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How Wisconsin Football Alumni Fared in Week 1 of the Preseason

Here’s a look at how former Wisconsin Badgers alumni performed in week 1 of the NFL preseason.

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1 month ago

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Former Wisconsin football player, Joe Tippmann
Aug 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) takes the snap from center Joe Tippmann (66) against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin football is still weeks away from opening their season against Buffalo on September 2. But we can still get our fix by watching former Badgers play in some NFL preseason action.

There are 33 Wisconsin alumni currently on an NFL roster. Many have spots locked in, but others need to compete to earn a spot on their respective team. Because of that, there were plenty of Badgers in action during the first week of preseason football.

Let’s take a look at how the former Badgers performed.

How Wisconsin football players performed in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason

It’s pretty normal for starters and especially superstars to play barely, if at all, during the preseason. Since many former Wisconsin football players like Russell Wilson and T.J. Watt already have a spot locked up, they didn’t play a whole lot or at all.

But on the other hand, we did get to see more than a few Badgers line up over the weekend.

Hall of Fame Game – Thursday, August 3

Before Week 1 of the preseason even started, we had the Hall of Fame game between the Browns and the Jets. There were two former Wisconsin football players in this game, both on the Jets.

WR Alex Erickson (NYJ) – Signed on with the Jets at the start of camp. In his Jets debut, he had one reception on two targets for 19 yards. Erickson, who has had success in the past as a return man at previous spots, also produced on special teams. He returned two punts for 45 yards, one of which went for 36 yards.

OL Joe Tipmann (NYJ) – Saw his first NFL action in this game. The second-round pick played extremely well. He played in 50+ snaps including 21 pass blocking snaps. He didn’t give one pressure up. Pretty solid start for the rookie center.

Wisconsin football players in Week 1 of the preseason – Thursday, August 10

Patriots vs. Texans

OL Michael Deiter (HOU) – 45 offensive snaps at both center (33) and guard (12). He had one penalty and according to PFF had an overall grade of 46.2 (below average).

OL Tyler Beach (HOU) – 19 offensive snaps at guard (6) and right tackle (13). PFF gave him an overall grade of 59.6 (average). He did, however, have a pass-blocking grade of 70.3 (above average).

RB Dare Ogunbowale (HOU) – Currently fourth on the depth chart, Ogunbowale is battling for the third running back spot on the roster. He got five carries for 18 yards in his 2023 preseason debut.

Wisconsin football players in Week 1 of the preseason – Friday, August 11

Falcons vs. Dolphins

FB Alec Ingold (MIA) – Did not play.

LB Andrew Van Ginkel (MIA) – Did not play.

Steelers vs. Buccaneers

LB T.J. Watt (PIT) – Did not play.

LB Nick Herbig (PIT) – three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one quarterback hit. All his production came in the second half of the game. According to PFF, Herbig had an overall grade of 89.8 (good). Although it’s just preseason, it’s a great start for the rookie pass rusher.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (PIT) – Three tackles, one tackle for a loss. Loudermilk got the start because the Steelers held Cameron Heyward out.

DL Keeanu Benton (PIT) – Like Herbig, Benton had a great start in his opening preseason game. He tallied three tackles, one of which was for a loss. As is the case with most nose tackles, stats don’t tell the whole story. He created a lot of pressure from the interior of Pittsburgh’s defensive line.

Commanders vs. Browns

CB Rachad Wildgoose (WAS) – Wildgoose tallied five tackles for the Commanders. He didn’t grade out too well, finishing with a 45.5 (poor) grade, per PFF. He gave up four receptions on six targets and gave up a quarterback passer rating of 85.4 when targeted.

Broncos vs. Cardinals

QB Russell Wilson (DEN) – Wilson got a lot more playing time than I thought he would have. Having a new coach and offense takes some time to adjust to. It was a rough start to the game. Wilson had defenders in the backfield constantly. But in his final drive of the game, he led the Broncos down the field for a score. He finished the game 7/13 for 93 yards and a touchdown.

DL Matt Henningsen (DEN) – Henningsen got the start for the Broncos. He had three tackles and 0.5 sacks on 28 snaps. He graded out pretty well too. PFF gave him a 66.1 (above average) grade.

