Ohio State Buckeyes in the NFL, Week 14: James Laurinaitis, Bradley Roby stand out

Week 14 of the NFL season saw some upsets, some dominant performances, and some former Buckeyes making impact plays.

The Steelers beat the Bengals at home, and former Buckeye Cameron Heyward contributed one tackle, three assists and a sack to Pittsburgh's defensive effort. For Cincinnati, kicker Mike Nugent converted all three of his PAT attempts. The Steelers won, 42-21.

The Brian Hoyer era in Cleveland may be drawing to a close after the Browns suffered a difficult loss to the Colts at home on Sunday. Dan Herron continues to get more opportunities with the Colts' offense. Against the Browns, Boom had 26 yards on eight carries, and added 45 net receiving yards on four catches. Herron took one of those catches for 26 yards, moving the Colts offense to the Cleveland 13 and putting them in position to score. Herron took another short pass from Andrew Luck for 20 yards. For the Browns, safety Donte Whitner contributed two tackles and four assists.

Miami jumped out to an early lead, but the Ravens' defense shut down the Dolphins' offense in the second half of their matchup in Miami on Sunday. Miami's Brian Hartline had 11 receiving yards on two receptions, including an eight-yard touchdown catch. It was Miami's only touchdown of the day. Baltimore won, 28-13.

The Panthers dominated the New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome, making the race to the top of the NFC South even stranger. Former Buckeye Philly Brown had 42 receiving yards on three receptions for the Panthers, who won 41-10.

The Giants snapped a substantial losing streak, beating the Titans in Tennessee. Former Buckeye Johnathan Hankins had one tackle for the Giants in their 36-7 win.

The St. Louis Rams' defense delivered their second shutout in a row, beating the Redskins in Washington 24-0. Former Buckeye James Laurinaitis had a big day, contributing four tackles, two assists, and 1.5 sacks in the victory. The Rams improved to a 6-7 record with the victory.

The Chiefs went into the half with a 14-6 lead, but the Cardinals surged back, locking up a 17-14 victory at home. Kurt Coleman, a former Buckeye, had one tackle for the Chiefs. Ted Ginn, Jr. had one reception for eight yards for the Cardinals, and also added 64 kick return yards on two attempts and six punt return yards on two attempts.

Rookie cornerback Bradley Roby continues to be an impact player for the Broncos. On Sunday, Roby had nine tackles against the visiting Buffalo Bills--a number that was tied for the team high--and Roby also forced a fumble on the very first series. It wasn't the easiest day for Denver, with Peyton Manning throwing for 173 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, but the Broncos did manage to pull off the win with a final score of 24-17.

Carlos Hyde was used sparingly this week as the 49ers went on the road to take on the nearby Oakland Raiders. Hyde had four rushing yards on two carries and one reception for eight yards. The Raiders beat the Niners in Oakland, 24-13.

The Eagles lost a tough one at home to the Seahawks. Former Buckeye Malcolm Jenkins contributed five tackles on defense for the Eagles, and also recovered a Marshawn Lynch fumble. The Seahawks won, 24-14.

The Patriots bested the Chargers in San Diego, and former Buckeye Nate Ebner had one tackle in the 23-14 victory.

Keep an eye out for former Buckeyes A.J. Hawk and Corey Linsley as the Packers welcome the Falcons to Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football.