Cards in the NFL: Week One
September has arrived, and Louisville alumni are in the midst of beginning their seasons in the National Football League. Seventeen former Cardinal players made active rosters, many of whom saw action during week one.
Lamar Jackson, an Early MVP Candidate
Having won two MVPs, Lamar Jackson enters year eight with his eyes on a Super Bowl. Sunday night was a roller coaster of emotions for the Ravens. Jackson showed why he is in the running for another MVP, while his team showed flashes of being a real title contender. Their 40-25 lead with five minutes to play quickly disappeared when the Buffalo Bills came storming back for an improbable comeback. Jackson finished the game, throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns, also adding 70 yards on the ground and another rushing touchdown. Jackson lead the NFL with a QBR of 94. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner’s stellar performance wasn’t enough to capture a victory, but the Ravens look to bounce back Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Cards on defense
Louisville might be known for elite quarterback production, but in recent years, the Cards have been sending defensive players to the league. Defensive backs Jarvis Brownlee, Storm Duck, and Jaire Alexander saw action last Sunday.
Brownlee put together a great performance for the Tennessee Titans, leading the team in tackles (9) and had a pass defended against the Denver Broncos. Duck also added a pass defended and a pair of tackles and in the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, an ankle injury ended Ducks’ opening day and will cause him to miss multiple weeks. Alexander enters his first season with the Baltimore Ravens, reuniting with former Louisville teammate and quarterback, Jackson. During their loss to the Bills, Alexander had three tackles but a costly pass interference late.
Yaya Diaby, Sheldon Rankins, and Ashton Gillotte represent Cardinal alumni on the defensive line. Diaby has 12 sacks in two years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Sunday, he totaled three tackles, helping Tampa beat the Atlanta Falcons. Rankins put together a couple of tackles in the Houston Texans’ loss to the LA Rams. And, Gillotte enters his rookie season after being selected 66th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off the bench, Gillotte secured a tackle in KC’s Friday night loss to the LA Chargers.
Other Names to Watch
While it’s early in the season, several former Cards are waiting for an opportunity on the sidelines.
Recently drafted Tyler Shough and veteran Teddy Bridgewater saw no action as backup QBs in their first games. Isaac Guerendo had a kickoff return, but is seen as the third-string running back for the San Fransisco 49ers. Wide receivers Jamari Thrash and Tutu Atwell had a catch apiece for their respective teams, but look to carve out bigger roles in the future. Rounding out the offensive players is Mekhi Becton. Playing for the Chargers, Becton had an 88.1 pass blocking grade, good for the best in the league.
On defense, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah, Carolina Panthers corner Corey Thornton, and New Orleans Saints corner Quicy Riley weren’t able to record a stat during their week one matchups. Arizona Cardinals starting defensive back Kei’Trel Clark is primed for a great season, but is out due to injury.
