Monday ProCanes Report: "Tight End U" Shines
The Monday Morning ProCanes report will weed through all the NFL highlights and news to bring you the information you care about the most… what the former University of Miami Hurricanes did during the week prior. Week One of the 2013 NFL season reminded fans why the University of Miami has oft been referred to as “Tight End U.” Kellen Winslow and Jimmy Graham both scored touchdowns to help guide their teams to wins, while Greg Olsen (five catches, 56 yards) provided a spark for a Carolina offense in need. With Monday Night Football looming, ProCanes accounted for four touchdowns during Sunday’s opening week action.
Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) – eight receptions, 96 yards, one touchdown
The Indianapolis Colts’ 13-year veteran helped quarterback Andrew Luck’s offense power its way to a 21-17 victory over Oakland. Wayne hauled in game-high totals of eight catches and 96 yards, and officially extended the streak to 12 straight weeks with a ProCanes touchdown with his first-quarter score. More impressively, Wayne’s 96-yard performance helped propel him past Seattle legend Steve Largent into 13th place on the all-time receiving yards list (13,159). He needs just 619 more yards this season to crack the top 10 all-time in the category.
Video Highlights: First-Quarter Touchdown
Kellen Winslow (New York Jets) – seven receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown
The New York Jets’ ninth-year tight end proved a valuable weapon for rookie quarterback Geno Smith, leading the team with seven catches and 79 yards in his first game with his new team. Winslow, who recorded his first touchdown since 2011 with a seven-yard score, made sure to celebrate his accomplishment by pointing to his “U” tattoo on his right arm. During the Jets’ 5-play, 50-yard game-winning drive, Winslow recorded the only reception – a sign of his growing bond with the Jets’ rookie signal-caller.
Video Highlights: 25-Yard Reception | Touchdown & Celebration
Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints) – four receptions, 45 yards, one touchdown
New Orleans’ fifth-year tight end, who has led all players at the position with 2,292 receiving yards over the past two seasons, delivered a strong performance in his team’s 23-17 win over division rival Atlanta. Graham, who recorded his 26th career touchdown in his 26th professional start, caught four passes for 45 yards. His touchdown, an impressive show of athleticism and strength, put the Saints ahead for good in the third quarter. After a debilitating left wrist injury shortened his production in 2012, Graham looks to be in good shape to return to his 2011 form that produced 99 catches and 1,310 yards.
Video Highlights: 7-Yard TD
Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) – 21 carries, 44 yards, one touchdown
While he hardly recorded a career day against NFC rival Green Bay, Frank Gore registered a clutch go-ahead score in the fourth quarter to send San Francisco to a 34-28 win. Gore, who ranks No. 34 all-time in NFL rushing yards (8,883), added two catches for 21 yards in the victory. The ninth-year running back, who has notched back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons entering 2013, led all backs with 21 carries, and displayed the grinding style that vaulted him to his current status as leading rusher in San Francisco history.
Video Highlights: Go-Ahead Score
The Pro Canes have eight more players in Monday Night Football action before a successful week of regular season action comes to a close. The Washington Redskins, featuring Leonard Hankerson, Brandon Meriweather and Santana Moss, take on the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC East matchup at 7:10 p.m. The Houston Texans, featuring an NFL-high five ProCanes, will battle the San Diego Chargers in the final game of Week One at 10:20 p.m.
