Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 30, 2015 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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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

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