Two more NFL weeks are in the books, and the former Boilermakers are still scattered across the league making their mark in different ways. Some were busy on Sundays.
Some were stuck on the sideline. And a few kept reminding everyone that Purdue talent keeps showing up on NFL rosters.
George Karlaftis was the loudest name on the stat sheet in both weeks. Against the Broncos in Week 8, the Chiefs edge rusher was credited with 2 tackles, including 2 solo stops, along with 1 TFL, 1 sack, 3 passes defended, and 1 QB hit.
Then in Week 9, he turned in another big line with 6 tackles, 4 solo, 2 sacks, 3 TFL, 1 pass defended, and 3 QB hits as Kansas City handled the Jets 35-12. Big George continues to do big things for this Chiefs defense.
Derrick Barnes also kept contributing for Detroit. In Week 8, he had 1 tackle in the Lions’ 19-15 win over the Vikings. A week later, he added 2 tackles, both solo, plus a tackle for loss in Detroit’s 19-9 win over the Dolphins.
The Giants’ Purdue group had a mixed couple of weeks, starting with a quiet Week 8 bye for Tyrone Tracy Jr., Marcus Mbow, and Charlie Jones. Tracy’s situation changed by Week 9, though, when it was reported he’ll be out for at least 4 games after injuring his hamstring in the Giants’ previous game.
He is currently on IR. Mbow was inactive against the Eagles because of a knee injury, while Jones got on the field and returned 3 punts for 25 yards, with a long of 13 yards, in New York’s 19-11 win.
Payne Durham’s stat line stayed frustratingly empty, but the circumstances were unusual in Week 8. Tampa Bay didn’t complete a single pass in the rain, Baker Mayfield went 0-3, and the Bucs leaned on the run game for 324 yards in a 16-0 win over the Falcons.
Durham had no receptions in that one. He was held without a catch again in Week 9, too, as Tampa Bay beat the Panthers 43-13.
Elsewhere, Reese Taylor saw special teams action for Miami in the Dolphins’ 24-19 loss to the Patriots. Aidan O’Connell did not play for the Raiders in their 38-33 win over the Jets. Jalen Graham and the 49ers were on a bye in Week 8.
In Other News...
Purdue May Have Found The Answer It Needed Most
Purdue avoided an 0-3 start by taking care of Illinois State, and the win came with a needed jolt from Antione West Jr. The guard was efficient throughout the night, finishing 7-for-11 from the floor and 3-for-4 from beyond the arc as the Boilermakers steadied themselves after a shaky opening stretch to the season.
Illinois State made things uncomfortable late in the second half, but Purdue answered with a strong run to put the game away. For a team looking for a reliable spark and a little early-season breathing room, Wests production gave the Boilermakers exactly the kind of lift they had been searching for. [Read more 🡒]
Purdue's First Win Raised A Bigger Question About Matt Painter's Fix
Purdue finally got into the win column with a 76-59 victory over Illinois State, and the immediate takeaway was less about the opponent than the response. Daniel Jacobsen led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Antione West Jr. added 17 and Jack Benter chipped in 14 as the Boilermakers looked far more settled after a rocky start to the season.
Matt Painters lineup adjustment played a clear role in the better showing, giving Purdue a different look from the opening tip and helping the offense find a rhythm. The bigger question now is whether this was a one-game spark or the beginning of a more lasting fix, because the Boilermakers still need to show they can carry that same balance and energy forward against better competition. [Read more 🡒]
Barry Odom Faces A Crucial Purdue Decision On Defense
Purdues defensive staff is back in flux after Kevin Kane was relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator following nine games, leaving Barry Odom with an important midseason call to make. The Boilermakers now have to sort through internal options while trying to steady a defense that has already been through a major change, and the names in the mix all come with some level of familiarity to Odoms program.
Charles Clark, Akeem Davis and Bojay Filimoeatu are among the candidates being discussed, each bringing a different background and a connection to Odom that could matter in a quick turnaround. Nothing has been announced yet, which leaves Purdue in a holding pattern for the moment, but the next move on defense could say plenty about how Odom wants this staff to look going forward. [Read more 🡒]