As we have officially entered the latter half of the regular season, many former Clemson Tigers have emerged as difference-makers for their respective teams. Here are three alumni who have stepped up in Weeks 9 and 10:
Xavier Thomas, linebacker | Arizona Cardinals
In Week 9, Thomas accounted for three total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a dominant win over the Chicago Bears. He followed up this performance in the team’s Week 10 win against the New York Jets. Thomas notched only one tackle but contributed a critical sack on fourth down in the red zone that resulted in a forced fumble recovered by another Cardinal linebacker.
Thomas has already begun to revive his collegiate reputation as a forceful pass rusher in the eyes of opposing offenses. In just seven games played, Thomas ranks fifth in sacks among his rookie class.
Prior to the start of the season, it was a common expectation that the Cardinals would have to rely on their star-studded offense to contend in the thoroughly competitive NFC West. Now, at the midseason point, the Cardinals find themselves atop their division thanks to several breakout players on defense, and Thomas has been a key factor.
DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver | Kansas City Chiefs
Three weeks ago, it was announced that DeAndre Hopkins would be traded from the Tennessee Titans to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round pick. Several Kansas City teammates have already spoken highly of Hopkins’ veteran locker room presence.
At a press conference this past Friday, rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy said that he uses Hopkins as a resource.
“I try to pick his brain as much as possible…when somebody’s like dad in your room,” Worthy said, “and he’s a vet, he’s been there, made plays, it just makes everything easier.”
In an overtime thriller against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hopkins racked up eight receptions on nine targets, totaling 86 yards and two touchdowns in his Chiefs debut. Hopkins converted a 5-yard touchdown score late in the fourth quarter to give Kansas City the lead.
In Week 10 against the Denver Broncos, Hopkins hauled in four of five targets for 56 yards, including a 31-yard reception to convert a third and 13 play. Despite Hopkins being matched up for the majority of his snaps with two-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain, the former Clemson standout was still able to remain productive.
Trenton Simpson, linebacker | Baltimore Ravens
After a credible first half of the regular season, Simpson has earned himself a starting spot in Baltimore’s already competitive front seven.
In the Ravens’ win over the Denver Broncos in Week 9, Simpson tallied nine total tackles, a career-high for the second-year linebacker. Simpson additionally wrapped up Broncos quarterback Bo Nix for a 13-yard sack on third-and-goal.
The following week, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Simpson recorded seven total tackles. He looks to continue this stretch of production for Baltimore’s push to win the AFC North in the upcoming weeks.
