Crimson Tide in the NFL Spotlight: Week 3
9/25/2024 4:30:00 PM | Football
Former Alabama players make an impact in Week 3 of the NFL season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The National Football League concluded Week 3 of the regular season Monday evening. Below is a look at how former Alabama players performed on the gridiron last week.
For the second consecutive week, a trio of former Tide running backs posted exceptional numbers. Derrick Henry was largely responsible for helping the Ravens pick up their first win of the year. Henry carried the ball a season-high 25 times for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns while adding one reception for 23 yards in Baltimore's 28-25 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 16 times for 83 yards while managing 20 yards and a touchdown through the air in the Detroit Lions' matchup in Arizona with the Cardinals. Najee Harris of the Steelers totaled 70 rushing yards on 18 attempts and added five receptions for 16 yards in Pittsburgh's 20-10 win over the Chargers.
Browns wideout Amari Cooper totaled seven receptions for 86 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Cleveland's matchup with the New York Giants. Rookie placekicker Will Reichard continued his hot start on Sunday against the Texans, going 2-for-2 on his field goal attempts while splitting the posts on all four of his PAT tries in a 34-7 rout of Houston.
On the defensive side of the ball, a pair of standout defensive backs led their respective squads to road wins in Week 3. Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers was all over the field against the Tennessee Titans, recording five tackles, one pass breakup and an interception. Brian Branch led the Lions' defense with nine total tackles, including one for loss, to go with a pair of pass breakups.
LaBryan Ray and the Carolina Panthers picked up their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ray totaled four tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and a quarterback hit against the Raiders. Anfernee Jennings shined in prime time against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football, recording six tackles, including two for loss. Wrapping up the defensive unit, Mack Wilson tallied eight total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack and a quarterback hit against for Arizona.
