Pitt football alumni put on some great performances in Week 3 of the NFL. With 14 players playing this past weekend, Pitt demonstrates their ability to produce great NFL talent, now, and for years to come.
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald continues to show the league why he is one of the best, with his performance in the 20-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
He made six tackles, four solo, two tackles for a loss and one sack in the victory. That sack puts him at two for the season and 100 for his career, one of only six active players to earn that mark. He is also the fastest defensive tackle in the history of the league to reach 100 sacks.
On the flip side, Cardinals running back James Conner struggled against the Rams defense in the 20-12 loss. He rushed 13 times for 39 yards and caught three passes for 18 yards.
Conner’s struggles are a big part of his 2022 season so far. He is only averaging 3.0 yards per carry, with 30 rushes for 90 yards. That rush per carry average is the third lowest in the NFL for running backs so far this season.
Cardinals veteran punter Andy Lee, in his 19th season in the league, punted four times for 160 yards, averaging 40 yards per punt.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd made his first start of the season in the 27-12 win over the New York Jets on the road.
He caught four passes for a team-high 105 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter to extend the Bengals’ lead.
Long snapper Cal Adomitis made his second appearance for Cincinnati in lieu of the injured Clark Harris. He participated on nine special teams plays, including three punts, three field goals and three extra point attempts.
For the Jets, safety Jordan Whitehead made his third straight start of the season, making five tackles, one solo and also one pass defended.
Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashad Weaver earned his first start of his NFL career. He made two solo tackles, two quarterback hits and one impressive sack on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, clearly making a name for himself in his team’s 24-22 victory.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin joined Weaver in making his first start of his NFL career as well. In the close, 21-19, loss to the Miami Dolphins on the road, Hamlin played all 43 snaps on defense, made four tackles, three solo and got half a sack.
He made his start in large part due to the mounting injuries to Buffalo’s secondary, including All-Pros in Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, as well as fellow Pitt alum Dane Jackson.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill continues to anchor his offensive line, helping his team to a 27-20 victory on the road over the Detroit Lions. O’Neill played in all 72 snaps on offense and six special teams snaps.
Vikings defensive lineman Patrick Jones II saw action in 11 snaps on special teams in the victory as well.
Denver Broncos defensive back K’Waun Williams started in the 11-10 win at home over the San Francisco 49ers, making five tackles, two solo. Another Pitt alum and Broncos defensive back Damarri Mathis played 10 special teams snaps.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox has started in all three games this season. Against the Washington Commanders, he made five tackles, two solo, and one pass defended, helping the Eagles in their dominating defensive performance in the 24-8 win on the road.
Houston Texans offensive lineman Jimmy Morrissey made his first appearance of the season in the loss against the Chicago Bears. He played in two snaps, one on offense and one on special teams.
