Week one of the NFL season is in the books, and there are plenty of notable performances by former Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State has been a welcome campus for scouts looking for draftable players and free-agent signing ground for NFL teams to build their roster will talent. Bulldog fans can be proud that Mississippi State is the state leader in the number of players in the NFL from Mississippi institutions for higher learning.
Notable NFL Performances
The best quarterback in Mississippi State history made a successful return to the field for the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott was masterful in leading the Cowboys’ comeback to take the lead against Tampa Bay. Prescott threw for 403 yards, 3 touchdowns, and one interception.
Prescott led a potential game-winning drive capped off by a field goal. The issue here is the Cowboys left too much time on the clock, and Tom Brady led his own game-winning drive.
Chris Jones and the Chiefs defense was the catalyst in the comeback against the Browns. Jones totaled 3 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 QB hits from his new defensive end position. Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Jones’ performance as the Chiefs were missing three defensive starters. Watch Jones’ interview below talking bout the Chiefs’ defensive performance against the Browns.
Jeffery Simmons and the Titans suffered a 38-13 defeat to the Cardinals, but Simmons played well. Simmons tallied 5 solo tackles and 1 sack.
Montez Sweat and the Redskins fell to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Sweat garnered 4 total tackles to go along with 1 sack.
Jonathan Abram and the Raiders are flying high after their miracle comeback, win, near defeat, and finally putting away the Baltimore Ravens. Abram tied for the lead with 10 tackles, and he had 1 PD.
Other NFL Performances
The Green Bay Packers had 5 former Bulldogs in uniform in the loss against the Saints. Preston Smith made 5 tackles. Elgton Jenkins started at LT but made 2 tackles on Packer turnovers. Kylin Hill made his regular-season NFL debut rising for 14 yards on 5 carries and returning 2 kickoffs for 29 yards. JT Gray, who was named one of Saints captains, tallied 4 total tackles.
Pernell McPhee made 2 tackles and one sack against the Raiders. Darius Slay made 6 tackles and 1 PD. KJ Wright made his debut with the Raiders and made two total tackles. Gabe Jackson started at guard for the Seahawks and helped them to 380 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns in the win over the Colts. Denico Autry made one tackle.
Chauncy Rivers made his debut with the Packers. Fletcher Cox started the game for the Eagles but did not record any tackles. Logan Cooke punted 6 times with an average of 49.5 yards.