Former Ohio State Buckeyes had big games in Week 16 of the NFL

In the final stretch of the 2016 NFL regular season, several former Ohio State players suited up on Christmas Day, while other sat our or were forced out with injuries. Rookie Joey Bosa threw up an O-H-I-O after a big sack against the Browns, and Malcolm Jenkins had two interceptions in Week 16 — one for a touchdown.

Christmas Day football

Four teams suited up on Sunday, December 25th, including three Buckeyes. The first game was an AFC North rivalry matchup of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Ryan Shazier) against the Baltimore Ravens. The night game was The Denver Broncos (Jeff Heuerman, Bradley Roby) against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Steelers snagged a late game win Sunday, with the help of linebacker Ryan Shazier, who had a big day with 10 total tackles and an interception. He’s riding a big year with 79 total tackles, 8 passes defended, 3.5 sacks and two picks.

Tight end Jeff Heuerman got the start for the Broncos on Sunday night, and saw the most targets of the season (6). The second year players caught 3-of-6 for 32 yards against the Chiefs. Cornerback Bradley Roby didn’t see much playing time in Week 16, but still has 36 total tackles, 1.0 sacks and two Pick-6’s so far this year.

Hyde’s season finale

The running back for the San Francisco 49ers will miss the final game of the year after suffering a torn MCL on Christmas Eve against the Rams. Plagued by injuries throughout the season, Carlos Hyde was just 12 yards shy of his first career 1,000-rushing yard season. He finished the year with a career-high 1,151 yards from scrimmage, and scored one last touchdown before being sidelined.

Cleveland wins!

The Browns got their Christmas miracle on Saturday, as they got their first team win in 2016 against the Chargers. Wideout Terrelle Pryor committed to finishing the season despite injuring his finger last week suffering ligament damage. The Buckeye has 913 receiving yards so far this year and could snag his 1,000-plus yard season with a big game in Week 17.

Plays of the week

Joey Bosa

The rookie defensive end put up 2.0 sacks against the Browns Saturday, drilling quarterback Robert Griffin III into the ground all day. He passed on his signature shrug after one of the takedowns, instead putting up an O-H-I-O. Bosa has 9.5 sacks so far and is looking for a possible Defensive Rookie of the Year honor.

Malcolm Jenkins

There are few things as exciting as a Pick-6, and it’s even better when it’s a former Buckeye. Jenkins snagged his second Pick-6 of the season and added a third interception late in the game on ‘Thursday Night Football’ against the Giants.

Other notes

• The running back leaving everyone else in his dust, will suit up against the SLOB who used to protect him weekly at Ohio State on ‘Monday Night Football’. The Dallas Cowboys (Ezekiel Elliott, Rod Smith) will challenge the Detroit Lions (Taylor Decker) as both teams get ready for the postseason.
• Several Buckeyes were inactive this week, with Jalin Marshall (Jets), Cardale Jones (Bills), Tyvis Powell and Nick Vannett (Seahawks) missing Week 16 action.
• John Simon (Texans) returned to the field Saturday for the first time in a month. He rehabbed 12-hours a day in order to get before the end of the season, and he did with one more week left to play.
• After missing the majority of the season, followed by two games with only special team snaps, wide receiver Devin Smith (Jets) had some offensive targets in Week 16. A touchdown catch went right through his hands, but he was able to snag one reception for 20 yards against New England.
• Last week’s Monday night contest included several Buckeyes who made BIG plays, including an interception made by Kurt Coleman (Panthers) and a long touchdown reception by teammate Ted Ginn Jr.