Syracuse Orange in the NFL Week 8: Defensive and special teams players shine

It turned out to be a great weekend for Syracuse football. The current Orange squad pulled off its biggest win in over a year, while several former Orange players spent Sunday excelling on the NFL field. While it was a little disappointing not to see a couple of our favorite running backs get more playing time, several of Syracuse's former defensive standouts made an impact in Week 8.

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

Somehow, Tucker had no carries in a game in which the Bucs ran the ball 56 times and completed zero passes. It defies all logic, although Tucker did have one kickoff return for 20 yards.

Riley Dixon, Buccaneers

The Bucs beat the Panthers 16-0 on Sunday with no passing game, but they did need Dixon’s services as a punter. Dixon was called on to punt six times, averaging 44.8 yards, including a long of 59 yards. More importantly, he landed four of his six punts inside the 20-yard line, helping Tampa win the field-position game.

Kevin Jobity, Steelers

Just one week after his NFL debut, Jobity had another first: his first NFL sack. In the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s dominant 27-6 win over the Browns, Jobity wrapped up Deshaun Watson for what was the team’s seventh sack of the game.

Andre Szmyt, Browns

How did the Browns score all six of their points in their loss to the Steelers? They all came on Szmyt’s leg. The former Syracuse kicker made both of his field goal attempts on Sunday, including one from 49 yards. He remains a dependable kicker for the Browns, who are still in the playoff picture despite the loss.

Alijah Clark, Cowboys

Clark participated in a dreadful collapse by the Cowboys on Sunday. His defensive snaps remain limited, but Clark continues to excel on special teams, so he can hardly be blamed for Dallas losing a game it led by 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Justin Barron, Cowboys

While still listed as the third-string linebacker, Barron continues to get opportunities and make the most of them. He had two tackles during Dallas’ loss to the Cardinals and collaborated on a sack with Quinnen Williams.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers

The Chargers still don’t have a win, falling to 0-7 on the season after a 24-9 loss to the Rams. Gadsden ended up being a silver lining in the loss. Even though the Chargers didn’t score a touchdown, Gadsden had a team-high five catches for 52 yards.

Marlowe Wax, Chargers

Wax was also a silver lining for the Chargers on Sunday. After Daiyan Henley left with an injury, Wax got more defensive snaps than usual, finishing the game with three tackles, including one solo tackle.

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