NFL Dawgs Week Three: Rookies Shine Across The Board

Several former Huskies had big days in the NFL this week, including several defensive rookies. Get caught up on all the happenings with your favorite ex-Huskies in this edition of NFL Dawgs.

Big day for rookie linebackers as Panthers top Saints

The Carolina Panthers moved to 3-0 on the season after besting the New Orleans Saints Sunday 27-20 in a game that featured solid play from two rookie ex-Husky linebackers. For the winning Panthers Shaq Thompson is making the most of his increased playing time, finishing with seven tackles and his first career sack on Sunday.

On the other side of the ball fellow rookie linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha continued his solid play in 2015 with six tackles and another sack. Another Saint and former Husky, offensive lineman Senio Kelemete started his first NFL game and put forth a solid effort despite the New Orleans defeat.

Raiders top Browns; Shelton continues to shine

The Oakland Raiders topped the Cleveland Browns on the road Sunday 27-20 in a game featuring several former Dawgs. Browns kicker Travis Coons continued his solid campaign, converting two extra point and two field goal attempts, including a 41-yarder. Danny Shelton has also been impressive for Cleveland, finishing with five tackles Sunday. He was praised by head coach Mike Pettine after the game for his solid play three games into his rookie campaign. Shelton's high motor was on display again in the loss to the Raiders as he was on the field for 44 of the Browns 71 defensive snaps, while he continued to deal with double teams.

Raiders fullback Marcel Reece finished with only one rushing yard, but did extend a short pass into a 55-yard reception for Oakland.

@CelReece45 Reece Mode! #Raiders pic.twitter.com/9hEdHULoPg

— Danny Ramirez (@onlyonenation_) September 29, 2015

Texans beat Bucs as Polk flounders

The Houston Texans picked up their first win of the season Sunday, beating the Tampa Bay Bucs 19-9. Texans running back Chris Polk continued to struggle in limited action, finishing with only five yards on five carries, dropping him to a meek average of 2.7 yards per carry this season.

The Bucs second-year tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins missed Sunday's contest while recovering from a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him for at least the next month.

Goldson solid for Redskins who also work out ex-Husky

Washington Redskins safety Dashon Goldson had a solid performance in his teams 32-21 setback to the New York Giants last Thursday. Goldson finished with 10 total tackles, including seven solo in the loss. This week the Redskins also worked out final Husky linebacker Mason Foster who failed to make the Chicago Bears roster this summer.

Around the NFL

• Kansas City rookie corner Marcus Peters went his first NFL game with out an interception Monday as the Chiefs fell to the Packers. He did finish with three tackles in the game, however
• Jermaine Kearse was held with out a catch in last weeks Seahawks loss, but rebounded nicely in Sunday's 26-0 win over the Chicago Bears. Kearse hauled in six receptions for 76 yards, including a long of 22 yards
• Bishop Sankey contributed only 10 yards on five carries, but added 31 yards on two receptions for the Tennessee Titans in their 35-33 loss to the Indianapolis Colts
• The Falcons defeated the Dallas Cowboys 39-28 as Desmond Trufant added three tackles to a stat line that vastly under represents his value to the Falcons secondary. He is currently ranked first in all NFL corners in covered snaps per catch, allowing only one reception per 41.3 snaps.

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