Syracuse in the NFL: Week 13 recap

It’s been a few weeks since we checked in on former Syracuse Orange players in the NFL. You’ll have to excuse the absence, but holiday travel and an existential crisis over a five-game losing streak will do that.

In any case, here’s how SU’s alums fared during week 13’s action:

Jay Bromley, DT, New York Giants

After his biggest contribution of the year against Washington (four tackles), he had just one in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. Though he hasn’t necessarily been packing the stat line this year, Bromley has collected at least one tackle in all but two games, and stands to get increased playing time as the tanking Giants look to assess the youth on this roster.

Riley Dixon, P, Denver Broncos

As the Broncos’ offense continues to fade (and their spot in the standings falls accordingly), it’s afforded Dixon more chances to make an impact. This weekend, he had seven punts, averaging 48.6 per, while putting two inside the 20. He’s currently tied for 14th in punting average, and while he hasn’t been putting a ton of punts inside the 20, he’s forced the fifth-most fair catches in the league.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Freeney, DE, Detroit Lions

After Freeney picked up three sacks in his first two games with Seattle, it looked like a promising marriage. But two weeks later, the Seahawks released him and he was promptly picked up by Detroit. Freeney played on Sunday against the Ravens, but failed to log any stats.

Chandler Jones, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Despite Arizona’s loss to the NFC West-leading Rams, Jones managed four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble on Sunday -- once again delivering for an at-times beleaguered Cardinals defense. With his third sack in two games, he’s now pulled to within a half-sack of the league lead. He has 13 so far this season, which is already a career-high.

Cameron Lynch, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lynch played sparingly in Sunday’s loss to Atlanta, but he still logged a tackle. Tampa’s drop-off this year has been significant, but the team’s still pretty young. We’ll see if the Bucs start playing more youth -- which could include Lynch at linebacker.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Pugh, OL, New York Giants

Pugh’s been dealing with an injured back for a bit, which is a poorly timed ailment for the soon-to-be free agent. With the coaching staff and general manager out in New York now, it’s anyone’s guess if his future lies with the Giants or not.

Shamarko Thomas, S, Buffalo Bills

Things did not go well for the Bills on Sunday in a huge loss to the Patriots. However, #SHAMARKO did log a tackle. The more he can show himself in spots like this, the more likely he’ll be to potentially stick around for a while in Buffalo.