The past few weeks of NFL play have included standout performances and league headlines involving former Tigers. Here are a few Clemson alumni who made big impacts in the NFL in the past two weeks.
Mike Williams, Wide receiver | Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers narrowly beat the Vikings in Minnesota 28-24 in Week 3, and Williams proved a crucial part of their success on offense for most of the game. Chargers No. 81 logged seven receptions for 121 yards, with a touchdown catch from a 49-yard pass
by wide receiver Keenan Allen off a trick play.
The worst possible outcome, despite his performance in the air, became reality when Williams left the game late in the third quarter with a knee injury. Further examination after the game determined that he suffered a torn ACL, which is heartbreaking news for him, the whole team and Clemson fans alike. Williams ended his season 13th in receiving yards in the league.
The Chargers were able to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, their division rivals, in a close game the following weekend. Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Chargers, struggled without having Williams as his big-ball receiver but managed to scrape together a win. They head home this week to rest on their bye and play the Dallas Cowboys at home on Oct. 16 at 8:15 p.m.
Deshaun Watson, Quarterback | Cleveland Browns
Watson led the Browns to a huge Week 3 win against the Tennessee Titans, with the final score tallying 27-3 in Cleveland. Watson completed 27 out of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to four carries for 16 yards on the ground.
In Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens at home, Watson was declared out before the game with a shoulder injury that lingered all throughout practice the week prior to their game. The Browns lost 28-3, and Watson now hopes to recover from his injury to lead the Browns to a win against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers in Cleveland on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. after the team’s Week 5 bye.
Travis Etienne Jr., Running back | Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars struggled in their Week 3 game against the Houston Texans, and Etienne prevailed as the only standout performer in their 37-17 loss. The star running back rushed 19 times for 88 yards on the ground and racked up four receptions for 50 yards in the air. Even though the game resulted in a loss, Etienne was able to connect with his Jaguars and former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence well.
For Jacksonville’s Week 4 game in London on Oct. 1, the Jaguars found their groove and stifled the Atlanta Falcons 23-7. Etienne once again had a solid performance on the ground, rushing 20 times for 55 yards and catching three balls for an additional 17 yards. Etienne currently ranks fourth in rushing attempts with 69 on the season and fourteenth in rushing yards with 260 gained on the ground.
The Jaguars will remain in London for their next game on Oct. 8 at 9:30 a.m. against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
