Buckeyes in the NFL, Week 10: Maybe Adams is Better at Right Tackle, Ballard Returns

Mike Adams serves up pancakes... Pancakes! No pancakes. PANCAAAAAKES!

His talent wasn't the only thing to resurface, Sunday. A former teammate of Adams has spent two years rehabbing from an ACL tear, and finally made his return.

Another former teammate of theirs is struggling of late, but still almost led his team to a win over the hapless Giants. Plus, Eleven Warriors has stats from all former Buckeyes in the NFL.

Ballard signs with cardinals, makes immediate impact 

Jake Ballard reached heights every football player dreams of, but few actually get a chance to accomplish. Unfortunately, he didn't get a chance to completely appreciate it. 

Never a bad time to revisit this Ballard catch 

Ballard signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He spent his entire rookie year on the Giants' practice squad, stuck behind Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum. 

Once Boss departed, Ballard got his chance. The Giants were an offensive juggernaut (as opposed to now, being an offensive juggernaut) and the Springboro, Ohio native quickly got in on the action. In his first regular season game, Ballard caught a 41 yard pass. 

He followed that up with 37 more receptions, four of which went for touchdowns. Including the postseason, Eli Manning targeted Ballard 75 times. The most notable was a game-winning grab against New England in week nine. 

The 9-7 Giants woke up in the playoffs and met the Patriots, again, in Super Bowl XLVI. After Beckum tore his ACL, Ballard was the only full-time tight end left on the roster.

After his second catch of the game, Ballard injured his left knee. It was even more heartbreaking to watch him test the knee on the sidelines and crumple to the ground, while trying to cut. 

The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl, but he had little time to celebrate. Ballard's attempts to make it back in time for New York's title defense failed after they placed him on injured reserve. Because that happend in the offseason, Ballard had to clear waivers. He spent the entire season on the Patriots "physically unable to perform" list. 

With the Rob Gronkowski's injury and Aaron Hernandez's murderous exploits, some felt it was an opportunity for Ballard to take over. He never really got the chance, and was released in August.

Ballard resurfaced with the Cardinals, last week, after they cut seventh-round pick D.C. Jefferson. He stepped in immediately, catching a 15-yard pass. Regardless of his production in Arizona, he is just happy to be back in the NFL. 

Pryor's recent performances mirror Raiders legend

Looks wise, Pryor reminded fans of JaMarcus Russell with a 6-foot-6-inch frame (not weight) and because he paid homage with a jersey change. Now, the former Buckeye QB's recent play brings back memories of the hefty hurler.  

In the last four games, Pryor threw one touchdown and eight interceptions. I'm no fan of the "passer rating" statistic, but I am a fan of Russell comparisons.

Pryor's rating in those games is an even 42.0. The last Raiders signal caller to have a four game stretch like this? JaMarcus Russell, who began the 2009 season with a rating of 41.2. 

Highlight of the week

Let's revisit that Mike Adams block. He led the way for former Spartan Le'Veon Bell by plowing through Bills linebacker Nigel Bradham. 

How ex-Buckeyes Fared During Week 10 

[GIF via @SteelersDepot ]