Saquon Barkley Among Penn Staters Who Shine in NFL Week 4
From Happy Valley to the NFL huddle, Week 4 proved to be a memorable week for five former Nittany Lions. Let’s break it down:
Saquon Barkley – RB, New York Giants
After three seasons struggling to stay healthy, Giants running back Saquon Barkley roared back into action this season and against the Chicago Bears during the early slate of games on Sunday, Oct. 2.
He racked up 31 carries for 146 yards on home turf at MetLife Stadium. For context, Liberty product Rashad Jennings was the last Giants running back to receive that much carry volume in a single game back in 2014.
Barkley leads Cleveland Browns back Nick Chubb by a mere four rushing yards to lead the league. His 4.7 yards per carry propelled the Giants to a 3-1 start to the season.
Looking ahead to Week 5, Barkley and the Giants will travel across the pond in Week 5 to challenge the Green Bay Packers in London, England. Stopping Barkley’s momentum will be a priority for the Packers during the international matchup.
Miles Sanders – RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Sitting 107 yards behind Barkley with the third-most rushing yards in the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders made a statement against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sanders danced around Lincoln Financial Field, recording a career-high 27 carries for 134 yards and two visits to the endzone. Fantasy managers who started Sanders in their lineups received a generous boost from his impressive showcase.
The Eagles stand alone as the last undefeated team remaining in the NFL with a road trip to Arizona for Week 5.
Jahan Dotson – WR, Washington Commanders
The rookie wide receiver proved to be a reliable target for Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz, as Dotson went for 43 yards on three receptions and sprinkled in a touchdown.
Dotson established himself as a redzone bright spot for an offense struggling to take full advantage of its wide receiver room. Wentz’s other wide receiver weapons, Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin, had 53 yards combined against the Dallas Cowboys. Commanders fans and fantasy managers alike are used to seeing both these receivers put up those numbers separately.
The Commanders pulled Dotson in the second half with hamstring tightness. Keeping an eye on his status this week, head coach Ron Rivera ruled Dotson out for a week and possibly more.
Pat Freiermuth – TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
In the midst of quarterback switches and offensive struggles against the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth held steady in Week 4.
His season-high seven receptions for 85 yards showcased early chemistry with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett after the Steelers benched quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Freiermuth leads the Steeler receiving front through Week 4 with 223 yards – 16 yards more than wide receiver and Toledo product Diontae Johnson, who was limited at practice with a hip injury, per NBC Sports.
Looking ahead to Week 5, the Steelers face an uphill battle on the road against the 3-1 Buffalo Bills. While the Bills defense ranks fourth against the pass, Freiermuth has a substantial chance to be targeted if Pickett takes a liking to him.
Jaquan Brisker – S, Chicago Bears
With five tackles, four of which were solo affairs, and a sack to his name against the New York Giants, safety Jaquan Brisker played with a physicality reminiscent of his days in the blue and white.
Brisker recorded four or more solo tackles in each of his starts in the Bears secondary. He fits well with seasoned veteran safety Eddie Jackson early in the season.
The pair make an impact for a Bears defense that’s allowed the fourth-least passing yards.
Mention: Chris Godwin – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We are tracking Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin’s progress with a knee injury he sustained against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 2
He was listed as a limited participant at practice on Wednesday this week.
Emma Holtz is a junior majoring in public relations. To contact her, email emma.holtz01@gmail.com.
