Another week of the 2021 NFL season is in the books, and several Penn Staters made an impact for their respective teams. From a history-making day from Chris Godwin to another impressive game from Micah Parsons, Nittany Lions in the NFL are rolling lately.

As playoff races heat up, here’s a look at how Penn State’s NFL representatives fared this weekend.

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wide receiver Chris Godwin had 15 receptions for 143 yards on Sunday, helping his Bucs defeat the Atlanta Falcons 30-17. The 15 catches set a single-game record in Bucs franchise history, and they’re also the most catches a wideout has had all season.

With his 15th catch today, @CGtwelve_ now holds the franchise record for single-game receptions AND has the most catches in an NFL game this year.

Every RT is a #ProBowlVote! pic.twitter.com/m5zM8pe0sK

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 5, 2021

So far this season, Godwin has 949 receiving yards and six total touchdowns, and with Tom Brady throwing to him, it’s hard to imagine he won’t rack up more. His play has helped the defending champs remain atop the NFC South throughout the season and maintain one of the best records in the entire league. 

Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles

Running back Miles Sanders rushed for 120 yards as the Eagles defeated the Jets 33-18. Sanders, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, needed to leave the game early due to an ankle injury and did not return.

Sanders has rushed for 578 yards this season but surprisingly does not have a touchdown yet. The Eagles have a bye week coming up, which should provide good timing for Sanders to recover from his injury.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins

Tight end Mike Gesicki, who played at Penn State from 2014 to 2017, had seven receptions for 46 yards in the Dolphins’ 20-9 win over the New York Giants. Gesicki’s Dolphins are one of the hottest teams in football with five consecutive wins after starting the season 1-7.

Gesicki will carry his 642 receiving yards and two touchdowns into next the bye week before facing the New York Jets.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Rookie linebacker Micah Parsons continued his impressive season in Dallas’ win against New Orleans on Thursday with five total tackles and a sack.

Micah Parsons’ 10th sack of the season sets up another Blake Gillikin punt.

That’s just Nittany Lion love, baby. pic.twitter.com/G9M7VIYdoU

— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 3, 2021

With 10 sacks on the year, which ties him for eighth in the league and is the most among rookies, Parsons finds himself right in the middle of the Defensive Rookie Player of the Year conversation. Parsons will aim to keep up his lights-out play when the Cowboys play the Washington Football Team next week.

Amani Oruwariye, Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions finally got a win, and cornerback Amani Oruwariye played a big part in that thanks to seven tackles, including one tackle for loss.

Oruwariye has been solid this season with five interceptions and 51 total tackles.

Nick Scott, Los Angeles Rams

Safety Nick Scott totaled three tackles in the Rams’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Los Angeles had a multi-game losing streak until this weekend, but perhaps this win against the Jaguars is the spark Scott and team needed to get back on track. 

So far this season, Scott has totaled 27 tackles and two interceptions.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley continued to shake off the rust in the Giants’ 20-9 loss to the Dolphins as he eases back from injury. The running back totaled 55 yards on the ground and added six catches for 19 yards.

It’s been another injury filled season for Barkley, totaled only 315 rushing yards and three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) so far. Barkley will try to get on track when the Giants travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers next week.

Other Notables

• Defensive tackle Austin Johnson had five total tackles in the Giants’ loss to the Dolphins, while linebacker Cam Brown had just one tackle.
• Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth had three receptions for 26 yards in the Steelers’ win over the Ravens. Freiermuth added a successful two-point conversion, too.

That’s for Pat Freiermuth and the @steelers! pic.twitter.com/p3jpP1TbEC

— Onward State (@OnwardState) December 6, 2021

• Defensive end Odafe Oweh had five total tackles in the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers.
• Seahawks cornerback John Reid had one tackle in his team’s win over the San Francisco 49ers.