-off against each other this weekend as the Dolphins and Texans competed. Olindo Mare, kicker for Miami, connected on three field goals against Houston, including a season-long of 52 yards. Cornerback Will Allen, another Miami Dolphin, had a great game against Houston with eight tackles and one interception. For the Texans, Morlon Greenwood had four tackles in their win against the Dolphins.

The Indianapolis Colts, who rolled onto 4-0 for the season after this week’s win against the New York Jets, had four former Orange on the field. For the Colts’ defense, Dwight Freeney finished the game with three tackles and Ryan LaCasse added another two tackles. Also, Josh Thomas added two tackles and a fumble recovery. On the offensive side of the ball, Marvin Harrison came up big with seven receptions totally 79 yards. Running back James Mungro is on the Colts’ roster but was placed on injured reserve in the preseason.

Keith Bulluck, a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, showed everyone his prowess against the Dallas Cowboys this past week. Bulluck recorded nine tackles, including five solo stops.

Some of SU’s most recent graduates have seen some playing time as well. In addition to LaCasse, offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka has played four games for the Atlanta Falcons, including last week’s win against Arizona Cardinals. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Anthony Smith has played in three games thus far in the 2006 season. He had bye this past week. Two other graduates, Joe Kowalewski and Steve Gregory, are both members of their team’s practice squads. Kowalewski is a member of the New York Jets and Gregory competes with the San Diego Chargers.

The current Orange squad has three remaining home contests, including the Pitt Panthers this weekend. Syracuse also hosts BIG EAST rivals Louisville (October 21) and Connecticut (November 18). Fans can buy the BIG EAST Three-Pack now at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX) or online (click here). The cost ($90) is a $15 savings per package

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