CB Faion Hicks (DEN) – Hicks has been having a good camp so far and he showed it on Friday night. He played in 27 snaps and was targeted four times, giving up two receptions for just nine yards. He received a coverage grade of 76.9 and an overall grade of 75.9 (both above average).

RB Corey Clement (ARI) – Clement got the start and was getting a good amount of run with the Cardinals’ offense before he exited the game with an injury. He finished the game with six carries for 15 yards and added three receptions for another 13 yards.

Jonathan Taylor; Wisconsin Football

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin football players in Week 1 of the preseason – Saturday, August 12

Colts vs. Bills

RB Jonathan Taylor (IND) – Did not play.

OL David Edwards (BUF) – Played in 17 snaps, all at left guard with the second team offensive line. PFF graded him his game out at a 64.7 (average).

Titans vs. Bears

LB Jack Sanborn (CHI) – Started the game at inside linebacker. He played just a few possessions, totaling just 12 snaps in the game. He had one tackle.

LB T.J. Edwards (CHI) – Like Sanborn, the newly-acquired Edwards ran with the starters and played just a couple of possessions. He also had one tackle in 12 snaps.

Jets vs. Panthers

OL Joe Tippmann (NYJ) – Tippman continues to get extensive playing time this preseason. He logged 53 snaps against the Panthers on Saturday. PFF gave him an overall grade of 46.7 (poor), but his pass blocking was still 72.9 (above average). He has allowed just one pressure through two games.

WR Alex Erickson (NYJ) – Erickson caught two passes for 17 yards on two targets.

Jaguars vs. Cowboys

WR Kendric Pryor (JAX) – Pryor recorded one reception on two targets for 20 yards.

OL Cole Van Lanen (JAX) – Van Lanen played in 29 offensive snaps. He received an 85.7 (good) grade from PFF, including a 91.8 (elite) grade in pass blocking.

OL Tyler Biadasz (DAL) – Did not play.

TE Jake Ferguson (DAL) – Ferguson had three catches for 38 yards, including a nice 26-yard reception.

Eagles vs. Ravens

RB Melvin Gordon (BAL) – Gordon, who is trying to catch on with the Ravens, had six carries for 16 yards. He also added one reception for nine yards.

OL Kevin Zeitler (BAL) – Did not play.

Chargers vs. Rams

OL Logan Bruss (LAR) – Bruss had a rough day. He played 56 snaps and had one penalty and allowed a sack. His run blocking was good, but received an 18.8 (poor) grade on his pass blocking.

OL Rob Havenstein (LAR) – Did not play.

Wisconsin Football inside linebacker Leo Chenal

Nov 13, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin football players in Week 1 of the preseason – Sunday, August 13

Chiefs vs. Saints

LB Leo Chenal (KC) – Chenal had three tackles for the Chiefs.

OL Ryan Ramczyk (NO) – Started for the Saints with the first-team offense.

LB Zack Baun (NO) – Baun recorded three tackles including a sack.

LB Ryan Connelly (NO) – Connelly led the Saints in tackles, tallying five takedowns and a pass defended.

49ers vs. Raiders

TE Troy Fumagalli (SF) – Fumagalli, making his return after an absence from the NFL, caught two passes on Sunday, including a 22-yard reception.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Christian Borman on Twitter @ChristianBorman

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Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

Published

6 hours ago

on

September 23, 2023

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Wisconsin football; Badgers running back Chez Mellusi suffers devastating injury
Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) is taken off the field in a cart after suffering an injury during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

The Wisconsin football program has been hit hard by a gut-wrenching twist of fate, with Badgers sixth-year running back Chez Mellusi suffering what appears to be a season-ending injury.

The news has left both the team and fans in shock and has raised questions about the team’s running back depth moving forward.

Mellusi, who returned for a sixth season to make a significant impact on the team, had been a crucial part of the Badgers’ offense. His experience and versatility provided a valuable dimension to the team’s running game, making him a key asset for Head Coach Luke Fickell.

