Across the Shield: Malik Hooker Seals Win, Zeke Records Another Milestone, and Nick Vannett Catches Touchdown

By David Wertheim on December 24, 2018 at 9:05 am
Nick Vannett
Joe Nicholson- USA TODAY Sports
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Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. Across the Shield follows those who once wore Scarlet and Gray on their journeys through the NFL.

Malik Hooker Records Interception

Although it seemed that Indianapolis would get a relatively easy win over a New York Giants team that was out of contention and seemingly looking to just get through the rest of the season, that was absolutely not the case as the Giants battled throughout the game.

Ultimately, it was a Buckeye making the biggest play in the contest when Malik Hooker snagged an interception that proved to be the game-sealer.

Definitively, the one-point win was crucial for the Colts, who can lock up a playoff berth in a de-facto elimination game against the Tennessee Titans (coached by Mike Vrabel) next week.

Rushing into the locker room with the prize of the day in his arms, Hooker finished with that interception to go along with six tackles.

Zeke Rolls to Another Milestone

Ezekiel Elliott is incredible. He is now the fastest Cowboy in the history of the illustrious franchise to rush for 4,000 yards.

You know, they say that running backs are dying out, but I say that if you have a good one, it makes a world of difference. Just look at players like Zeke, Alvin Kamara, Todd Gurley, and Saquon Barkley. Those dudes make all the difference.

Ground yardage was tough to find for Zeke in this game, however, as he finished with 85 yards on 18 carries in the Dallas win over Tampa Bay. The Cowboys clinched the NFC East with the win.

Running towards the history books, Elliott is also the NFL's rushing yards leader so far this season with 1,349 yards on 304 attempts.

Nick Vannett Catches Touchdown Pass

It seems as though Buckeyes make big plays on every primetime game, and last night's contest was no exception, as Nick Vannett caught his third touchdown pass of the season.

Five-yard flip passes like this one won't exactly be on many highlight reels, but it was still nice to see Vannett in the end zone once again.

Formerly a fourth-round draft choice by the Seahawks, Vannett has carved out a niche role on the Seattle offense this season. He finished with two receptions for 11 yards and that score.

Michael Thomas Catches Game-Winner

Incredibly, Malik Hooker wasn't the only Buckeye to record a game-winning play on Sunday, as his former teammate Michael Thomas joined him in that regard as the Saints defeated the Steelers on Sunday afternoon.

Thomas had another incredible game on Sunday, going bonkers with 11 catches for 109 yards and that touchdown.

He was recognized by several NFL stars after his performance, swapping jerseys with Antonio Brown and earning some Twitter love from Malcolm Jenkins.

Elsewhere in this game, Cameron Heyward recorded three tackles for the Steelers, while the Saints Ohio State defensive back contingent was everywhere as always, but this week it was Kurt Coleman who made the big play with this forced fumble.

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Prognosticating: Indiana

Dry Goods Contest

Across The Field: Indiana Beat Writer Zach Osterman Says This Might Be the Hoosiers’ Most Important Regular Season Game Ever and QB Kurtis Rourke Has Played Well Under Pressure

Kurtis Rourke
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