There were some big moments this past weekend in the NFL by former Penn State stars, including a game-tying touchdown as time expired, a potential breakout play for one player, and a rookie recording his first career stats.

However, it was a quiet weekend overall for the Nittany Lions in the league… almost as quiet as Penn State’s offense in the first half against Northwestern on Saturday.  

A win’s a win in our book, so here’s how the once-Nittany Lions fared in the NFL this past weekend. 

Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

After a slow start to the former first-rounder’s second season, Jahan Dotson showed why he was worth the high draft pick. Dotson only hauled in four catches for 27 yards and a touchdown, but Dotson’s touchdown reception came in clutch.

As time expired, Commander’s quarterback Sam Howell found Dotson in the end zone for the game-tying touchdown as the clock melted to zero.

Jahan Dotson forces the tie pic.twitter.com/mWSU6nCp96

— Onward State (@OnwardState) October 1, 2023

However, the touchdown was all for naught as the Eagles kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime to seal a 34-31 victory over the Commanders. 

Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin put up his best numbers all season in Tampa Bay’s 26-9 win over the New Orleans Saints. Godwin had eight receptions on 11 targets for 114 yards on Sunday, one of which was for 42 yards.

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons had a quiet game, statistically, in a 38-3 blowout against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Parsons had only two total tackles and a run stuff but still made an impact by beating double-teams and pressuring both Patriots quarterbacks, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, all afternoon.

Yetur Gross-Matos, Carolina Panthers

So far this season, Yetur Gross-Matos already has the same number of sacks as he did all of last season, including a sack this past week in the Panthers’ 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Gross-Matos recorded four solo tackles, a run stuff, and a hit on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, which forced an ill-advised pass that led to an interception. 

At this pace, Gross-Matos is on the verge of a potential breakout season.

Nick Scott, Cincinnati Bengals

Nick Scott was all over the place Sunday afternoon, racking up nine solo tackles, one assist, and two run stuffs in the Bengals’ 27-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Jaquan Brisker, Chicago Bears

Jaquan Brisker had three solo tackles through a total of five and two assists as the Bears fell to 0-4 on Sunday in a tough 31-28 loss to the Denver Broncos. Brisker now has 24 tackles and two pass deflections on the season.

Bears General Manager Ryan Poles was also spotted wearing a Brisker hoodie on the sidelines of Penn State’s battle with Northwestern at Ryan Field.

Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers

Miles Sanders was involved but not very productive against the Vikings on Sunday afternoon. Sanders had 13 carries for 19 yards and brought in three receptions for 13 yards as well.

Ji’Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers

Rookie safety Ji’Ayir Brown recorded his first career stats against the Arizona Cardinals in his team’s 35-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Brown had one solo and one assisted tackle on Sunday.  

Other Notables

• Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers’ offense had a slow day as it lost to the Houston Texans 30-6. Freiermuth had three receptions for seven yards. 
• Allen Robinson didn’t have a productive afternoon either. The veteran receiver only had one catch for eight yards for the Steelers as well.
• Mike Gesicki and the Patriots’ offense couldn’t do much against the Cowboys’ defense. Gesicki had one catch on three targets for 12 yards.