The NFL's Unsung Heroes Of Week 2

By Kerry J. Byrne
Cold, Hard Football Facts Unsung Zero

The NFL always provides unsung heroes in all phases of the game. Week 2 of the 2011 season was no exception. This week’s unsung heroes include one rookie defender, one rising star on offense, and one grizzled NFL veteran who provided service with a smile.
 
Karl Klug, DT, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee pulled of the biggest upset of Week 2, dishing out a 26-13 beating of the Baltimore Ravens, a team widely perceived as an AFC power.
 
Klug, an undersized rookie defense tackle (275 pounds) out of Iowa, impressed coaches in the preseason and then played a huge and unexpected role in Tennessee’s first win of the season, with a sack and two forced fumbles.
 
In fact, his first big play on defense set the wheels of upset in motion. Klug stuffed Ricky Williams in the Baltimore backfield early in the second quarter, forcing the ball loose. Tennessee defender Jordan Babineaux recovered. The big play gave the Titans the ball at the Baltimore 34, setting up Tennessee’s first field goal and an early 3-0 lead.
 
Preston Parker, WR/KR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Parker, a second-year undrafted receiver out of North Alabama, entered Tampa’s Week 2 game at Minnesota with just 8 catches for 44 yards in his brief career.
 
He exited the 24-20 Buccaneers victory a bona fide weapon. Parker led Tampa with 6 receptions for a game-high 98 yards, three of them for first downs. His 51-yard reception in the third quarter was the longest play by either team and set up a Tampa field goal to bring the Bucs within a touchdown, 17-10, during their furious second-half comeback.
 
Parker also returned punts and kickoffs, ending the day with 11 touches for 193 all-purpose yards.
 
Bart Scott, LB/Maitre d’, New York Jets
We all know players and coaches work the officials for favorable treatment. But rehydrating them, too?
 
Scott, a veteran linebacker, had what we might call a “moment” with side judge Larry Rose during Gang Green’s 32-3 win over Jacksonville. During a break in the action, the helmet-less Scott ran up to the official on the sidelines with a cup of Gatorade in each hand and a smile on his face, as if he were working a cocktail party.
 
“Hey, look at this, what a courteous group of guys playing for the Jets,” noted color commentator Dan Dierdorf.
 
Of course, the thirsty officials could not be bought off, even with a refreshing drink. They flagged the Jets for illegal formation on the very next play. But Scott certainly did his part to earn unsung hero status in our book.

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