Brandon Allen Makes Debut, Other Hogs Step Up in Preseason Play

Many former Arkansas Razorback football players took part in the first day of NFL Preseason play. Here’s how your Pro Hogs performed.

After the cancellation of the 2016 Hall of Fame Game between the Colts and Packers due to “poor field conditions,” NFL fans were finally treated to some football Thursday night as the first batch of preseason games played out.

Hog fans could also relish in the first preseason games. Whether or not you could watch it on TV, it was fun watching former Razorbacks in the NFL opening the 2016 season.

Four Pro Hogs made the stat sheet on Thursday. I’ll give you the final tallies then a more in-depth look at their games.

Final Stats

• Brandon Allen (Jac)- 10/19, 138 YDS, 1 INT
• AJ Derby (NE)- 3 REC, 47 YDS
• Ryan Mallett (BAL)- 11/15, 91 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Trey Flowers (NE)- 1 SACK, 1 FUMB REC, 1 TD

must read: Takeaways From Razorback Full Pad Practice

Former Hog QB Brandon Allen had by far the most anticipated debut. Being a sixth round draft pick already created adversity, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out for him in the next few preseason games. After Jacksonville QBs Blake Bortles and Chad Henne got their snaps, it was BA time.

It was apparent from the get-go that Allen was not used to being behind such a shaky O-Line (I think we spoiled him). But he was able to truck through a tough situation and made things exciting in the final minutes of the game. With the Jags down 17-13, Allen drove them down the field. But with a last ditch effort, Brandon’s pass was deflected in the endzone and intercepted to clinch a Jets victory.

Even with a loss, the Jacksonville fan base was pleased with Allen’s first go around.

Since we’re talking about quarterbacks, let’s assess Ryan Mallett‘s first preseason game. With Ravens starter Joe Flacco still being sidelined due to a knee injury last season, Mallett was given the start on Thursday and played through the entire first half. The former Hog looked at least decent tonight, finishing with 91 yards, a TD and an interception. After starting two games last year, it looks like Mallett could find himself a home in Baltimore. Let’s hope he continues to take advantage of this second chance in the NFL. 

But don’t get your hopes up too quick, Hog fans. Joe Flacco will be the starter by the time regular season rolls around. In fact, a QB battle between Mallett and other Baltimore backup Josh Johnson could be in the making.

TE AJ Derby and DL Trey Flowers are the last of the Pro Hog bunch, both playing for the New England Patriots. The converted TE Derby was drafted two years ago but never saw the field in his rookie season. Finally he was given his chance tonight, and boy he didn’t disappoint. He finished out the night with 47 yards on 3 catches. 

Flowers might have had a bigger night though. His man-handling of Luke McCown forced a fumble followed by a scoop-and-score to give the Patriots a 31-22 lead.

Overall I am proud of the batch of Pro Hogs from the first night of preseason. Unfortunately Friday night won’t be as exciting, but Saturday will bring us a lot of new and many veteran Hogs in the NFL. Be sure to check out those games and call those Hogs.

Woo Pig.