In all likelihood, Mellusi will finish the season with 40 carries for 268 yards (6.7 YPC) and four touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 212-pound tailback also caught two passes for 14 yards.

Wisconsin Football Faces Uncertain Future Without Chez Mellusi

The injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the game, leaving Chez Mellusi visibly shaken, and he was carted off the field, surrounded by his teammates. It was a stark reminder of the physical toll that football can take on even the most dedicated and talented athletes.

While the full extent of Mellusi’s injury hasn’t been disclosed, the ole eye test suggests it could be a season-ending setback. Wisconsin football now has a significant void to fill in their running back rotation.

One of the critical challenges facing Luke Fickell and his coaching staff is finding a suitable replacement for Mellusi. His unique skill set and experience will not be easily replicated, and the team will be forced to rely on converted fullback Jackson Acker and Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.

The loss of Mellusi is not just a blow to the team’s on-field performance but also a heartbreak for a player who had worked tirelessly to contribute to the Badgers’ success.

As the Wisconsin football team navigates this challenging period, the focus now shifts to rallying together and finding a way to continue their season on a positive note. The road ahead is undoubtedly more arduous without Mellusi, but adversity has a way of uniting a team and bringing out their best.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

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Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

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Wisconsin Football Defeats Purdue: Here’s What Stood Out

Published

8 hours ago

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September 22, 2023

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Wisconsin football; Badgers QB Tanner Mordecai and Bryson Green
Sep 22, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) after running for a touchdown during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

In their Big Ten opener at Ross-Ade Stadium, Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin football program (3-1, 1-0 B1G) secured a 38-17 victory over Purdue (1-3, 0-1 B1G), extending the Badgers winning streak against the Boilermakers to an unprecedented 17 consecutive games.

Here are a few things that stood out from the Wisconsin Badgers week four victory over Ryan Walters and the Purdue Boilermakers. 

Wisconsin Football Utilized Tanner Mordecai as a Dual-Threat QB on Friday Night

Wisconsin football needed to get off to a fast start after three consecutive subpar first-half performances, and the Badgers offense answered by jumping out to a 14-0 start behind the legs of quarterback Tanner Mordecai. 

He finished the game with 14 carries, amassing 58 yards and scoring twice on the ground while also completing 63% of his passes for 174 yards & one interception.

While Mordecai’s performance wasn’t flawless, his ability to create plays with his legs did help create running opportunities for Braelon Allen. As a result, Allen carried the ball 16 times, racking up 116 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

This new dynamic clearly caught Purdue off guard and played a crucial role in providing the much-needed quick start for the Wisconsin football offense.

Wisconsin Football Just Became Real Thin at Running Back

Chez Mellusi‘s return for a sixth season has had a significant impact on the Badger offense.

Thriving in Phil Longo’s system, Mellusi entered the game as Wisconsin’s leading rusher. Unfortunately, he sustained what appeared to be a significant injury in the fourth quarter, likely marking the end of his collegiate career.

With Mellusi out of the picture, Wisconsin football will now turn to converted fullback Jackson Acker and presumably Cade Yacamelli to fill the No. 2 role behind Braelon Allen.  

Due to Allen’s injury history, the new coaching staff intended to restrict his number of carries to safeguard his health. Now, Luke Fickell must determine whether they are still willing to adhere to this plan without a 1B tailback at his disposal.

This is a difficult situation for Wisconsin football in general, but it’s especially tough for Mellusi personally. I hope he makes a full recovery because it’s always disheartening to witness a player’s college career conclude in such a manner.

Prayers up. 

Other Wisconsin Badgers Musings 

Jack Nelson had another brutal game with at least three penalties. I’m not sure what’s going on right now — but I’m shocked at how poor and undisciplined the Stoughton native has been through four games. 

***

Wisconsin football found themselves a kicker. Nathaniel Vakos is now 7-for-7 on the season, and it looks like he’s the best placekicking option the Badgers have had since Rafael Gaglianone.

***

CJ Williams put together the best game of his Badgers career — which was great to see — finishing with five catches for 56 yards. It was an encouraging sign for the passing attack moving forward. 

