Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. Across the Shield follows those who once wore Scarlet and Gray on their journeys through the NFL.
Ryan Shazier
Good things seem to happen when Ryan Shazier warms up shirtless in below-freezing temperatures.
He did it yet again Sunday afternoon, despite temperatures in the mid teens.
Didn't someone tell Ryan Shazier it's going to be 16 degrees today? (via @steelers) pic.twitter.com/pq9TzeDZ5U
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2017
Once again, it worked out for him. The former Buckeye linebacker finished with six total tackles, a tackle for a loss and this athletic interception:
.@RyanShazier with the interception! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/5LaT7LwAtT
— Buckeye Videos+ (@BuckeyeVideos) January 8, 2017
A second look shows Shazier was actually at the line of scrimmage, presumably to play the run, and managed to get back in the passing lane in time to make the play.
Eli Apple
Former Buckeye Eli Apple made his NFL Playoff debut Sunday night as the Giants took on the Packers.
Naturally, future Hall of Famer Aaron Rogers tried to go right after the rookie starter playing his first playoff minutes, but Apple held his own.
Great job playing through the hands!!!! Eli Apple! pic.twitter.com/zeZzzgTxZK
— WeAreDBnation (@WeAreDBNation1) January 8, 2017
Apple played near-perfect football until one catastrophic play right before the half:
Nothing to see here just another Aaron Rodgers HAIL MARY! pic.twitter.com/hnB7eG9ETb
— Best Vines (@TheFunnyVine) January 8, 2017
It's not clear what he was doing or thinking, but Apple was in perfect position to make a play on the ball but remained flat-footed and barely put a hand in the air. The ball landed in Randall Cobb's lap for a huge Packers touchdown.
That touchdown turned just a one point Packers lead into eight, and the Giants never really recovered. The New York and Eli Apple's season came to a close as the Giants fell to Green Bay 38-13.
Regardless of how the season ended, Apple's rookie season was as successful as you could ask. Apple started 11 games, appeared in 14 and finished with 51 total tackles, seven deflected passes, a forced fumble and an interception.
Lots of work to do but we'll be back
— Eli Apple (@EliApple13) January 9, 2017
Taylor Decker
The slobs don't really get a lot of publicity in this piece because let's face it, the offensive line is the furthest thing from flashy. So we're going to take a moment to give Taylor Decker the credit he deserves.
While Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa and Michael Thomas packed stat sheets, broke records and made highlight-reel plays, Decker was quietly a day-one starter at tackle for the Detroit Lions and was arguably the top rookie offensive lineman in the league.
Decker's rookie season came to a close Saturday as the Seahawks topped the Lions 26-6.
Man what a rookie season. Comeback wins on the regular and made the playoffs my first year. Just gotta get better. We are #OnePride
— Taylor Decker (@TDeck68) January 8, 2017
He really has come a long way since getting abused by Kahlil Mack every down during his Buckeye debut.
