Nittany Lions in the NFL: Week 5

Story posted October 6, 2017 in CommRadio, Sports by Jason Marcus

The Penn State football program has, is, and forever will be one of the top programs in the nation at churning out quality NFL players on a yearly basis. If you don’t believe me, just look at the current 29 alumni that populate roster spots around the league. Or better yet, let’ s take a look at how they’re impacting the game right now with some NFL Week 4 highlights.

Adrian Amos, the safety for the Chicago Bears, has proven to be one of the most important pieces to Chicago’s secondary this year. He played in all but one defensive snap, and recorded his first tackle of the year this week, as well as an additional seven more. Unfortunately, that was not enough to lead his team to a win over their biggest rivals: the Packers. Amos and the rest of the Bears squad will be gearing up for their primetime debut against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

Navorro Bowman, outside linebacker, is the unquestioned leader of his San Francisco 49er’s defense and team. He consistently proves every week why he is one of the best and most important pass rushers in football. In Week 4, Bowman remained quiet, but was still able to record an impressive eight tackles in a heartbreaking loss to the division rival Arizona Cardinals. Bowman will continue to try and lead his team to victory, as they go into battle with the Andrew Luck-less Indianapolis Colts this week.

Robbie Gould is one player that Penn State fans can be proud of. The future Hall of Fame kicker proved once again why he is one of the best and most reliable place kickers in the league. Gould converted on all five of his field goal attempts this week, accounting for every point for his 49ers team. Their rival Cardinals were able to sneak away with the win, but the 49ers would not have even been in the game had it not been for one of the greatest Nittany Lions ever.

Wide receiver Chris Hogan, who played lacrosse during his time in Happy Valley, has proven himself to be one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, which is certainly not a terrible thing. Hogan racked up a total of five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown in a last-second loss to the Carolina Panthers.

For the San Diego Chargers, a lot of things may not look good, especially when they sit at 0-4. However, they can take solace knowing that cornerback Trevor Williams, a Penn State graduate in 2015, played his best game as a pro this past weekend. Williams set a career-high mark of seven total tackles in the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. They will look to finally get their first win of the season when they face another 0-4 team this week, the New York Giants, on Sunday.

If you’re looking for a former Nittany Lion who is playing at their best level of football, Anthony Zettel is the man for you. Zettel made his fourth career start at defensive end for his new Lions squad, and during the course of the game against the Vikings he recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery. His two sacks on Case Keenum bring his season total up to four which ties him for sixth in the entire league. Zettel will look to continue his productive year against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers this upcoming weekend.

 

Jason Marcus is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jasmarcus320@gmail.com.