IRISH IN THE PROS
BY ANDREW OWENS
T
he NFL recently passed the midsea‑
son point of the 2015 campaign, so
it's time to note the former Irish play‑
ers that have stood out on their teams
this season.
Offensive Player Of The Midsea-
son: Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals:
The tight end has been a touchdown
machine with nine scores in nine
games for the 8‑1 Bengals. An elbow
injury limited him to one game in
2014, but the former Irish standout has
clearly shown he is one of the league's
top playmakers in 2015.
Cincinnati has lost in the divisional
round of the playoffs four straight
years, but the team appears to be more
of a postseason threat this season, due
in large part to its offense.
Defensive Player Of The Midsea-
son: Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vi-
kings: Smith is not only the top de‑
fensive player among former Irish
players, but he also ranks atop the list
of NFL safeties for many people.
Through nine games, Smith had re‑
corded 50 tackles, one interception,
two passes defended and one forced
fumble while asserting himself as one
of the league's hardest hitters.
Midway through the season, Smith
was listed as the top safety by ProFoot‑
ballFocus.com, a website that evaluates
film for NFL organizations.
Rookie Of The Midseason: Cody
Riggs, Tennessee Titans: Only two
Irish players from the 2014 squad are
even on NFL rosters at this point —
Irish In The NFL Midseason Report
Minnesota Vikings fourth-year safety Harrison Smith — who had 50 tackles and one interception through
nine games — was evaluated as the top safety in the NFL by ProFootballFocus.com, which assesses game
film.
PHOTO COURTESY MINNESOTA VIKINGS
