Colorado State University Athletics
#NextLevelRams: NFL Update Week 3
9/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
Colorado State is represented by seven former Rams on current NFL rosters and one player, Kapri Bibbs, on the Denver Broncos practice squad. This offseason saw offensive tackles Erik Pears signed by the San Francisco 49ers after a four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills, and Shelley Smith signed by the Denver Broncos after spending the previous season with the Miami Dolphins.
Ty Sambrailo was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round, and has started at left tackle through the preseason and first two games of the regular season, and Garrett Grayson was selected in the third round by the New Orleans Saints.
In his second year, Shaquil Barrett has become a mainstay of the Broncos defense after a tremendous preseason in which he recorded 16 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. After spending his rookie season at left guard, Weston Richburg of the New York Giants has returned to his natural position of center, and Crockett Gillmore remains a starting tight end for the Baltimore Ravens.
Below is a look at what the #NextLevelRams did during Week 3 of the NFL season:
Shaquil Barrett (Denver Broncos)- second string outside linebacker
Shaquil Barrett had one of the plays of the game in Sunday night primetime against the Detroit Lions. In the fourth quarter, the Lions were driving down the field with a chance to take the lead over the Broncos when Barrett beat his blocker with a quick spin move and stripped the ball from quarterback Matt Stafford. The Broncos recovered the fumble, and the ruling stood following a quick review. The play marked Barrett's first career sack, as well as first career forced fumble. The Broncos went on to win the game 24-12, and will take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon in Denver.
Crockett Gillmore (Baltimore Ravens)- three catches on three targets for 40 yards
Crockett Gillmore was en route to another career day before exiting the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a calf injury. Gillmore, the Ravens' second-leading receiver, pulled in all three of his targets for 40 yards, but was forced to exit the game late in the second quarter. The tight end has already been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the division rival Steelers, but the Ravens expect to get him back after the long week.
Ty Sambrailo (Denver Broncos)- started at left tackle
Left tackle Ty Sambrailo had the best performance of his young career in a game in which the entire Broncos offensive line allowed only one sack. Sambrailo matched up against former fifth-overall pick Ezekiel Ansah of the Lions, and allowed just one quarterback pressure. Sambrailo did injure his arm late in the second half on a block downfield, but stayed in and finished the game. He missed practice on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
Weston Richburg (New York Giants)- started at center
Starting center Weston Richburg had another stellar performance, as the Giants picked up their first win of the season Thursday night against the Washington Redskins. The Giants offensive line did not allow a single sack, and quarterback Eli Manning was hit just twice. Richburg and the Giants will face a tough challenge Sunday afternoon against the 2-1 Buffalo Bills, a team which boasts the top ranked run defense in the NFL.
Erik Pears (San Francisco 49ers)- starting right tackle
The 49ers had another rough outing this week, losing to the Arizona Cardinals 47-7. Pears made his third start of the season at right tackle, but San Francisco managed only 156 yards of total offense. The 49ers face another undefeated team this Sunday when they host the 3-0 Green Bay Packers.
Garrett Grayson (New Orleans Saints)- backup quarterback
Garrett Grayson did not play in Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers but was on the active roster as second-string quarterback. Starting quarterback Drew Brees is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, but even if Brees is not active, Luke McCown is expected to get the start.
Shelley Smith (Denver Broncos)- reserve offensive lineman
Shelley Smith was a healthy scratch for the Broncos in a win over the Detroit Lions. With tackle Ty Sambrailo and guard Louis Vasquez both listed as questionable, Smith could very well see his first action of the season on Sunday against the Vikings.
