Dawgs in the NFL: Week 2
It’s not a secret that UGA sends a lot of players to the NFL. In fact, 56 players have left Athens to play on Sundays over the past 10 years, fourth-most of any program during that span.
Although they may not play between the hedges anymore, fans still feel a sense of pride when a former Bulldog leads their team to a victory at football’s highest level. During the 2015 NFL season, we will track the top performances from former UGA players each week.
These Dawgs of years past had the best games in Week 2:
Justin Houston – Building off a good start to the 2015 season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker wreaked havoc against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. The former Bulldog tied for second on the team with six tackles and recorded two sacks, giving Houston three on the season.
Thomas Davis – In his 11th season, Davis continues to produce for the Carolina Panthers. During the team’s 24-17 win over the Houston Texans, the former All-American led the Panthers with nine tackles.
Jarvis Jones – At UGA, Jones was a disruptive pass rusher. Since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones has only managed three sacks. He wasn’t able to get to the quarterback in the Steelers’ 43-18 win over San Francisco, but Jones did contribute five tackles in the win.
Blair Walsh – The former UGA kicker set an NFL record during his rookie season when he made nine field goals from 50 yards or more. This season, however, consistency has been an issue for Walsh. He converted both of his field goal attempts in the Minnesota Vikings’ 26-16 win over the Detriot Lions, but missed one of his three extra point attempts.
A.J. Green – Green has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals receiver didn’t do much in terms of total yardage (3 catches, 45 yards) in the team’s 24-19 win over the San Diego Chargers, but he did have a great leaping touchdown catch early in the first quarter.
Geno Atkins – Since returning from a gruesome knee injury suffered in 2013, Atkins has not been the same defensive force for the Bengals. On Saturday, however, the former UGA standout looked like his former self. Atkins earned his second sack of the season and hit the quarterback on three other occasions.
Alec Ogletree – Ogletree had what was perhaps the best defensive performance in the league on Saturday. The St. Louis Rams linebacker earned 16 tackles and a tackle for a loss. His 23 tackles thus far in 2015 are tied for the league lead.
If you haven't watched this @ajgreen_18 catch, do yourself a favor. And hold tight on the jaw. It's gonna drop. http://t.co/iBnB4pNttt
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 20, 2015
#Rams OLB @B_easy_uga9 is tied for league lead in tackles [23]. Lead NFL in Week 2 with 16. Jeff Fisher: "He was just all over the field."
— Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_) September 22, 2015
Another view of Justin Houston owning Ryan Harris pic.twitter.com/A8NfBCR1Zl
— Brandon Thorn (@VeteranScout) September 18, 2015
#Bengals win and #UGA great DT Geno Atkins records 3 tackles and 1 sack. Shawn Williams adds one tackle as well. https://t.co/0dDpEHSlhF
— UGA Football Live (@UGAfootballLive) September 20, 2015
