Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week Three Recap
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With the NFL season fully underway, three Nittany Lions took the field in a prime-time rivalry matchup, and others made marks around the league, too.
On Monday night, Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons shined in the New York Giants’ version of a Penn State White Out against the division rival Dallas Cowboys. Elsewhere, other Nittany Lions such as Pat Freiermuth and Jaquan Brisker continued to impress. Here’s a closer look at how Nittany Lions in the NFL performed during week three.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Saquon Barkley provided Penn State’s only NFL touchdown in week three in the Giants’ 23-16 loss to the Cowboys. Barkley totaled 81 yards in addition to his touchdown, showing the league that he is indeed back.
His 14 rushing attempts gave him an average of 5.8 yards per carry, bringing his season average to 6.0 yards — the league’s seventh-best mark. He also caught four receptions for 45 yards as the Giants’ main glimmer of hope in their eventual loss.
Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons continued to show why he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. Though he only had one tackle on the night, Parsons took down Giants offensive linemen left and right.
His effort on the pass rush helped open up his teammates’ five sacks on quarterback Daniel Jones. There is seemingly no slowing down his case for Defensive Player of the Year – not even an illness can do the trick.
Amani Oruwariye, Detroit Lions
Amani Oruwariye had mixed results this week as he fought against the Vikings’ offense in the Lions’ 24-21 loss Sunday. On one hand, he recorded of nine tackles (seven solo) —Â the most of any Nittany Lion in the NFL this week. But, along with the tackles, Oruwariye had a startling six penalties against him, contributing a majority of Detroit’s seven overall penalties.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers again came up short with this week’s 29-17 defeat to the Browns. Like last week, the tight end couldn’t find the end zone, but he did gain 41 yards on only two receptions. Freiermuth now sits at 11 catches and 138 yards on the year.
Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears
Brisker helped the Bears secure their 23-20 victory over the Titans, as he contributed six tackles —Â four of which as solo stops. Brisker now has 20 tackles and one fumble recovery through his first three games. His case for becoming Penn State’s second consecutive Defensive Rookie of the Year continues to grow.
Other Notables:
- After scoring in his first two NFL games, Washington Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson failed to find the end zone. The rookie managed just two catches for 10 yards in Washington’s 24-8 collapse against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
- Running back Miles Sanders had a solid performance in the Eagles’ victory over the Commanders, rushing for 46 yards over 15 carries. He averaged only 3.1 yards per carry in this one, but he has 222 yards over his first three games, which is good for the 11th-most in the league.
- Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki had a quiet day, only managing a lone catch for six yards as his team beat the Bills 21-19.
- Grant Haley recorded five tackles as the Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-12. The cornerback made his return to the field, as he was called up to the Rams’ active roster on Saturday. Safety Nick Scott and receiver Allen Robinson also played alongside Haley, with Scott contributing seven tackles and Robinson turning in two receptions for 23 yards.
- Punter Blake Gillikin played in the New Orleans Saints loss to the Carolina Panthers, punting six times for 285 yards. He is now fifth in the NFL in total punt yards with 775.
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