By David Muhall

Preston Brown, former middle-linebacker for the Louisville football, played well in the Buffalo Bill’s victory over the Chicago Bears. The Bills selected Brown in the third round of the NFL draft and following an impressive training camp he managed to make five tackles in his NFL debut.

Brown had an outstanding career at Louisville, leading the team in tackles in 2013. The Bills liked his athleticism and his instincts.

Bill’s head coach Doug Marrone praised Brown’s athleticism and potential, saying

“[Brown] has just as much potential as Kiko Alonso when we were looking at him,” Bill’s head coach Doug Marrone said in praise of Browns athleticism and potential. Alonso finished his rookie season as the runner-up for the Defensive Rookie of The Year Award.

The Bills are projected to finish the year with an 8-8 record, but many people say the Bills could become a playoff team due to being in a wide-open AFC east. Historically, the Patriots have dominated the AFC east, but Tom Brady, the Patriots quarterback, has shown he may have lost a step due to his old age. Brown is expected to start this week against the Dolphins in place of regular starter Nigel Bradham. When Bradham returns from injury, look for Brown to provide quality depth and talent, and to play in sub packages.

Another former Cardinal made some noise on opening Sunday. It took Jets Safety Calvin Pryor three plays before he forced a fumble that was recovered by the Jets. En route to a 19-14 victory against the Raiders, the former Cardinal standout had three tackles, a forced fumble, and several defended passes.

Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan praised the forced fumble play, saying Pryor “made in incredible play in his debut.”

Pryor was a star safety at Louisville, making the All Big-East Team. His closing speed, tackling ability, and overall athleticism led to Pryor being drafted in the first round. Pryor was known NCAA wide for his ability to knock the ball out and his excellent deep coverage. Despite having a concussion for most of training camp Pryor was able to make some noise during the preseason and won the Jet’s starting safety job.

Led by second year quarterback Geno Smith, the jets are projected to have a sub-winning record this year despite having a youth movement over the offseason. Making the playoffs this year is unrealistic until many of the young players, Including Pryor, have more experience and have time to grow.

Photo / rantsports.com