NFL Roundup: Kevin Peterson Shines in First Start with L.A. Rams

The NFL regular season is over and it’s on to the playoffs for a handful of former Pokes. Let’s see who impressed this week and who is probably just glad 2017 is over.

Kevin Peterson

The former Oklahoma State corner made the most of his opportunity with a two interceptions during his first NFL start in the Rams’ regular season finale against division rivals, San Francisco 49ers.

First-career interception for @Pistol_Peterson!#SFvsLA pic.twitter.com/ci10yVJij0

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 31, 2017

But the fast-talking kid from Wagoner wasn’t done yet.

2️⃣ interceptions for @Pistol_Peterson today! ?#SFvsLA pic.twitter.com/1IsTtOuRtu

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 31, 2017

I miss watching this guy play and miss his postgame interviews even more.

.@Pistol_Peterson’s mindset going into today’s game?

“Just to make plays.”

2️⃣ interceptions for 4️⃣7️⃣! pic.twitter.com/nWc7f3kDkn

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 1, 2018

With guys like Peterson who went undrafted (actually for most guys at this level), a big part of their success comes down to making the most of opportunities when they arrive. Some never even get that opportunity.

Good for him for being able to make the most of it, so far. With the Rams primed for a deep playoff run, he should get even more chances to make a name for himself. The Rams will host the Atlanta Falcons on January 6 in an NFC Wildcard game.

Dez Bryant

Dez just capped the roughest year of his career. In the Cowboys’ season finale on New Year’s Eve, Dez caught just three passes for 24 yards on his eight targets.

He’s currently on a streak of 23-consecutive games without reaching triple-digits in receiving yardage and his hefty salary has even seen some call for the Cowboys to cut the all-pro wideout. Dez took it in stride and dismissed any notion that there was anywhere else he’d rather be.

Dez Bryant opens up to the media regarding the frustrating 2017 season, his on-field chemistry with Dak Prescott, whether or not he would consider a pay cut and more.

Full Video Here: https://t.co/d0iyFGfguF pic.twitter.com/7v5WCLKVvf

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 27, 2017

But with the Cowboys desperately needing salary cap room to build on the defensive side of the ball and a young nucleus in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, it will be interesting to see what transpires over the offseason.

Vincent Taylor

The rookie defensive tackle went down with a knee injury on the opening kickoff against Kansas City in Week 16. With no playoff run to worry about, the team placed Taylor on the injured reserve list ahead of its season finale, a 6-10 home loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Taylor saw his role increase throughout the season and is in a good spot to compete for a bigger role in Year 2.

Dan Bailey

The Dallas Cowboy’s uber-accurate kicker has shown a blemish or two this season. Since returning from missing several weeks off with a groin injury (the first missed games during his seven-year career), Bailey has not been his normal consistent self.

And things got worse in Dallas’ season finale. For the first time in his career, Bailey missed all of his field goal attempts and all of his extra-point attempts, going 0-for-1 on both. It was just the second game of his career that the former OSU kicker didn’t score a single point. The first was this season against San Diego.

Hopefully Bailey can use the offseason to get right both physically and mentally.

Lane Taylor

Taylor and his Packers finished a rough year filled with injuries to the offensive line and its franchise QB, Aaron Rodgers and will not be participating in any of the postseason fun. Green Bay hasn’t missed the playoffs since 2008 and this year’s results aren’t good enough according to Taylor.

@LaneTaylor65: "I think we all know 7-9 isn't the standard. Not making the playoffs isn't the standard. Super Bowl is the goal and to come up short isn't good enough. Each and every year it's harder to win games, so we have to take advantage of every season." #Packers @fox11news pic.twitter.com/zWIdeOHXtr

— Dylan Scott (@DylanScottNYC) January 2, 2018

The Packers finished the season with a 35-11 loss to Detroit on Sunday.

Lenzy Pipkins

The rookie corner got his first start in season finale against Detroit and paid it off with four solo tackles and an assist, including this nice play in run support.

EVERY game you watch of Pipkins.. Aggressive in run support on the perimeter… And when he makes a play – he gets up fired up and excited. Love the enthusiasm! pic.twitter.com/hIkDmyCYTW

— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 2, 2018

Pipkins also logged a pass breakup on Lions receiver Kenny Golladay on third down to force a three-and-out on Detroit’s opening drive.

The former OSU corner has been a surprise contributor for a secondary that’s experienced some injury issues this season. Hopefully, the experience he earned will help him realize an even bigger role during his sophomore campaign.

Russell Okung

Okung returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous game with a groin injury. The Chargers won their season finale 30-10 over Oakland but still missed out on a Wild Card spot due to lost tiebreakers.

Tyler Patmon

The former Cowboy DB saw 11 snaps on special teams but did not record in stats during the Jaguars’ 15-10 loss to Tennessee on Sunday. Jacksonville will hose the Buffalo Bills on January 7 in an AFC Wildcard matchup.

Inactive

Emmanuel Ogbah (Browns) injury, Chris Carson (Seahawks) injury, Vincent Taylor (Dolphins) injury, Brandon Weeden (Titans), Blake Jarwin (Cowboys)