Northwestern in the NFL, Week 11: NU takes over America’s Game of the Week

Following Northwestern’s fifth consecutive victory on Saturday vs. Wisconsin, a number of Pro ‘Cats saw the field the next day.

Anthony Walker Jr.: Indianapolis Colts, LB

Walker recorded two solo tackles in a season-low 42% of defensive snaps played in the Colts’ 34-31 OT win over the Green Bay Packers.

The Colts seemed to move away from Walker and fellow linebacker Bobby Okereke in favor of additional lineman and defensive backs to counter a heavy passing attack from the Packers. Walker has not played 70% of defensive snaps since Week Six, and this now is the third straight week in which his snap count has decreased.

Week 12 matchup: vs. Tennessee Titans (12:00 pm CT)

Dean Lowry: Green Bay Packers, DE

On the other side of America’s Game of the Week, Lowry recorded one solo tackle in 52% of defensive snaps in the Packers’ loss to the Colts.

The Packers run defense was again trampled by the Colts, who finished with 140 yards on the ground. For Lowry, his disappointing season continues. He has just one tackle for loss this season and just one sack since signing his three-year, $30 million extension prior to the 2019-20 season.

Week 12 matchup: vs. Chicago Bears (7:20 pm CT)

Tyler Lancaster: Green Bay Packers, DE

Across from Lowry, fellow Packer Lancaster recorded two total tackles and had a pass deflection on 45% of defensive snaps played.

Lancaster saw an increase in snap count Sunday and was able to record his first ever pass deflection. In terms of rushing the quarterback and stopping the run, he made little progress, as has been the theme this season.

Week 12 matchup: vs. Chicago Bears (7:20 pm CT)

Ifeadi Odenigbo: Minnesota Vikings, DE

Odenigbo continued his work as a full time starter by recording one total tackle and a quarterback hit off of 67% of defensive snaps in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Odenigbo has continued to get pressure in passing situations, having three quarterback hits in two games. If he is able to start converting those pressures to tackles, he has a good chance of retaining his starting role next season.

Week 12 matchup: vs. Carolina Panthers (12:00 pm CT)

Hunter Niswander: Dallas Cowboys, P

Niswander started his second career game in a surprise win over the Vikings Sunday and showed clear improvements. He completed three punts for an average of 47.3 yards, a 7.8 yard increase from his last showing. Additionally, Hunter the Punter landed two punts inside the 20 yard line, forcing the Viking offense to formulate long drives.

Week 12 matchup: vs. Washington Football Team (3:30 pm CT, 11/26)

Nate Hall: Houston Texans, LB

Hall continues to work primarily on special teams, picking up a solo tackle off 67% of special team snaps. The Texans were able to come out with a win over the New England Patriots and put the Pats on the brink of playoff elimination.

Week 12 matchup: at Detroit Lions (11:30 am CT, 11/26)

Justin Jackson: Los Angeles Chargers, RB

JJTBC remains on IR with a knee injury. His earliest return date is Dec. 6 against the Patriots.

Week 12 matchup: at Buffalo Bills (12:00 pm CT)

Practice squad members: Austin Carr (New Orleans Saints), Joe Gaziano (Los Angeles Chargers).