Whether it be career firsts or game-changing plays, many former Tennessee football players stood out in Week 2 of the NFL season.
Here are the highlights from former Vols on both sides of the ball.
Byron Young continues to shine
Byron Young has started the early season off hot. The Rams’ edge rusher tallied five tackles and two sacks against the Titans. This brings his season total to 14 tackles and three sacks.
Young also helped seal the Rams’ victory with a forced fumble on quarterback Cam Ward early in the fourth quarter. This play led to a Davante Adams touchdown that put the Rams up 27-16.
Rookies notch first career sacks
Falcons edge James Pearce Jr. and Chiefs defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott both found their way to the quarterback in Week 2. Pearce brought J.J. McCarthy down with the help of second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus. Norman-Lott landed his first sack with a massive hit on Jalen Hurts.
Pearce and the Falcons had a dominant defensive showing, where they finished off 22-6 against the Vikings. Despite his performance, Norman-Lott and the Chiefs fell to the Eagles with a score of 20-17.
Dylan Sampson and Alvin Kamara find receiving success
The Browns reduced Dylan Sampson’s role as a rusher, but the former Vol and SEC Offensive Player of the Year still found his way into the end zone with an eight-yard reception at the end of the fourth quarter. This marks Sampson’s first career touchdown. Despite this success, the Browns still lost 41-17 after a strong offensive showing from the Ravens.
Alvin Kamara is known for his effectiveness on the ground and through the air. The dual-threat running back showcased his versatile skillset with 99 rushing yards on 21 carries and 21 receiving yards on six receptions. Kamara and the Saints fell short of the victory, though in a 26-21 loss to the 49ers.
Jauan Jennings leads 49ers’ wide receivers
Former Vol Jauan Jennings proved to be the main guy for the 49ers with Brandon Aiyuk out due to injury. He connected with quarterback Mac Jones for five receptions and tallied 89 yards. The most important was a 42-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped put the game out of reach and led to a 26-21 victory over the Saints.
Jennings entered the week with a shoulder injury and sustained an ankle injury as well during Week 2 play. He is still being monitored and is now viewed as day-to-day as the week progresses.
Theo Jackson has strong showing
Despite the Vikings’ 22-6 loss against the Falcons, safety Theo Jackson made his presence felt. Jackson led the Minnesota defense in total tackles.
He also recovered a fumble in the first quarter to get his defense their only turnover of the game. This came after linebacker Eric Wilson punched the ball out from wide receiver Drake London.
