It was a big weekend for former Hawkeyes in the NFL

Shonn Greene had another breakout performance for the New York Jets in their 17-14 upset over San Diego.  This was a bitter sweet game for Iowa fans.  First, Shonn Greene was sweet:  23 carries for 128 yards and a 53 yard touchdown run, the longest run in Jets postseason history.  It’s back to back 120+ yard games for Greene in the playoffs and he is being introduced to the nation, which will only help Iowa on the recruiting trails. Greene has 152 carries on the year for 803 yards and six scores.  He has 44 carries in the playoffs for 263 yards and two scores.  On his long score against the Chargers, he didn’t get touched until he was into the San Diego secondary, then he blew up a safety who tried to make a tackle, then he was off to the races, outrunning two Charger defensive backs and he pulled away.  Phil Simms said this:  “When he’s in the open field, you can’t catch him.”

Now, for the bitter:  Nate Kaeding missed three field goals in an NFL game for the first time.  One was early in the game from 39 yards and another late in the game from 40, sandwiched around a 57 yard attempt at the end of the first half.  Kaeding entered the game as the most accurate kicker in NFL history, and had made his previous 20 kicks, plus his previous 69 from 40 yards or closer.  Nate’s a great guy, an Iowa guy.  But his NFL headstone may one day read “He couldn’t make ‘em in the playoffs”  I just hate that, and hate writing it, but he is going to get shredded in the media the next few days, weeks and probably months and years on the left coast.  He missed a big kick in overtime to beat the Jets back in 2005, and they lost the game when the Jets made a field goal later in the period.  He missed kicks in back to back playoff games in 2007, games the Chargers won.  Kaeding is 3-9 on field goal attempts in the post season at home.  Kaeding was named NFL All Pro this week.

Chad Greenway played a great game in Minnesota’s beat down of Dallas on Sunday, recording six total tackles, including one sack plus one pass defended.  He continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

On Saturday, Dallas Clark had 7 receptions for 59 yards as the Colts knocked off the Ravens 20-3.  Clark was named NFL All Pro this week.

From the AFC, at least one former Hawkeye will see a lot of face time in the Superbowl, as the Colts host the Jets with the winner advancing.

Marshal Yanda and Marcus Paschal were members of the Ravens 53 man roster, and Yanda is a starting offensive lineman.

Tags: chad greenway, dallas clark, hawkeye football, Iowa football, nate kaeding, shonn greene