Georgia Football: Dawgs in the NFL (Week 18)
Of course when you think Georgia Football today, the focus is on the National Championship, but the NFL wrapped up its regular season with several Bulldogs in action. In a week featuring multiple games with playoff implications, several Dawgs in the NFL had huge plays and games for their franchises.
Tyson Campbell
In the divisional game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars that would send the winner to the playoffs, Tyson Campbell snagged this ball from former Tennessee Volunteer Joshua Dobbs to create a huge swing in the contest. The interception would lead to a Jaguars field goal and eventual win over their rival.
Campbell finished his year with 70 tackles, 55 solo tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Travon Walker
While Campbell’s role was guarding receivers and making the game difficult for Josh Dobbs, Travon Walker had the challenge of facing workhorse running back Derrick Henry. While Henry had his fair share of success against the Jaguars defense, rushing for 109 yards on 30 attempts, Walker showed off his explosiveness on this play, shedding the tight end and sitting the former Alabama running back down in the backfield.
Walker finished his rookie campaign with 49 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, three and a half sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. The Jags will host the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild card round of the Playoffs next weekend.
George Pickens
In an up and down season for the Pittsburgh Steelers which featured multiple quarterbacks, George Pickens was able to put the entire NFL on notice with his body control and immaculate hands. In his regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns, Pickens caught three passes on six targets for 72 yards and this touchdown late in the second quarter.
Pickens finished the season with 78 targets, 49 catches, 729 yards, and three touchdowns.
Nick Chubb
The former Georgia running back has continued to make his argument for the best back in the NFL with his incredible performance in the 2022-2023 season. This past weekend against George Pickens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nick Chubb only added to his case, catching his first receiving touchdown on the season. Chubb finished the game with 12 carries for 77 yards, as well as six targets with five catches and 45 yards.
With his performance on Sunday, Chubb finished the season with his career-high in rushing yards, carrying the ball 302 times for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns.
AJ Green
In what may be the veteran receiver’s last game playing for the Arizona Cardinals, AJ Green got things kicked off for the 4-12 NFC West team, taking this trick play pass to the house for 77 yards and the score. The 34-year old is considered to be on the look-out list for a potential retirement, and this long touchdown against the 49ers would be a perfect sendoff for the Georgia great.
Green finished the year with 42 targets, 21 catches, 145 yards, and one touchdown.
Lawrence Cager
Coming into this weekend, Lawrence Cager had five catches on nine targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. While he may not have had any flashy receptions or touchdowns in the New York Giants’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday, the former Bulldog and Miami Hurricane had the best game in his young career, catching eight of his 10 targets for 69 yards. While Cager was featured so much due to the Giants resting their starters, many fans are excited to see what Cager could do with another year under his belt.
Stats from Other Georgia Players
James Cook (BUF): 9 carries, 45 yards, 2 targets, 2 catches, 6 yards
D’Andre Swift (DET): 6 carries, 25 yards, 7 targets, 7 catches, 61 yards
Zamir White (LV): 1 carry, 4 yards
Isaiah McKenzie (BUF): 3 targets, 2 catches, 19 yards
Tre’ McKitty (LAC): 1 target
John Jenkins (MIA); 2 total tackles, 1 solo tackle
Leonard Floyd (LAR): 5 total tackles, 4 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
Lorenzo Carter (ATL): 3 total tackles, 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Justin Houston (BAL): 1 total tackle, 0.5 sacks
Roquan Smith (BAL): 16 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Monty Rice (TEN): 8 total tackles, 4 solo tackles
Quay Walker (GB): 7 total tackles, 7 solo tackles
Devonte Wyatt (GB): 1 total tackle, 1 solo tackle, 1 sack
