PSU in NFL: Week 8 moments from former Penn State players
It’s crazy to think we are already halfway through the NFL regular season. On top of that, we have seen plenty of former Penn State players that have shown out so far through the course of the season.
Not only that, but players like Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders, who are coming up on contract years, have really increased their value, especially Sanders. Barkley has put himself in the running for the Comeback Player of the Year Award and it kind of seems like there isn’t really anyone close to him as of right now.
There have been multiple former Penn State players named every week in here, and will continue to do so. Those players are Micah Parsons, Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders.
One interesting former Penn State player to keep an eye on is Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki. It will be interesting to see if Miami trades him at the deadline, which is today.
Let’s take a look at the top performers from former Penn State players from Week 8 of the NFL season.
Chris Godwin - 6 catches for 75 yards
Oct 27, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) breaks a tackle from Baltimore Ravens cornerback Damarion Williams (22) in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Godwin was the team’s second-leading receiver last Thursday against the Ravens behind Mike Evans. However, the team still continues to struggle, losing by five, with a final score of 27-22.
Jaquoa Brisker - 9 total tackles
Oct 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6), defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad (55) and safety Jaquan Brisker (9) celebrate after Brisker sacked Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
There are a few players that will continue to be on here every week. Jaquan Brisker is one of them. He has not only been one of the most impressive rookies for Penn State this season, but he has also been one of the most impressive players on the Bears defense. He was the team’s second-leading tackler on Sunday, despite losing by 20 to Dallas.
Micah Parsons - 4 total tackles and a fumble recovery
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s head over to the opponent of the Chicago Bears. The Dallas Cowboys. Like Brisker, Micah Parsons will continue to be on here every week. Sure, he had just four total tackles. But he also had a fumble recovery and helped Dallas take down Chicago on Sunday by 20.
Mike Gesicki - 3 catches for 38 yards and 1 touchdown
Oct 30, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown against Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye (24) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports
Miami beat Detroit by just four points on Sunday. Mike Gesicki is coming up on a contract year. He has been a bit shaky this season. And his stats didn’t really stand out. But he did have a touchdown reception, one that helped Miami win this game.
Pat Freiermuth - 4 catches for 57 yards
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) tries to get past Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards (57) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers passing game struggled on Sunday. Even though they didn’t really stand out, Pat Freiermuth was the team’s leading receiver against the Eagles. The Steelers have struggled all season. However, in his 15-year coaching career with the Steelers, this will likely be his first season under .500 for future Hall of Fame coach Mike Tomlin.
Miles Sanders - 9 carries for 78 yards and 1 touchdown
Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) carries the ball on way to an 11-yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles continue to impress, being the only undefeated team left in the league this season. They have had multiple players contribute to their success. Miles Sanders, another former Penn State player coming up on a contract year, is one of them. The Eagles beat the Steelers 35-13 on Sunday, and Sanders had himself a touchdown run and was the leading rusher for the team.
Adrian Amos - 5 total tackles
Oct 16, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Adrian Amos (31) runs with the ball against the New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) during the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen/Appleton Post-Crescent-USA TODAY NETWORK
Like the Buccaneers, the Packers are continuing to struggle. They lost in Buffalo on Sunday Night Football with a final score of 27-17. They started to come back in the fourth quarter, and on defense, Adrian Amos was near the top in terms of production on Sunday night.
Saquon Barkley - 20 carries for 53 yards and 1 touchdown
Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Another former Penn State player that will continue to be on here every week. Not only that but he will continue to be mentioned in here multiple times for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, and rightfully so. Saquon Barkley had a touchdown run and was the leading receiver for the Giants on Sunday. However, Daniel Jones struggled and they lost 27-13 to the Seattle Seahawks.
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