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Wolverines in the NFL: Denard Sighting!

For the first time since last season, Denard had a chance to display his skill. Also, Woodson grabs another fumble, Hall returns from injury, and Brady wants a BB gun.

By nichcant and Amanda Jerzykowski

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Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

Week 14 stats: 22/30 for 226 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 carries for 10 yards

Brady dialed in another efficient game for the Patriots, not making any mistakes in a win that helped the Pats clinch the AFC East for the seventh straight year. Since there's not much to comment on in terms of Brady's play, here's some fun notes from the week:

Running Back

Denard Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Week 14 stats: 14 carries for 75 yards and 1 touchdown, 1 reception for 12 yards on 2 targets

Filling in for starter T.J. Yeldon, Denard illustrated - yet again - that he's capable of making an impact in the NFL. Receiving twice as many carries as he has all season, Shoelace averaged 5.4 yards per carry with a long of 31 and a touchdown. His performance earned him "Offensive Player of the Week" honors from Big Cat Country, and he should get another shot to repeat his Week 14 success on Sunday as Yeldon remains out with an injury.

Wide Receiver

Jason Avant (Kansas City Chiefs)

Week 14 stats: None

For the third week in a row, Avant failed to post any stats. He played on 50% of Kansas City's offensive snaps and didn't receive any targets. This is the fifth time in six games that he hasn't recorded a reception.

Devin Funchess (Carolina Panthers)

Week 14 stats: 3 receptions for 25 yards on 5 targets

In the Panthers 38-0 blowout over the Falcons, Cam Newton completed passes to ten different receivers. Devin's three catches were tied for the team lead; however, his yardage total ranked fourth. Regardless, he's been finding some consistency in Carolina's offense, which bodes well for Funchess as he and the Panthers attempt to stay undefeated.

Defensive Line

Alan Branch (New England Patriots)

Week 14 stats: 2 assists

Branch has had a couple of quiet outings on the stat sheet the last two weeks, but according to Pats Pulpit, he and New England's other defensive tackles had "incredible days" in Week 14.

Mike Martin (Tennessee Titans)

Week 14 stats: None

Martin did not play this week. This is the seventh week in a row Martin failed to see any game action.

Linebackers

Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles)

Week 14 stats: 1 solo tackle, 2 assists, 1 pass defended

Graham continues to play well for the Eagles, earning a +2.5 PFF grade in Week 14. He's been a consistent piece in a solid Philly defense that has helped the Eagles win two in a row as they try to salvage their season.

David Harris (New York Jets)

Week 14 stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended

Harris isn't putting up flashy numbers, but as Gang Green Nation notes, he's been a "consistent anchor" for the Jets defense. In his ninth NFL season, Harris continues to be a leader for New York.

Jake Ryan (Green Bay Packers)

Week 14 stats: 4 solo tackles, 2 assists

In his second straight start, Ryan continued to look solid for the Packers: "[he] wasn't a playmaker, but he was largely a reliable presence in the middle of the field." More reps will only help Ryan become a bigger piece in Green Bay's defense.

Secondary

Leon Hall (Cincinnati Bengals)

Week 14 stats: 4 solo tackles, 2 assists

Hall returned to game action after missing Week 13 with a back injury. While he did leave this week's game briefly, he only missed three total snaps on defense. The Bengals will need Hall on the field as they try to finish the season strong after losing three of their last four games.

Jordan Kovacs

Kovacs was released by the Dolphins last week. He hasn't been picked up by another team yet.

Charles Woodson (Oakland Raiders)

Week 14 stats: 1 solo tackle, 1 assist, 1 fumble recovered, 1 pass defended

Woodson continues to find the ball, recording his eighth takeaway of the season with a fumble recovery against the Broncos. It marks three fumble recoveries in two weeks for Woodson. He can't be stopped.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Denard Robinson

Hopefully this means more Shoelace in the near future

PLAYS OF THE WEEK

Denard scores first touchdown of the season

Denard breaks off a 31-yarder

Woodson loves to snatch footballs

WEEK 14 MATCHUPS REVISITED

Tom Brady vs. the Texans Defensive Line

Brady recorded a solid outing on Sunday night, throwing for 225 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. However, he was sacked three times and hit on an additional three plays. J.J. Watt was rendered ineffective during the majority of the game, while Jadeveon Clowney had an impressive game, recording two sacks and putting consistent pressure on Brady. However, the Patriots came away victorious in Houston.

WINNER: Draw

Jake Ryan vs. the Cowboys Offensive Line

Ryan continued his recent dominance, tying Clay Matthews for the team-lead in tackles in Week 14. Packers assistant linebackers coach Scott McCurley had this to say about Ryan's style of play: "That's one thing Jake naturally has - he's a relentless player. You could see it on his college tape; you can see it whenever he gets in there....He's a relentless player to the ball. He keeps fighting through the down and he finds a way to get there."

WINNER: Jake Ryan

Frank Clark vs. the Ravens Offensive Line

Clark recorded one tackle on Sunday against the Ravens. He also forced a fumble near the end of the first half against Ravens RB Buck Allen. Other than that, Clark was fairly quiet throughout the entirety of the game.

WINNER: Ravens Offensive Line

WEEK 15 MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Denard Robinson vs. the Falcons Defensive Line

Robinson had his best game of the season thus far in Week 14, scoring a touchdown and rushing for a total of 75 yards. The number of reps he received was due in large part to an injury sustained by starting back T.J. Yeldon, whose status for this upcoming weekend is uncertain. If he is not able to go, look for Robinson to be named the starter and perhaps record another solid game against the 16th-ranked Falcons rush defense.

ADVANTAGE: Denard Robinson

Charles Woodson vs. the Packers Receivers

This Week 15 matchup will be Woodson's third career game against his former team. Aaron Rodgers has only thrown five interceptions in his career and looks to lead his team to their third win in a row. The deciding factor in this matchup may be the Green Bay receivers, however, as they have had a tendency to drop passes lately. If that continues, look for Woodson to record another impressive game.

ADVANTAGE: Charles Woodson

Leon Hall vs. the 49ers Receivers

During Week 14, Hall recorded six total tackles (four solo) against the Steelers. This upcoming weekend, Hall will face a 49ers team that ranks 30th in passing offense. Look for Hall to continue his solid 2015 campaign and record another positive game for the Bengals. He did come off the field on Sunday for a brief moment due to an injury, so that may be something to keep an eye on this week.

ADVANTAGE: Leon Hall