by Daniel Olsen | Football ends in Utah after college but following former Utahns in the NFL never stops. There have been several Utes, Cougars and Aggies that have impressed this week.
1. Michael Davis pick six
Although his team did not beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, few teams beat a Tom Brady led team even in his forties. Former Cougar Michael Davis perfectly read the telegraph pass early in the first quarter and his momentum did not stop from there. He took the ball untouched for a 78 yard interception return to put his team up 14-7. This was the first touchdown in his NFL career.
While the Chargers ultimately lost 38-31, this touchdown by Davis set a tone early and kept his team in it for most of the game against one of the most talented teams in the NFC. He also finished with six total tackles.
2. Takitaki tips the ball loose:
Former Cougar standout defender Sione Takitaki made a brilliant play against the Dallas Cowboys that really shifted the momentum in the game. In the second quarter, the Cowboys were down 21-14 with nine minutes left in the half. Ezekiel Elliott, the star running back for the Cowboys, was on his way to a big first down gain.
If only he had eyes in the back of his head.
Takitaki came from behind and punched the ball loose. Elliott lost his handle on the ball and it was recovered by the Browns. Even though he didn’t get credit for recovering the fumble, Takitaki definitely showed his mettle with this play that turned the tides.
3. Bobby Wagner Tackle City
The Seahawks continue to impress as they improved to 4-0 on the season. One reason for that as always is the man in the middle: Bobby Wagner. He has made great plays including his role in the game-winning stop vs the Patriots on Sunday Night Football. We highlighted his career a few weeks ago. In the most recent 31-23 win over the Dolphins, Wagner was the star on the defensive side again as he recorded a game high 12 tackles. He currently ranks fifth in the NFL this season in tackles with 38 so far.
4. Tim Patrick goes off vs the Jets
It’s true, they are the Jets. However, the Broncos have struggled this season so they will take the win however they can get it. The Jets made former Ute Tim Patrick look like the second coming of Jerry Rice. Patrick recorded a season high 113 receiving yards on six receptions. One of his best plays of the game was his first touchdown catch of the year. He caught a seven yard touchdown pass from the former Boise State Bronco: Brett Rypien.
5. Julian Blackmon records first interception of his career
While Jaylon Johnson is getting all the attention as the star rookie corner back from the Utes, don’t sleep on Julian Blackmon. The ball went right through the paws of the Bears receiver right into the hands of Blackmon. He happened to be in the right place at the right time as he has done so many times in his Utah career.
Featured image via KSL Sports.