Penn State in the NFL: Week 16 Edition
More NFL teams continue to punch their tickets to the playoffs and some of those teams are led by former Penn Staters.
Here’s a look at the best of the bunch from this past week.
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
Although his efforts didn’t result in a Giants win, Barkley did all he could for an opposite result.
Barkley came away with 84 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
It was the second straight week with a touchdown for Barkley as he now has 10 total on the season.
Barkley’s Giants could clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Colts next week.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
Dotson also managed to find the endzone in a loss last week against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Commanders receiver also collected six receptions for 76 yards in the loss.
Dotson is now on a three-game touchdown streak and he has also put up 235 receiving yards during that span.
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Sticking with the pass catchers, Freiermuth managed to put up a solid receiving day despite a low-scoring affair.
Freiermuth led the Steelers in both receptions and receiving yards with seven for 66, respectively against the Las Vegas Raiders.
In what was an emotional Steelers win, Freiermuth came away with big late-game catches to set up a go-ahead touchdown late in the game to help keep Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive.
Freiermuth now has 60 receptions on the season, which ties his total from his rookie season.
Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While Freiermuth played on Saturday night, Godwin and the Buccaneers played one night later and also picked up a win.
In an overtime win in comeback fashion, Godwin posted eight receptions for 63 yards.
Ever since coming back from injury in Week 4, Godwin has at least five receptions in every game this season.
Godwin has a season total of 89 receptions, which is nine away from last season's mark.
Trace McSorley, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Capping off what is an all-offensive list this week, McSorley made his first career start in that same game.
His statsheet wasn’t the best with 24 completions for 217 passing yards, one interception and two lost fumbles.
McSorley’s Cardinals only picked up 16 points against the Buccaneers as his team fell to 4-11 on the season.
It’s unclear if McSorley will remain the starter next week, but if he does he will be facing another rookie in Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons.
Logan Bourandas is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
