NFL Week 13: Gophers in the Pros - Winfield Shines, Brosmer Struggles, and Striggow Steps Up
Week 13 in the NFL was a mixed bag for former Minnesota Golden Gophers. While some players made major strides-especially on defense-others had a rough go, including a quarterback debut that Vikings fans will want to forget in a hurry. Let’s break down how the Gophers alumni fared across the league as we head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens
Rashod Bateman, WR
Bateman was back on the field, logging 44 snaps in the Thanksgiving loss to Cincinnati.
However, he was targeted just once and didn’t come up with a catch. The Ravens' offense struggled to find rhythm, and Bateman’s quiet night was a reflection of that overall inconsistency.
Daniel Faalele, RG
Faalele saw limited action, playing just three offensive snaps and two on special teams. It’s been a developmental year for the big lineman, and his usage continues to reflect that.
Dallas Cowboys
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE
Spann-Ford didn’t get involved in the passing game during the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving win over the Chiefs, but he made his presence felt on special teams.
He logged 19 snaps on offense and 14 on special teams, recording three tackles-two of them solo. That kind of physicality and hustle on special teams is exactly how young players carve out roles in Dallas.
Houston Texans
Aireontae Ersery, LT
Ersery continues to impress in the trenches.
He played every one of Houston’s 76 offensive snaps and added four more on special teams in a win over the Colts. The Texans' offensive line has been a key part of their recent surge, and Ersery’s consistency at left tackle has been a quiet but critical part of that success.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Eric Murray, S
Murray remains on injured reserve, but there’s optimism. He’s returned to practice and could be activated soon, which would be a boost to Jacksonville’s secondary depth.
Danny Striggow, DE
Striggow is starting to turn heads in Jacksonville.
The rookie edge rusher played 28 defensive snaps and eight on special teams in a win over the Titans. He set a new career high with six tackles, including three solo stops.
His increased snap count and production suggest the Jaguars are beginning to trust him more in key situations.
Los Angeles Chargers
Benjamin St-Juste, CB
St-Juste played 17 snaps on both defense and special teams in the Chargers’ win over the Raiders. He didn’t register a stat, but his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple phases keeps him in the rotation.
Las Vegas Raiders
Cody Lindenberg, LB
Lindenberg was active on special teams, playing 19 snaps and making one solo tackle against the Chargers. It’s a modest stat line, but special teams reps are a valuable proving ground for young linebackers.
Minnesota Vikings
Blake Cashman, LB
Cashman continues to be one of the Vikings’ most reliable defenders.
He played 65 snaps in a tough loss to Seattle and racked up nine tackles-five of them solo-along with a pass breakup. He’s quietly become a cornerstone of Minnesota’s defense.
Max Brosmer, QB
Brosmer’s first NFL start was one to forget.
He went 19-of-30 for just 126 yards and threw four interceptions, including a brutal pick-six on a 4th-and-1 in the second quarter. He was sacked four times and lost a yard on his only rushing attempt.
It was a rough debut, no sugarcoating it. Brosmer will need to shake this one off quickly if he wants another shot under center.
New England Patriots
Jack Gibbens, LB
Gibbens was active in the Patriots’ Monday night win over the Giants, playing 28 defensive snaps and 218 on special teams.
He tallied three tackles-two solo-and added a quarterback hit on Jaxon Dart. Gibbens continues to be a steady presence in New England’s linebacker rotation.
New Orleans Saints
Jordan Howden, S
Howden played 40 defensive snaps and 18 on special teams in a loss to Miami.
He finished with four tackles, including one solo and one for loss. He’s been a consistent contributor for a Saints defense that’s been tested all season.
New York Giants
John Michael Schmitz, C
Schmitz held down the middle of the line again, playing all 55 offensive snaps in the Giants’ loss to New England. The rookie center has been a bright spot on a struggling offensive unit.
Tyler Nubin, S
Nubin returned to action and made an impact right away.
He played 42 defensive snaps and 11 on special teams, racking up six tackles-four solo-and one for a loss. His return adds a much-needed boost to the Giants’ secondary.
New York Jets
Tyler Johnson, WR
Johnson saw just one snap in the Jets’ win over Atlanta and didn’t record a stat. He remains buried on the depth chart for now.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Esezi Otomewo, DT
Otomewo played 22 defensive snaps and two on special teams in the Steelers’ loss to Buffalo.
He didn’t record a stat but was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the fourth quarter. That’s the kind of mistake that can cost you playing time in a tight rotation.
Seattle Seahawks
Boye Mafe, OLB
Mafe continues to be a steady force on the edge.
He played 28 defensive snaps in the win over the Vikings and recorded two tackles, one solo. His motor and discipline remain key assets for Seattle’s front seven.
Nick Kallerup, TE
Kallerup logged 21 snaps on offense and eight on special teams.
He made one special teams tackle but had a tough moment on offense, getting beat badly by Dallas Turner for a strip sack in the second quarter. It was a learning moment for the rookie tight end.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield Jr., S
Winfield was everywhere in the Bucs’ win over Arizona.
He played all 61 defensive snaps and put together his best game of the season: seven tackles (four solo), a pass breakup, a quarterback hit, and a first-quarter interception off a tipped pass. When Winfield is flying around like this, Tampa’s defense takes on a whole different identity.
He’s the heartbeat of that unit, plain and simple.
As Week 14 approaches, former Gophers are making noise in all three phases of the game. From Winfield’s Pro Bowl-caliber performance to Striggow’s emerging role in Jacksonville, there’s plenty for Minnesota fans to keep an eye on across the NFL. And while Brosmer’s debut was a tough one, it’s just one chapter in what could still be a long story.