Syracuse in the NFL Week 3: A busy week and one former Orange player makes his first career catch

It’s been a slow start to the NFL season for former Syracuse football players, but that all changed in Week 3. Nearly a dozen of our favorite Orange players got on the field over the weekend, with many of them making a positive impact. We even had one former Syracuse player make his first career catch. Let’s take a look at how the former Syracuse contingent in the NFL performed in Week 3.

Zaire Franklin, Packers

It was a rough Thursday night for Franklin and the Green Bay defense in the team’s home opener. To his credit, Franklin was all over the field, collecting 10 tackles, including one for a loss. However, the Packers had no answer for Bijan Robinson and Drake London in a 35-14 loss to the previously winless Falcons.

Matthew Bergeron, Falcons

Of course, Bergeron deserves some of the credit for Atlanta’s blowout win over the Packers. He helped to pave the way for a running game that gained 242 yards on Thursday. At the same time, Michael Penix Jr. didn’t take a sack all game, in part because of Bergeron, who is living up to the four-year, $96 million extension he got from the Falcons in the offseason.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

With the Chargers playing in Buffalo, Gadsden got something of a homecoming. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a fun afternoon in Western New York. The former Syracuse tight end was targeted three times but had no catches, including a noteworthy drop in the first half. The Chargers failed to take advantage of five Buffalo turnovers, losing 24-16.

Tommy DeVito, Patriots

A bad day for Drake Maye gave DeVito a chance to mop up during New England’s 35-6 loss to the Jaguars. DeVito connected on three of his five passes for 30 passing yards. He also picked up two rushing yards. Despite two interceptions and a lost fumble by Maye, his job doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy just yet, so DeVito will remain the backup for now.

LeQuint Allen, Jaguars

Allen was a part of Jacksonville’s 35-6 win over the Patriots. His usage increased a little from the first two weeks of the season, when he was largely a non-factor. Granted, he’s used mostly for his pass-blocking skills, but Allen did have two catches for nine yards, which is a step in the right direction for him.

Andre Cisco, Jets

Cisco continues to step in for Minkah Fitzpatrick and continues to play well. It happened in a losing effort, but Cisco rattled off six tackles, including five solo tackles. Cisco also had a sack on a third down in the first quarter, as he seems to make a play in the offensive backfield every week.

Jackson Meeks, Lions

After seeing limited playing time the first two weeks, Meeks got his first catch of the season and his career on Sunday. The former Syracuse wide receiver turned tight end caught a pass for eight yards in Detroit’s 31-24 win over the Jets. While still the third-string tight end, it’s nice to see Meeks getting some action on the field and being used in the passing game.

Andre Szmyt, Browns

Don’t adjust your screen; the Browns are actually 2-1 on the season. More importantly, Szmyt continues to be Mr. Reliable for Cleveland’s special teams. In a 21-18 win over the Panthers on Sunday, Szmyt made his only PAT attempt and was 2-for-2 on field goals, both from at least 45 yards out. Over three weeks, Szmyt has converted all six of his field goals and all four PATs.

Riley Dixon, Buccaneers

Still no touches for Sean Tucker, but Dixon had a busy day for the Bucs. He was called on to punt nine times during Tampa’s 23-16 loss to the Vikings. Naturally, Dixon had some boomers, averaging 47.3 yards per punt, including one for 59 yards, while pinning two inside the 20-yard line.

Garrett Williams, Cardinals

After missing the first two weeks of the season with an injury, Williams finally got back on the field on Sunday. However, he’s still getting back into the flow of things. Williams made just one tackle and looked a step slow at times in Arizona’s 36-30 loss to the 49ers.

Alijah Clark, Cowboys

Not only did Clark get a free trip to Brazil, but he got to play in arguably the best game of the weekend. The Dallas secondary suffered multiple injuries against the Ravens, forcing Clark to play safety for the Cowboys. Late in the game, Clark had two tackles and one defended pass. The health of the injured players will likely determine if Clark gets more consistent reps moving forward.

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