Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week Four Recap
After a handful of former Penn State stars found the end zone, you could certainly say it was a big weekend for Nittany Lions in the NFL.
Here’s a quick recap on how Penn State’s NFL representatives fared in this week’s action:
Saquon Barkley
After slowly increasing his snap count through the first three weeks, the Giants finally unleashed Barkley on Sunday afternoon. Barkley ran all over the Saints’ defense for 52 rushing yards to go along with five receptions for 74 yards. However, it was later in the game where Barkley was able to put his team on his back and give the Giants their first win of the season.
NEVER DOUBT THIS MAN
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 3, 2021pic.twitter.com/TH4askpX8Z
With seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Barkley caught a 54 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Daniel Jones to make it a one-possession game. After the Giants were able to tie the game and send it to overtime, Barkley once again played the role of hero. He took a handoff and ran up the middle for six yards to secure the victory.
Mike Gesicki
Despite a rough first two weeks, Mike Gesicki has become one of the more reliable tight ends in all the NFL. After an impressive 10-catch, 86-yard game a week ago, Gesicki backed it up by hauling in five passes for 57 yards and his first touchdown of the season.
Mike Gesicki is falling…with style
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 3, 2021pic.twitter.com/1EmAs4wRBy
Amani Oruwariye
For the second straight week, Detroit Lions defensive back Amani Oruwariye found himself on the stat sheet after recording an interception.
That’s already
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 3, 2021interceptions for Amani Oruwariye this season
interceptions for Amani Oruwariye this season 
A week ago, Oruwariye was able to pick off Lamar Jackson for his first interception of the season. This time, Oruwariye picked off Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields for his second interception of the season and the fifth of his career. Oruwariye recorded six total tackles.
Odafe Oweh
Through the first four games of the season, there haven’t been many rookies across the NFL who have made the type of immediate impact that Odafe Oweh has for the Baltimore Ravens. Through four games, Oweh has recorded eight tackles, two sacks, and a game-saving forced fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs. This week, Oweh continued his defensive rookie of the year campaign with a sack on Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Juwan Johnson
Similar to his short time in Happy Valley, Johnson has very quietly become a favorite red-zone target for his quarterback. After catching two touchdown passes in the first three games this season, Johnson was once again able to find the end zone on Sunday against the Giants.
Juwan Johnson is an unreal tight end
— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 3, 2021
Through four games, Johnson has hauled in three touchdowns and 67 yards on six catches.
Micah Parsons
Parsons has been everything the Cowboys hoped for and then some so far this season. On Sunday against the Panthers, he added another sack to his total to go along with four tackles.
Through four games, Parsons has registered 11 total tackles and 2.5 sacks as he hopes to make a Defensive Rookie of the Year case himself.
Other Notables
- Chris Godwin hauled in three of his five targets for 55 yards in the Buccaneers’ win over the Patriots
- Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson’s struggles continued as the star wideout managed only three catches for 63 yards. Despite the slow day, Robinson was still able to make a very impressive catch down the right sideline for a big gain.
Fields delivers a strike to Allen Robinson. #DaBears
— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021
: 
: NFL app - Nick Scott had a solid game on Sunday despite his team’s struggles. The former standout safety recorded four total tackles in the Rams’ loss to the Cardinals.
- Defensive tackle Austin Johnson recorded six total tackles for the Giants, bringing his total to 20 through four games.
- Packers safety Adrian Amos added five more tackles in Green Bay’s win over the Steelers, bringing his season total to 29.
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