Penn State in the NFL: Week One

Story posted September 10, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Palmira Rios

After six months of off-season, the NFL is back. With many former Nittany Lions currently in the league, here is a quick recap of a few standouts from week one of the regular season.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee entered the season after signing a six-year, $42 million contract extension, even after missing 10 games in 2012 due to a toe injury. Lee made five combined tackles in the 36-31 win against the New York Giants on Sunday night. One of his biggest tackles of the night came on a 1st and goal at the Dallas one-yard line that prevented the Giants from taking an early 7-3 lead. The win marked the first time the Cowboys beat the Giants at AT&T Stadium since its opening season in 2009.

Another standout linebacker was former third-round pick, NaVorro Bowman, of the San Francisco 49ers. He racked up eight combined tackles and one fumble in the Niners 34-28 win over the Green Bay Packers. The forced fumble came during the second quarter, when Eddie Lacy was hit by Bowman and teammate Justin Smith. The ball was recovered by the 49ers and set up a Colin Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin touchdown to put San Fran ahead.

One of the biggest preseason surprises was Penn State’s former quarterback, Matt McGloin. The undrafted rookie free agent won the third string quarterback spot beating out Tyler Wilson this preseason, but did not see any playing time on Sunday.

Also a part of the Raiders roster is second-year defensive end, Jack Crawford, who notched a tackle against the Indianapolis Colts.

Tamba Hali, former first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, tallied two tackles and one interception in the Chiefs 28-2 romp of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Part of that losing Jacksonville team was linebacker Paul Posluszny, who had 10 tackles.

Some other former Nittany Lions of note around the league were Chicago Bears kicker, Robbie Gould who kicked a 58-yarder before the end of the first half, giving the edge to the Bears in their 24-21 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Miami Dolphins defensive ends, Jared Odrick made a single tackle, while Cameron Wake went for four and 2.5 sacks against the Cleveland Browns.

The remaining Nittany Lions currently on NFL rosters started their seasons on the bench. Fouth and seventh round pick rookie linebackers, Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti, of the Minnesota Vikings, inactive running back Evan Royster of the Washington Redskins, rookie Jordan Hill with the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packer tight end, Andrew Quarless did not see any action this Sunday.