Ducks In The NFL: Kenjon Barner, Marcus Mariota Shine in First Week of Preseason
Former Oregon Ducks had a good first week in the National Football League, but some saw very limited action in the first official week with NFL Football back. The Preseason is an opportunity for some players to make a statement – possibly even to make a team. One former Oregon Ducks stood out in a big way while others were happy to see time on the field to get back into the groove.
Kenjon Barner 93 yard punt return TD http://t.co/R3p3L7hJcg
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 16, 2015
Running Back Kenjon Barner with the Philadelphia Eagles by far had the bets day with an electrifying ninety-three yard kickoff return for at touchdown on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
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Several other former Ducks were on the field at Lincoln Financial for former coach Chip Kelly including former Oregon Wideout Jeff Maehl who had a catch for ten yards. Barner also added three yards off a reception in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. On the Defensive side of the ball both Brandon Bair, Taylor Hart and Will Keliikipi saw action.
Former Oregon Star LaMichael James was on the field with the Miami Dolphins and saw limited action behind Starter Lamar Miller. James has found a good deal of his time in the NFL on injury lists and is hoping to resurrect his professional career in 2015. He had five attempts for thirteen yards from the backfield, caught a two yard reception and also had twenty five yards off kickoff returns in a loss to the Chicago Bears. On the other side of the ball recent Oregon Center and current Bears Center Hroniss Grasu who is settling in and learning with another former Duck Kyle Long in Chicago.
Sticking with Running Backs, another former Oregon player, De’Anthony Thomas was used sparingly in the Kansas City Chiefs Preseason Opener. DAT saw brief action as a returner netting negative yardage on one attempt in the Chiefs win against Arizona.
Shifting to Quarterbacks, all eyes were on Marcus Mariota on Friday and he had a pretty solid debut, after a rough start with the Tennessee Titans. He went seven for eight in his time on the field. The San Diego Chargers backup quarterback, former Oregon Duck Kellen Clemens completed five of ten attempts for thirty one yards in a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Even though he had a rough start, Marcus Mariota and Kenjon Barner were the clear winners of the week in the National Football League.