Nittany Lions in the NFL: Week 3
It was a rather quiet Week 2 for Penn Staters in the NFL amidst the disappointing news that Jaguars receiver and Penn State legend Allen Robinson suffered a torn ACL, ending his season.
With 26 total Penn State alums on NFL rosters, let’s examine which Nittany Lions made an impact for their teams on Sunday and who we expect to shine in Week 3.
Chris Godwin saw his first NFL action as a Buccaneer in Week 2. The rookie played 29 snaps and was targeted twice, but did not record a reception. Still, it was refreshing for fans to see the poster child of Penn State’s 2016 draft class see the field for the first time. Expect Godwin to get increased reps going forward and record his first reception sooner rather than later.
Anthony Zettel was featured by ESPN’s Jon Gruden during the Monday Night Football broadcast as a player to watch. Gruden raved about Zettel’s opening game tape and showed the notorious clip of the powerful Penn Stater tackling a tree. Thus far, Zettel has impressed despite making the transition from an interior defensive tackle at Penn State to a defensive end with Detroit. Big number 69 has recorded 7 tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a sack in two games. He has a great story, persevering after losing his father to cancer in 2015. Zettel is certainly poised for a breakout season.
Mike Hull seems to be settling into his starting linebacker role with the Dolphins, racking up 10 tackles in a win against the Chargers. Hull helped Miami’s defense make several key stands late in the game. Going from undrafted to NFL starter is a great storyline for Hull and one for Penn State fans to follow closely in 2017.
Chris Hogan counts, right? The former Penn State lacrosse star includes his former school when introducing himself on Sunday Night Football, so naturally he should be included. New Orleans on Sunday? Not so much. The undrafted receiver hauled in 5 of 6 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown, leading his team in routes run. In the fantasy world, Hogan ended up being a solid flex play despite leaving the game with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable for Week 3.
Trevor Williams recorded six tackles and two pass break-ups in San Diego’s Week 2 loss to Miami, finding his way into the rotation of the Chargers’ secondary. While Williams is the lesser known of the three Penn State defensive backs in the NFL (Amos, Lucas), he has been the most productive thus far.
Jesse James had a tough act to follow after posting a career high two touchdown receptions against the Browns. Still, he played well against the Vikings as Pittsburgh improved to 2-0. James caught 4 passes for 27 yards, but left the game with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable heading into Week 3.
A.Q. Shipley played all 66 snaps at center for Arizona in their overtime win over Indianapolis. Shipley helped provide time for Carson Palmer to pass for 332 yards, as the Cardinals adapt to life without David Johnson. Look for big number 53 in red as the Cards host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 3.
Matt Freiler is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, e-mail mjf19@psu.edu.
