Penn State players who stood out in Week Two of NFL Season

Each week Blue White Illustrated highlights the former Penn State players that made a mark in the NFL the previous weekend. Today, two former Penn State superstars lead the list in Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons. Stats are via PFF.

Offense

Saquon Barkley 

What a difference a year makes. After an injury-plagued 2021, former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley finally looks like himself again. A week after rushing for 164 yards on only 18 carries, Barkley had another productive day in a win against the Panthers. It was much harder sledding against Carolina, with 62 of his 72 yards coming after contact, according to PFF. On top of that, Barkley added two 15-plus yard runs and 16 yards on three receptions. Most importantly for the Giants, they’re 2-0 under new head coach Brian Daboll after two close victories. 

Still to play: Former teammate Miles Sanders and the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Vikings in the late game of Monday night football at 8:30

Mike Gesicki

Former Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki may not be a perfect fit for the new offensive system under Mike McDaniel, but the Dolphins aren’t stupid. They’re using Gesicki’s talents correctly. The acrobatic Gesicki caught all four of his passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in Miami’s 42-38 shootout victory over the Ravens. According to PFF, the Dolphins are leaning into Gesicki’s strengths, with only 15 run-blocking snaps in two games. The Dolphins are 2-0 and headed for a division showdown with the Buffalo Bills next week. 

Today’s news: What is the Penn State-Central Michigan spread? Lions, NLWC dominate at wrestling Worlds: Newsstand

Jahan Dotson

Like Gesicki, the Washington Commanders seemingly know how to use Jahan Dotson. The former Penn State wide receiver caught four passes for 59 yards and a similar leaping score in the back of the end zone. Dotson now has three touchdowns to start the season, with two coming in the red zone. Those three TDs are tops among rookies. 

Allen Robinson

It took Allen Robinson an extra week to get in the groove with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but the new LA receiver got there in a 31-27 win over the Falcons yesterday. Robinson won’t outshine superstar receiver Cooper Kupp, but his four receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown were critical to the win. 

Penn State defenders

Micah Parsons

Once again, Micah Parsons put together an elite performance and helped fuel the Dallas Cowboys to a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Parsons tallied two sacks, and three quarterback hits on Bengals QB Joe Burrow in a 20-17 win. This week, Parsons spent most of the game at outside linebacker instead of splitting time between off-ball and pass rusher. The superstar defender leads or is tied for the lead in total pressures, sacks and QB hits through two weeks. Parsons is quickly becoming one of the best five defensive players in the NFL if he isn’t there already. 

Kevin Givens

Former Penn State defensive tackle Kevin Givens is a significant contributor at defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, notching four tackles and three stops against the Seahawks in a 27-7 dismantling of Seattle. Givens went from practice squad player to the first reserve on the interior for the 9ers in a few seasons. On top of that, he’s consistently outplayed former first-round pick, Javon Kinlaw. 

Nick Scott

Like Givens, Nick Scott worked his way quickly into a major role with the Rams, earning a starting job last season. He’s a steady, reliable player at safety in the Rams’ two-high scheme. Scott was strong against the run and allowed only one catch in the win. 

Jaquan Brisker

Jaquan Brisker is a polarizing figure in the NFL through two games. He tallied four tackles in the Bears’ Week One win over the 49ers but missed three more, according to PFF. He had a similar game against the Packers in a 27-10 loss on Sunday Night Football. Brisker’s propensity for big plays in the preseason hasn’t shown up just yet, but his tackling issues are an anomaly when compared to his college performance. He makes the tail end of the list with solid play in coverage.