The 2024 NFL season is underway, and former Clemson Tigers have been making noise all around the league. Here are four standout alumni performances from the first two weeks of action:
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback | Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite an undefeated preseason campaign, Lawrence and the Jaguars find themselves winless two games into the season.
In Week 1’s 20-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Lawrence went 12 for 21, throwing for 162 yards and one touchdown to rookie Brian Thomas Jr. Jacksonville led 17-7 at halftime, but was held scoreless in the second half.
Even with four red zone trips, Jacksonville was held to just 13 total points in their Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Lawrence threw for 220 yards, adding 45 more on the ground, including a 33-yard rush to convert on third-and-7.
While Lawrence is one of five starting quarterbacks yet to commit a turnover this season, he has only found the endzone once. Lawrence will look to secure his first win against the undefeated Buffalo Bills this Monday, Sept. 23.
Travis Etienne Jr., Running Back | Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne served as the focal point of Jacksonville’s offense in 2023, finishing top 10 league-wide in both carries and rushing touchdowns while accumulating 1,484 total scrimmage yards.
In Week 1, Etienne posted 44 rushing yards on 12 carries, including one touchdown. His production was hindered by second-year back Tank Bigsby, who also received 12 carries. Etienne additionally hauled in two receptions for 15 yards.
The following week against the Browns, Etienne had 13 carries for 52 yards and one touchdown.
Dexter Lawrence II, Defensive Tackle | New York Giants
After a historic 2023 campaign, including the No. 1 PFF grade for an interior defensive lineman, Dexter Lawrence has picked up right where he left off.
In the first two weeks of play, Lawrence has racked up seven tackles, one sack and one pass break up. In Week 1, Lawrence finished with the fourth-highest pressure rate for all defensive players.
The Giants will face the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at 1 p.m. Expect another massive week for Lawrence, as the Browns’ offensive line has proved to be one of the worst in the league thus far.
Baylon Spector, Linebacker | Buffalo Bills
In Buffalo’s Week 1 win against the Arizona Cardinals, Spector did not play a single snap. However, in Week 2, after linebacker Terrel Bernard exited the game in the first quarter with a pectoral injury, Spector played 81% of defensive snaps.
Spector amassed 10 tackles, including one for loss, in a 31-10 win over their AFC East rival Miami Dolphins.
