Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com OCT. 15, 2022 51 IRISH IN THE PROS BY TODD D. BURLAGE F ormer Notre Dame wide receiver Ben Skowronek (a 2020 grad transfer) has turned his seventh-round draft selection in 2021 into a unique and important role on one of the NFL's most innovative offenses. A n d t h ro u g h h i s work as a true I-for- mation fullback — a position once facing extinction in the NFL — Skowronek is draw- ing a lot of attention, and some high marks from at least one all- time NFL great. W h i l e w a t c h i n g Skowronek play full- back Oct. 3, during the Rams' Monday Night Football loss to the San Francisco 49ers, two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Peyton Manning offered his approval during "Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli," a comple- mentary MNF telecast Peyton and his brother Eli provide each week. "I'm voting for Skowronek for the Pro Bowl," Peyton said, reacting to a fourth- and-1 play when Skowronek paved the way at fullback for a Rams first down. Playing his second season with the Rams, Skowronek made a similar play in a Week 3 win over the Arizona Car- dinals when out of the backfield as the lead blocker, he stood up a linebacker and cleared space for tailback Cam Akers to score on a 14- yard touchdown run. Through four games this season, Skow- ronek had logged 34 snaps in the Rams' backfield with another 10 as an in-line tight end, per Pro Football Focus, while lining up at receiver 174 times. Rams offensive co- ordinator Liam Coen explained how when the idea of using Skowronek out of the backfield came up, his versatile player was all in. "He was so geared up and jacked up to do some of the things that we're asking him to do," Coen said of Skowronek's willingness. "Then you saw him be able to come alive in the pass game as well." Skowronek — whose role and respon- sibilities with the Rams have seemingly increased every week this season — had 12 catches for 140 yards through four games. The rangy 6-foot-3, 224-pound wide- out had 11 catches for 133 yards last season as a rookie for the Super Bowl champions. His versatility is making the Fort Wayne, Ind., native and former Irish standout an important NFL asset as a re- ceiver, a blocker and a special teams ace. "Outside of [wide receiver] Cooper Kupp, Skowronek is the second-most impactful person in this offense," ESPN NFL analyst and college football an- nouncer Dan Orlovsky proclaimed. Orlovsky singled out two plays from one series in the Rams' 20-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sept. 25, to illustrate Skowronek's versatility — a 26-yard catch he made on a corner route from the fullback position, followed by the lead block on the aforementioned Akers' 14-yard touchdown run. ✦ Skowronek, who had logged 34 snaps at fullback through four games, already has set career highs for receptions (12) and receiving yards (140) in his new role. PHOTO COURTESY LOS ANGELES RAMS Ben Skowronek Shining For Rams ACCOMMODATIONS Call 877-630-8768 to advertise in Blue & Gold Illustrated! MEMORABILIA NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAMES on VHS or DVD for sale, from 1928 to present. Contact Peter Rahas at 7700 Golden Filly St., Las Vegas, NV 89131 or call 1-702-395-2974 The "Rockne" B&B Newly renovated rental home available for all events in the Notre Dame/South Bend area. Often called "The Rockne House," it is located on Rockne Drive, just 1.1 miles from ND stadium. The home features a Notre Dame museum-like atmosphere, from vintage Rockne to present day items. Three bedrooms, sleeps 10-12 with two full baths. CONTACT AUGIE'S LOCKER ROOM 574-277-NDND (6363) kyleaugustine1@icloud.com M A R K E T P L A C E PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER - Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times). Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands. (3 times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for 3 days and after 3 days your request will be granted and the prayer must be published. Thank you. S.T.D. POWERFUL PRAYER - to the Holy Spirit. You who solve all problems, who lights all roads so that I can obtain my goals. You who give me the Divine gift to forgive and to forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life, you are with me. 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PERSONALS IRISH IN THE NFL HIGHLIGHTS: WEEK 4 • Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Played at Notre Dame from 2017-20), LB, Cleveland Browns: Started and made 7 tackles in the Browns' 23-20 loss to the Falcons … Totaled 21 tackles, 1 pass broken up and 1 forced fumble in four starts for 2-2 Cleveland. • Jaylon Smith (2013-15), LB, New York Gi- ants: Made 7 tackles in the Giants' 20-12 win over the Bears … Has appeared in one game for 3-1 New York, after joining its practice squad Sept. 19 and then being elevated to the active roster Oct. 1. • Jerry Tillery (2015-18), DT, Los Angeles Chargers: Had 1 sack and a forced fumble in the Chargers' 34-24 win over the Texans … Notched 5 tackles and 1 sack in four games for 2-2 Los Angeles. • Drue Tranquill (2014-18), LB, Los Angeles Chargers: Started and made 11 tackles in the Chargers' 34-24 win over the Texans … Com- piled 35 tackles and 1 interception in four games for the 2-2 Chargers.