***

The University of Wisconsin football program might not have a terrific defensive line this year — but James Thompson Jr. is most definitely a dude for the Badgers. He finished with six tackles, 2.0 TFLs, a sack, plus a pass-breakup. 

Wisconsin Football Team Suffers Devastating Blow on Injury Front

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinion, and analysis. You can also follow Dillon Graff on Twitter @DillonGraff.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts, the official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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Disgruntled Wisconsin Football Fan Groans Over “Modern Music”

Published

14 hours ago

on

September 22, 2023

By

Wisconsin Badgers football
Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Wisconsin logo at midfield of Camp Randall Stadium following the game between the Maryland Terrapins and Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This summer, Wisconsin Athletics hired an independent consultant to enhance the game day experience at Camp Randall Stadium. There were noticeable changes when Wisconsin Badgers football took the field to begin a new era under head coach Luke Fickell.

The pre-game video no longer features “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2. Other music choices at Badgers football games have, apparently, ground the gears of at least one fan.

Wisconsin Football Fan Writes Letter to the Editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: There Is No Need for ‘Modern Music’ Blaring at Badgers Games

It all started with some Wisconsin football fans complaining about the volume of music. In a letter to the editor published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, one fan expressed displeasure with the songs themselves. The complaint over “‘modern music'” is written throughout, despite failing to define what that means.

Although I have a suspicion about what is left unsaid by (heavy quotes) “modern music,” I will take it at face value.

Wisconsin Basketball Fans React: Badgers Miss on 5-Star Recruit

I have been to more Wisconsin football games than I care to count. Truthfully, I am unsure what the complaint here is about. Is the occasional playing of “Fireflies” by Owl City (released 14 years ago in 2009) too “modern?” What about when the tradition of “Jump Around” began in 1998 when the song was a mere six years from its release? I would hope that writer Daniel Edelstein voiced his displeasure then.

Wisconsin Football Should Reject Modernity, Embrace Tradition

Our dear writer admits that “several generations of spectators’ tastes occur at the stadium” but seemingly casts this caveat aside. After ensuring those darn kids stay off the lawn, they argue, “a University of Wisconsin-Madison game is and should be a special experience — one that is different than the ordinary world.” Apparently, music from the 2000s and beyond is for the mere mortals. True enlightenment exists only in the form of songs by Neil Diamond and The Foundations.

I cannot imagine the response by this fan to Wisconsin football hiring offensive coordinator Phil Longo and implementing the Air Raid. I am certain the invention of the forward pass itself was blasphemous. Embrace tradition – run the damn ball.

All of this begs the question, where does tradition come from? Tradition is not established without it being done the first time. Frankly, I struggle to think of a tradition more human than blaring out the lyrics to the most popular song of the year in a crowded basement, bar, or football stadium.

University of Wisconsin Football Is for University of Wisconsin Students

Every player that suits up for Wisconsin football is a University of Wisconsin student. With an influx of television money, name-image-and-likeness endorsements, and a facilities arms race making college football a tradition more and more for the elite class every day, why can students not have one thing?

Wisconsin Football Fans React: Badgers Defeat Georgia Southern

Spending 28-ish Saturdays making unforgettable memories with friends. Finding camaraderie with their fellow students on the field singing “Mo Bamba” or “Paint the Town Red” should be celebrated. Regardless of which song it is, that event, that special moment when you see all of sections K through J singing as one – that is tradition.

I am not one to tell you how to fan. I will tell you, however, that you do not gain respect in my eyes by complaining that an event that only exists because of the labor of young people, spectated by young people, and is slowly getting stripped away from young people, is too oriented towards those young people.

Contact/Follow us @Badger_Notes on Twitter, and Subscribe to the BadgerNotes Newsletter here. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, opinions, and analysis. You can also follow Kedrick Stumbris on Twitter @KedrickStumbris.

Follow this link and use promo code: BADGERNOTES for 25% off your next True Classic order.

Join the Badger Notes watch party and stream Wisconsin Badgers games by following this link.

*Subscribe to BadgerNotes After Dark on Youtube and wherever you find podcasts. The official Wisconsin Badgers podcast of the Big Banter Sports Network.

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