Football is back, which means many of the former Florida State football players returned to the gridiron, beginning the 2016 season. Here’s how all those former ‘Noles did in Week 1 of the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo in his first career regular season NFL game went 1-1 with a 43-yard field goal and a perfect 4-4 on extra point attempts. Following a shaky start in the preseason, Aguayo seems to have figured it out —knock on wood. Oakland’s Sebastian Janikowski added two field goals with a long of 47-yards and one extra point in his perfect day. Graham Gano missed the Carolina Panthers’ game winning field goal attempt, but still knocked two others in and two extra points.
At receiver, Carolina’s Kelvin Benjamin returned from a lost 2015 due to injury with a great performance, catching six passes for 91 yards and a TD. Detroit’s Anquan Boldin added three catches for 35 yards while Rashad Greene caught a nine yard pass for Jacksonville.
Running back Devonta Freeman had 11 carries for 20 yards, and made four receptions in a loss by the Atlanta Falcons to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were led by Jameis Winston. The second-year quarterback threw for 281 yards and a franchise opening day record 4 touchdowns.
In his first game, rookie Jalen Ramsey made three tackles for the Jaguars at defensive back. Ronald Darby had seven tackles at his own, playing defensive back for the Buffalo Bills. New Orleans Saints DB P.J. Williams had five tackles and a pass defended in a loss.
The Indianapolis Colts have two ‘Noles at DB in Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Robinson. Cro had two tackles with Robinson making five in the team’s loss to Detroit.
Among linebackers, Jaguars’ Telvin Smith committed eight tackles, Chicago’s Christian Jones tackled three ball carriers and Eagles’ Nigel Bradham finished with five tackles.
At defensive tackle, Green Bay’s nose tackle Letroy Guion had one tackle, Baltimore’s Timmy Jernigan sacked opposing Bills QB Tyrod Taylor for one of his two tackles on the day, and Chicago’s nose tackle Eddie Goldman added six tackles of his own with half a sack.
Here is a list of ‘Noles still to play on Monday night:
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Washington Redskins 7:10 PM on ESPN
Dustin Hopkins (2009-2012) K Washington Redskins
Chris Thompson (2009-2012) RB Washington Redskins
Lawrence Timmons (2004-2006) LB Pittsburgh Steelers
Vince Williams (2008-2012) LB Pittsburgh Steelers
Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers 10:20 PM on ESPN
Tank Carradine (2011-2012) DE San Francisco 49ers
Lamarcus Joyner (2010-2013) DB Los Angeles Rams
Christian Ponder (2006-2010) QB San Francisco 49ers