Penn State Players in the NFL: Week 8

Story posted October 30, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by Francesco de Falco

The NFL trade deadline is officially upon us and teams have made it very clear. In one of the crazier deadlines to date, teams tore themselves down in a race for the first overall pick while others got key playmakers for pennies on the dollar. Amidst all the pandemonium, here’s how a few former Nittany Lions were able to make some noise.

Saquon Barkley:

To nobody's surprise, Barkley continued to make a case for Rookie of the Year despite the New York Giants losing… again. This time, the Giants fell to the Washington Redskins 20-13.

Barkley carried the ball only 13 times for 38 yards rushing bug also tallied nine receptions for 73 yards. He now has 100 or more yards from scrimmage in seven of his first eight games, a feat so impressive that his opponent last week in future-Hall-of-Famer Adrian Peterson gave him praise after the game.

Why the 2018 second overall pick is running the ball only 13 times in a game is beyond most fans, but Barkley should have some ease finding the ball in other aspects of the game as the Giants try to find at least one more win this season.

Chris Godwin:

Godwin was critical in a comeback attempt made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that would’ve brought the game into overtime if it wasn’t for a last-minute field goal by the Cincinnati Bengals to win 37-34.

On top of two catches for 32 yards receiving, Godwin caught a clutch two-point conversion off of a tight-window throw by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to tie the game. Targets don’t come easily to Godwin while top-tier receivers Desean Jackson and Mike Evans are in the same rotation.

Small but meaningful plays may be one of the only ways for him to make an impact in that offense. Godwin will be an interesting player to watch as the Bucs quarterback situation, and their season, continues to fall into uncertainty.

Adrian Amos:

It would be unfair to judge a safety based on individual statistics. Amos may have recorded only two total tackles, but as a part of a defensive unit, the Chicago Bears held New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold to 14 completions on 29 attempts with 153 yards passing and one touchdown.

Chicago gave up that one touchdown late but held the lead the entire game. Amos complimented a fantastic Bears secondary this week and will continue to be a vital part of the team as the Bears try to find their way out of the NFC North come playoff time.

Honorable Mentions:

Cornerback Grant Haley recorded four tackles in the Giants loss to the Redskins. He saw playing time due to fellow cornerback Eli Apple’s trade to the New Orleans Saints. As the Giants enter a rebuild, Haley could be seeing some snaps as they test their young talent.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee made his return from injury last week. With Dallas taking time off during its bye week, expect Lee to be a vital part of that defense once the team is well rested.

The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans this morning, leaving room for rookie DaeSean Hamilton in the lineup. Going forward, Hamilton could enter the rotation for Denver.

With moves all over the league, look for some former Nittany Lions to continue their dominance and for others to find ways to make a name for themselves.

 


Francesco de Falco is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact him, email fpd5052@psu.edu.