’Noles in the NFL: week 2

Brian Burns vs. Jameis Winston

A couple of notable former Seminoles kicked off week two of NFL football on Thursday night as the Buccaneers took on the Panthers and Jameis Winston went head to head with rookie edge rusher Brian Burns.

Burns would earn his first sack in the NFL thanks to some great coverage and Burns’ relentless motor:

Another look at Spider Burns’ first career sack:

Burns was after Winston for a second time when the play was blown dead, unbeknownst to the rookie:

What a graceful fall from Winston.

side note: according to the NFL Network broadcast, Burns shouldn’t even be included in this column:

Winston bounced back from his three-interception week one, with 208 yards, a touchdown, zero turnovers and a handful of beautiful throws:

Should’ve been two touchdowns:

The Buccaneers would hold on to win 20-14 despite the best effort of the referees:

Bobo Wilson and Javien Elliot both played in the game with the former fielding punts for Tampa Bay and the latter a DB for Carolina.

Wilson fumbled one of his punts, but also had a large return negated for a block in the back.

Dalvin Cook

The Dalvin Cook show continued in week two as the third-year back put up another crazy stat line: 154 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, plus another 37 yards receiving on three catches.

Half of the chef’s yards came on this 75-yard touchdown:

With most of his yards coming after contact. I wonder where he learned how to do that?

Jalen Ramsey

At first glance, Ramsey doesn’t jump out on the stat sheet with four tackles and a pass defended, but that’s before you realize he was tasked with covering DeAndre Hopkins all game.

As division rivals, Ramsey and Hopkins match up twice a year and it is always a show, with both players sharing a mutual respect for one another:

This contest would be no different as the two competed on every snap:

With Ramsey nearly coming up with an interception of a ball intended for Hopkins:

In the end, the Texans held on to win as the Jags failed on a two-point conversion attempt, despite Ramsey holding the league’s best receiver to just five catches for 40 yards and no touchdowns.

Hopkins wasn’t Ramsey’s only battle of the day as he appeared to exchange words with his head coach Doug Marrone on the sideline:

Roderick Johnson

Houston Texans offensive tackle Roderick Johnson got his first start at right tackle on Sunday:

And while it was on short notice...

...Johnson was happy to start and play his first full game since his time in the garnet and gold:

Derwin James

James is still sidelined with a foot injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from remaining involved with his teammates:

Luckily for Chargers fans, their Pro Bowl safety expects to be back on the field this year:

Eddie Goldman

Goldman had a nice afternoon anchoring the Chicago defensive line with three tackles and a QB Hit.

He was also called for roughing the passer for a completely normal hit on quarterback Joe Flacco. You can even see Goldman lift himself off of Flacco to not put his weight on him as he got up:

Demarcus Walker

In the same game, former FSU edge rusher Demarcus Walker put together a nice game according to some on the Broncos beat:

Ronald Darby

Darby had a tough night in coverage, but he was able to intercept Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan:

Devonta Freeman

Freeman has been off to a slow start so far this year with just 22 yards on 11 carries, but to be fair half of the Falcons offensive line is injured. That, and Dirk Koetter is the offensive coordinator. Free was able to add 42 yards receiving on three catches against the Eagles, with a big chunk coming on this shovel pass:

Other Notable Statlines

Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota Vikings: Four tackles (three solo).

Terrence Brooks, New England Patriots: Recorded one tackle.

Nick O’ Leary, Miami Dolphins: One catch for six yards.

Tank Carradine, Miami Dolphins: After resigning with the Phins, Carradine recorded thee tackles.

Vince Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers: Made two solo tackles before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.

Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins: Had five catches for 48 yards with two rushes for three yards.

Lamarcus Joyner, Oakland Raders: Six solo tackles.

Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Chiefs: One solo tackle.

P.J. Williams, New Orleans Saints: Two solo tackles.

Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles: Three tackles (one solo) and a pass defended.

Nigel Bradham, Philadelphia Eagles: Four tackles (three solo).

If you find anything we missed, please share it in the comments!