Georgia Football: Dawgs to cheer for this Wildcard Weekend
Abry Jones: NT Jacksonville Jaguars
One of the lesser known Dawgs in the NFL. Jones has built a strong NFL career after going undrafted in 2012. Jones was a key component of the 2011 and 2012 UGA teams, but he tore his ankle ligaments in his senior season.
That injury likely contributed to him not getting picked, but signed with Jacksonville and has never looked back. He fought his way to get a spot in the defensive line rotation and signed a 4 year $16 million deal before this season.
Jones is in his first season as the starting NT and he’s had a really solid year. He has continued to be stout against the run and has generated pressure against the QB when given the chance. It’s great to see an understated Dawg do so well in the NFL. I for one will be cheering for him on Sunday against a Buffalo team whose only Dawg Cordy Glenn is currently injured.
Game: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars SUN 1.05 pm EST
Thomas Davis: LB Carolina Panthers
And I’ll finish with one of the best Dawgs of them all. Davis has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL since he was drafted and he remains a legend in Athens. Having played Safety between the hedges, he has converted to a stellar linebacker who has been selected to two pro bowls.
It’s sometimes forgotten that Davis only had 1 D1 scholarship offer, to his local school UGA. That turned out to be quite the miss by other teams as he went on to have a fantastic career in Red and Black.
Davis continues to be right at the top of his game and he’ll need to be this week. The Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints who have been incredible on offense this year. Rookie running back and former Vol Alvin Kamara has torn up the NFL and will be tough to stop.
Next: One championship preview
The Panthers will need Davis to be right at his best this week to shut down Kamara. While Dawg fans dislike both the Panthers and the Saints, this will be one game where I for one will be cheering for Carolina. I’ll always root for a Dawg over a Vol that’s for sure!
Game: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints SUN 4.40 pm EST