Crimson Tide in the NFL Spotlight: Week 16
12/30/2020 10:44:00 AM | Football
Former Alabama players shine in the 16th week of the 2020 NFL season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The 16th week of the 2020-21 season in the National Football League wrapped up on Monday. Below is a look at some of the highlights from Week 16 by former Crimson Tide players currently in the NFL.
Former Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. had a huge day for the Minnesota Vikings. Smith hauled in a season-high six passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Joining Smith with impressive receiving performances were Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley. Cooper racked up 121 yards on four catches in the Dallas Cowboys' win over the division-rival Eagles to officially knock Philadelphia out of playoff contention. Ridley caught five passes for a team-high 130 yards in the Atlanta Falcons matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. With his performance on Sunday, Ridley ranks fifth in the NFL in receiving yards.
On Sunday night, Derrick Henry carried the load for the Tennessee Titans. Henry rushed for 98 yards on 23 carries as the former Heisman winner continues to lead the NFL in rushing yards on the year with 1,777.
On the defensive side of the ball, two former Tide linemen contributed in a big way. Jarran Reed helped the Seattle Seahawks clinch a playoff berth with his performance, totaling three stops, including two tackles for loss and two sacks, to go with one quarterback hurry. Da'Ron Payne stuffed his stat sheet for the Washington Football Team with four tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack, while also adding one quarterback hurry.
Former Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick helped Pittsburgh continue their successful season thanks to his output this past week. Fitzpatrick tallied eight tackles and broke up one pass in the Steelers' win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rounding out the defensive group was rookie Xavier McKinney. The New York Giants' safety recorded a season-high eight tackles against the Baltimore Ravens.
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