Week 2 of the NFL season closed with the Rams’ 28-6 win over the Giants on Monday night, and now the spotlight shifts to Week 3, when the Atlanta Falcons head to Green Bay to take on the Packers.
Before that slate gets going, it’s worth checking in on the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets who made their mark - or just got their work in - over the weekend.
On the Bills’ side, Hawes wasn’t asked to do much as a receiver in Buffalo’s win over the Lions last Thursday, and he finished without a catch. Even so, he was on the field for 37 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and came away with a 74.7 overall grade. His 76.2 run-blocking grade stood out, and he ranked seventh among the Bills’ offensive personnel.
Darren Waller had one of the more productive outings among the former Jackets. In Carolina’s game against the Falcons, King served as the emergency third quarterback, but Waller was the one making noise on offense.
He caught only three passes for 33 yards, but two of those grabs went for touchdowns. As he settles further into the Panthers’ offense, he looks capable of becoming a bigger piece of the passing game.
The Bears’ matchup with the Vikings turned into the kind of low-scoring, grinding defensive game that leaves very few players with eye-popping numbers. van den Berg played just nine snaps and finished with one tackle. PFF gave him a 55.7 overall grade, which was ninth-best on Chicago’s defense.
Jordan Mason did not take part in that game, as the former Georgia Tech running back remains on injured reserve with a thumb injury.
For the Eagles, Jenkins logged 25 snaps in Philadelphia’s win over the Titans on Sunday. He didn’t register a reception, and PFF gave him a 58.5 grade for the game.
Rutledge had a much busier day for the Texans, playing 81 snaps in Houston’s 20-6 loss to the Bengals. His 34.3 overall grade was the lowest on the Texans offense.
Shelley recorded two tackles in the Chargers’ loss to the Raiders, though his playing time was limited to just two snaps, according to PFF. He finished with a 46.9 overall grade, which ranked third-lowest on the defense.
Biggers continued his role as part of Miami’s regular rotation and finished with four tackles against the 49ers. He played 35 snaps and earned a 47.4 overall grade.
White turned in a stronger performance for San Francisco, posting two tackles and a sack in the win over the Dolphins. PFF gave him a 62.3 overall grade.
And on Sunday night, Butker went 4-for-5 on field goals against the Colts, with a long of 46 yards. He also made all three of his extra-point attempts.
In Other News...
Georgia Tech Faces An Early Problem That Could Define Stanford Trip
Georgia Tech heads west for its first regular-season meeting with Stanford carrying more than the usual travel headaches. The matchup matters for the Yellow Jackets season prospects, and the early conversation around it has centered on the same familiar pressure point: whether Georgia Techs passing game can keep supplying enough balance while the defense steadies itself against the run.
Brent Key has made clear the run defense has to get better, and Stanford presents a test that can expose any lingering soft spots in a hurry. Davis Warren has been one of the more effective parts of the Cardinals season, outperforming expectations and giving Stanford a quarterback presence that can keep drives alive if Georgia Tech cannot force the issue early. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Tech Heads Into ACC Opener With A Problem It Can't Ignore
Georgia Tech heads into its ACC opener against Stanford already juggling its depth chart, with the injury report revealing several starters will not be available. Defensive end Jordan Walker, safety Savion Riley and left tackle Ethan Mackenny are all ruled out, a tough early-season test for a team trying to settle in before conference play gets rolling.
The Yellow Jackets also have a handful of players listed as questionable or probable, which leaves the staff sorting through a moving picture at multiple spots. Freshmen and backups are expected to help cover the gaps, and how well those replacements hold up could matter right away in a game that now carries more than the usual opener pressure. [Read more 🡒]
Georgias Playoff Path Just Added Pressure To A Rival Fans Track
Georgias playoff picture is starting to sharpen, and with it comes a little extra pressure on the path around it. Heather Dinichs latest College Football Playoff rankings have Georgia at No. 4, sitting behind Texas, Ole Miss and Ohio State after an early stretch that included a dominant win over Arkansas. The Bulldogs have looked the part so far, but the next part of the schedule still has enough heft to keep the margin for error thin.
Ole Miss looms as the kind of test that can change the conversation quickly, especially with Georgia trying to hold its spot among the sports top four. For now, the projection points toward a major bowl matchup with the winner of Boise State and Miami, which keeps the Bulldogs in the thick of the national race while also leaving room for the bracket to shake itself out in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]