Nittany Lions In The NFL: Week Eight Recap

Alex Bauer | Onward State

Week eight of the NFL season was one in which the top dogs separated themselves from the pack, with most teams projected to win getting the job done in convincing fashion.

As we move toward the middle of the season, Nittany Lions in the NFL are continuing to impact the pro game at the highest level. From dominant ground game performances by the likes of Miles Sanders to heads-up scoop-and-scores by Micah Parsons, let’s take a closer look at what these Penn Staters accomplished this week.

Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles

Miles Sanders proved to be as elusive as ever this week, as he and the Eagles took on the Steelers. Sanders was able to tally a whopping 78 yards on just nine carries, which is good for an average of 8.67 yards per touch. His production was limited due to standout performances by Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, who connected for three touchdowns in the first half.

Sanders helped seal the deal for Philadelphia when he slammed the B gap and bounced outside for the score, scoring his fifth touchdown of the year.

Sanders and the 7-0 Eagles look like an unstoppable force, and they’ll take on the Texans next week to defend their unbeaten record.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

While Parsons had his quietest game since week three in terms of tackles on the stat sheet, only making four, he showed off his football IQ and athleticism…and maybe even glimpses of running back potential against the Bears this week. Diving on a fumble midway through the third quarter, he remained untouched and proceeded to take the ball to the house for his first career touchdown with shifty moves on Chicago’s offensive line.

The 6-2 Cowboys will take a break next week and then return in week 10 to play the Packers.

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley continued his revenge tour this week, but the game script limited his chances as his Giants found themselves forced to pass the ball while down big to the Seahawks. Barkley was only able to rack up 53 yards from scrimmage, his lowest total of the year. Still, Barkley was able to punch in a touchdown.

He’s still second in the league in rushing yards and is ranked sixth in rushing touchdowns, so Barkley and the Giants should be able to bounce back and rely on the production of their bell cow back.

KJ Hamler, Denver Broncos

KJ Hamler has been having a frustrating year in Chef Russ’ kitchen, unable to get many targets in the Broncos’ floundering offense. This week, however, Wilson called his number on an admittedly under-thrown long ball that Hamler was able to haul in for 47 yards. His quick release and blistering speed are definitely back after his ACL repair last season, and Denver should be looking his way much more in the coming weeks.

He totaled 52 receiving yards and also took a jet sweep for nine yards on the ground in the Broncos’ win of the year over the Jaguars.

Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins

Mike Gesicki and the Dolphins overcame a 14-point deficit to win against the Lions this week. Gesicki got the final say in the game as he was able to secure Tua Tagovailoa’s end zone shot through contact and get the game-winning score for Miami.

While tallying 38 yards through the air, Gesicki also moved up the record books in Miami as his 2,490 career receiving yards make him the second-most productive tight end in franchise history. He’s only 606 yards behind Randy McMichael, so the 27-year-old’s road to No. 1 could be in reach.

Other Notables:

Jaquan Brisker is crushing his rookie campaign for the Bears and is one of the bright spots on Chicago’s struggling squad. This week, the safety recorded a sack and tackle for loss in his nine total tackles.
Kicker Robbie Gould was active this week for the 49ers as they thumped the Rams. He was perfect from the PAT line with four makes and and also punched in a 29-yard kick for three points.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in four passes for 57 yards in the Steelers’ loss to the Eagles. His depth of target has increased from 5.6 to 8.0 and as Kenny Pickett settles into Matt Canada’s offense, his total numbers should rise as well.
Receiver Allen Robinson continues to be a weapon for the Rams, even in their loss to San Fransisco. He recorded 54 yards on five receptions, with one of them going for a burst of 23 yards. His role could increase next week as his teammate Cooper Kupp nurses his ankle injury.
Bucs wideout Chris Godwin hauled in six passes for 75 yards in Tampa Bay’s loss to the Ravens on Thursday Night Football.

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About the Author

Jack Scott

Jack is a senior industrial engineering major from Pittsburgh, PA. Sometimes, he enjoys the misunderstanding of his friends and family that Penn State Club Ski Racing may be a D1 sport and usually won't correct them. Jack is way too into Thundercat for his own good. Follow him on Twitter @joscottIV and Instagram @jackscott._iv

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