James Fenderson made his first start at running back for the New Orleans Saints yesterday, and the results were a mixed bag. Fenderson scores a TD
From staff and wire reports
The former Hawaii walk-on out of Mililani scored his first NFL touchdown, but he also fumbled in the final minute of the Saints' 24-15 loss to the Cleveland Browns. All told he rushed seven times for a team-high 35 yards (including his 17-yard third-quarter scoring romp) and caught a team-high five passes for 33 yards. He also made a tackle after Anthony Henry intercepted a pass from Aaron Brooks.
In the Broncos-Colts game, former Hawaii kicker Jason Elam missed his first extra-point attempt after a record 371 straight conversions. The miss proved costly as Denver lost 23-30 in overtime. Broncos receiver Ashley Lelie (Radford, Hawaii) caught one pass for 23 yards -- a beautiful over-the-shoulder reception in the fourth quarter.
Seattle tight end Itula Mili continued his recent roll with four catches for 53 yards, though he didn't start because the Seahawks opened with a three-wideout set. The receptions and yardage helped the Kahuku graduate set career highs of 29 catches and 309 yards.
Defensively, Steelers defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen (Molokai) started but made no tackles, and Ravens reserve defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (Kahuku) made one tackle assist.
Also starting yesterday were centers Olin Kreutz of the Bears, Dominic Raiola (St. Louis) of the Lions and Kevin Mawae (dad grew up in Hawaii) of the Jets, right guards Kynan Forney (Hawaii) of the Falcons, Toniu Fonoti (Kahuku) of the Chargers and Chris Naeole (Kahuku) of Jacksonville.
Former Hawaii lineman Adrian Klemm came off the bench on the Patriots' offensive line.