Top Dawgs in the NFL (Week 14)
UGASports continues its series highlighting the top NFL performances by former Georgia players for the week and entering the Monday night game(s). With our most outstanding performer for the week—or the Top Dawg—revealed towards the end, we spotlight the top NFL performances by Bulldogs from December 4 through December 7 and preview those participating in tonight’s Monday night game.
Brock Bowers
The only former Georgia player to score an NFL touchdown over the weekend, Bowers remained the lone bright spot in a stagnant Las Vegas Raiders offense in a 24-17 loss yesterday to the Denver Broncos. Targeted just five times, the second-year tight end made four receptions for 46 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown catch on the final play of the opening quarter. He later made a three-yard circus catch along the sideline worthy of mention. Despite being targeted just 7.3 times per game this season (after averaging approximately 10 targets per game in the final three months of last season) and missing three entire games, Bowers leads the Raiders with 53 catches for 619 yards and six touchdowns.
Kamari Lassiter
Playing perhaps the best game of his pro career, Lassiter was a defensive star in the Houston Texans’ 20-10 upset of the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in the Sunday nightcap. The second-year cornerback made six tackles, five of which were solo, and defended two passes. Late in the third quarter, he broke up a sure touchdown in the end zone on a pass intended for Tyquan Thornton. On the Chiefs’ next possession, and with the score tied, 10-10, Lassiter intercepted a pass deep in Houston territory. In 13 games this season with the 8-5 Texans, the Pro Bowl candidate has totaled 50 solo tackles and 12 passes defended—both team-highs—including three interceptions.
The TOP DAWG: Matthew Stafford
After a rare substandard, two-interception showing last week in a loss vs. Carolina, Stafford’s MVP-caliber season was back on track yesterday in a 45-17 win over Arizona. Against the Cardinals on the road, the 17th-year veteran completed 22 of 31 passes for 281 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, for a passer rating of 131.2. For Stafford, it marked the seventh game this season in which he passed for at least three touchdowns and did not throw an interception, joining just three others (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning) to accomplish the feat. According to BetMGM odds, Stafford is currently a somewhat significant favorite to capture the league’s MVP award at -175 (Drake Maye is second at +200).
Other notable performances over the weekend by former Georgia players include from Jacksonville’s Travon Walker in the Jaguars’ 36-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts. In victory, the fourth-year defensive end totaled six tackles—his most in a single game since making seven in Week 9 of last season—including one tackle for loss.
In Las Vegas’ 24-17 loss to Denver, Eric Stokes made a career-high nine tackles. The fifth-year cornerback’s previous high was eight tackles made on Week 4 of the 2021 season when he played with Green Bay.
Finally, Tate Ratledge further demonstrated why he is already shaping up to be one of the league’s top right guards with a fine showing in Detroit’s 44-30 win over Dallas on Thursday night. In 40 pass pro snaps against the Cowboys, Ratledge didn’t allow a quarterback pressure, hurry, or hit. Two days later, the rookie lineman showed up in Atlanta supporting his former team and head coach—and without his mullet.
Monday Night Football
Starting at 8:15 pm ET tonight, the lone Monday night game features the 8-4 Philadelphia Eagles at the 8-4 Los Angeles Chargers, with the visiting Eagles a 2.5-point favorite.
Philadelphia has six former Georgia players on its active roster, all defenders: starters nose tackle Jordan Davis (49 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 passes defensed), defensive tackle Jalen Carter (32 tackles, 11 QB hits, 6 passes defensed), and linebacker Nakobe Dean (38 tackles and 3 sacks in 7 games), No. 2 left outside linebacker Nolan Smith (19 tackles and 7 QB hits in 7 games), No. 2 left cornerback Kelee Ringo (29 tackles, 2 starts), and No. 3 Will linebacker Smael Mondon (5 tackles).
Los Angeles has two former Georgia players on its active roster: standout slot receiver Ladd McConkey (58-683-5 receiving in 12 games) and No. 2 offensive left guard Jamaree Salyer (2 starts this season).
BYE teams this week: Panthers, Patriots, Giants, and 49ers