Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2012 Notre Dame Football Preview
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BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ✦ 139 1. Harrison Smith— Regarded as one of the NFL's hardest-hitting safeties, the Min- nesota Vikings safety upped his NFL reputation with another productive year in the NFC North. The fourth-year pro was even named the top player at his position by Pro Football Focus in 2015 after recording 66 tackles and two interceptions, and signed a five-year, $51-million contract extension in June. 2. Tyler Eifert — The Cincinnati Bengals tight end again endured injury woes, but not to the extent of the 2014 elbow issue that wiped out his final 15 games. Few weeks went by without an Eifert touchdown. He caught 52 passes for 615 yards and 13 touchdowns for the division champions. 3. Zack Martin — Offensive linemen rarely get their deserved credit, but Martin continues to excel at right guard for the Cowboys. The team's season went up in flames once quarterback Tony Romo suffered a season-ending injury, but Martin held up his responsibilities by allowing just one sack in 2015 and making his second Pro Bowl. 4. Michael Floyd — The Arizona Cardinals receiver had an up-and-down campaign, finishing with 52 receptions for 849 yards and six touchdowns for a potent of- fense. He has yet to become the Pro Bowl-caliber receiver that many expect, but he has still produced well in his four seasons with the organization. 5. Ryan Harris — There is not a clear candidate for the No. 5 position on this list, but Harris' role should not be forgotten on the Super Bowl cham- pions. Denver brought him in last spring after injuries struck the offensive line. He held down his role well with multiple changes at quarterback. ARIZONA CARDINALS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS Nov. 20, 1 p.m. As far as quantity goes, this will likely be the matchup with the most former Notre Dame players featured. Heading into the summer, the Minnesota Vikings em- ployed tight end Kyle Rudolph, center John Sullivan and safety Harrison Smith, while the Cardinals also boasted a boatload of Irish talent in receiver Michael Floyd, running back Robert Hughes, tight end Troy Niklas and undrafted free agents Matthias Farley, a defensive back, and Amir Carlisle, a slot receiver. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at HOUSTON TEXANS Sept. 18, 1 p.m. The paths of Houston Texans receiver Will Fuller and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback KeiVarae Russell will cross in Week 2 of their rookie campaigns. Considering the playmaking nature of Fuller and the confidence of Russell, fans can only hope that the two are featured in a few one-on-one battles that afternoon. Russell even noted the meeting with Fuller on social media after he was drafted in the third round by Kansas City, so clearly the date is circled on his calendar. Texans rookie center Nick Martin will also be in this game, but not with the compelling Notre Dame matchup that Fuller and Russell will enjoy. DETROIT LIONS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS Nov. 6, 1 p.m. These teams will meet twice in 2016 as divisional foes, with the first matchup coming in the twin cities in early November. The three Vikings that came from Notre Dame will be pitted against receivers TJ Jones and Golden Tate, running back Theo Riddick and cornerback Darrin Walls. Vikings safety Harrison Smith is considered by analyt- ics, as well as the opinions of other NFL players, to be one of the best — if not the best — NFL safeties. That talent will be challenged by Tate and a pass-happy Lions offense. TOP IRISH MATCHUPS TOP FIVE PLAYERS Zack Martin has proven to be one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with Dallas. PHOTO BY JAMES D. SMITH/DALLAS COWBOYS IRISH IN THE NFL