BYU players in the NFL Week 9: Former Cougar running backs shine while Puka Nacua throws a punch
By D.A. Sweat
Here’s the Week 9 summary of former BYU Cougars in the NFL. Power Rankings reflect this season's overall performance.
No. 1 - Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Stats: Bye week
The 49ers had the week off. Through eight games Fred Warner has racked up 66 tackles, one sack, six passes defended, and a league-leading four forced fumbles.
No. 2 - Kyle Van Noy, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Stats: 3 tackles
KVN’s eye-popping sack totals have dropped off over the last couple of games but the veteran did his part with three tackles in a Ravens blowout win.
No. 3 - Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Stats: 1 reception, 11 yards; 1 punch thrown, 1 ejection
The only player in the NFL who can stop Puka Nacua is…Puka Nacua. In a huge disappointment to BYU fans and Rams fans, he was ejected in the second quarter for throwing a relatively minor punch on an interception return.
It’s hilarious how the ref saw puka nacua get shoved way harder first and does nothing and then ejects puka for soft tap lmao pic.twitter.com/e4cywrTEMt
— John (@iam_johnw) November 3, 2024
No. 4 - Taysom Hill, TE/HB, New Orleans Saints
Stats: 0-for-1 passing; 5 rushes, 19 yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 41 yards
Taysom Hill makes my football heart swoon. His touchdown run was a thing of beauty as were his multiple first down runs when he just pushed the pile forward. He’s simply stronger than the guys trying to tackle him, defensive linemen included. It was his third touchdown in four games this season.
With that rushing touchdown, Taysom Hill now has 41 career touchdowns, moving into a tie for ninth in club record books with RB Pierre Thomas. @Saints https://t.co/y6fFsg0e86
— New Orleans Saints PR (@SaintsPR) November 3, 2024
No. 5 - Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Stats: 6 rushes, 18 yards, 1 TD
The good news is the punishing running back found the end zone for the second time this season in a Falcons win. The bad news is he only had six touches when compared to Bijan Robinson’s 26 (19 rushes, seven receptions). I’m beating a dead horse, but the Falcons are criminally underutilizing Tyler Allgeier.
Tremendous effort Tyler Allgeier. I’m liking these Falcons more and more.
— Matt Stewart (@MattStewartTV) November 3, 2024
27-13 lead on Cowboys early 4th Quarter. Need stop and one more TD to send this one to Nighty Nite Land pic.twitter.com/RuUHkOhlcu
No. 6 - Brady Christensen, LT, Carolina Panthers
Stats: Starter, 1 false start
After thriving as the Panthers starting center for the last couple of weeks, Carolina’s coaching staff moved Brady Christensen over to left tackle to fill in for an injured Ickey Ekwonu. He showed off his versatility by playing 100% of the Panthers offensive snaps protecting Bryce Young’s blindside in a refreshing win to improve to 2-7. Brady can literally play any position across the offensive line.
No. 7 - Ryan Rehkow, P, Cincinnati Bengals
Stats: 3 punts, 58.3 average, 65 long
The rookie was booming punts in Week 9, averaging nearly 60 yards on his three attempts. If the first half of his rookie season is any indication, he’s going to have a long, successful NFL career.
No. 8 - Khyiris Tonga, DT, Arizona Cardinals
Stats: No stats, 16 defensive snaps, 1 special teams snap
After starting last week, the massive defensive tackle was a rotational player in this one. He has 15 tackles in seven games this season, a nice total for an interior defensive lineman.
No. 9 - Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
Stats: Injured (groin injury)
Jamaal’s underwhelming season took another hit in Week 9 as he didn’t suit up for the Saints due to a groin injury.
No. 10 - Chris Brooks, RB, Green Bay Packers
Stats: 2 rushes, 13 yards; 3 receptions, 28 yards
This is exciting! The second-year back continues to earn more and more opportunities in the Packers backfield. His 41 scrimmage yards in Week 9 were the second most in his career. He was an integral part of the Packers offense throughout the game and seems to be a trusted blocking back, too. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Chris Brooks put together a solid second half of the season.
No. 11 - Zayne Anderson, S, Green Bay Packers
Stats: No stats, 15 special teams snaps
After playing the first two defensive snaps of his career last week, the four-yet vet was back to just playing special teams in Week 9. He had put together a nice streak of five straight games with one special teams tackle, but that streak was broken against the Detroit Lions.
No. 12 - Sione Takitaki, LB, New England Patriots
Stats: 1 tackle, 12 defensive snaps, 13 special teams snaps
Takitaki’s season has been derailed by injuries, but he has started to carve out a nice rotational role with the Patriots defense. He played 12 defensive snaps and recorded a tackle in Week 9, his second tackle on the season.
No. 13 - Michael Davis, CB, Washington Commanders
Stats: No stats, 10 special teams snaps
The veteran’s first year in Washington continues to be a disappointment as Davis has been relegated to limited special teams work.
No. 14 - Kingsley Suamataia, OT, Kansas City Chiefs
Stats: 2 offensive snaps, 4 special teams snaps
While the Kansas City Chiefs won on Monday Night Football in a dramatic overtime victory, Kingsley’s role was limited to just six snaps, two on offense and four on special teams.
Did Not Play:
Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts (Inactive)
Zach Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos (Inactive)
On Practice Squads:
Jaren Hall, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Dax Milne, WR, Carolina Panthers (newly signed on 10/30)
Kedon Slovis, QB, Houston Texans
Max Tooley, LB, Minnesota Vikings
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