Week two of the NFL season started Thursday of last week, but Sunday’s matchups featured a multitude of dominant performances from some former University of Alabama players.
Whether it was Derrick Henry, Julio Jones or C.J. Mosley, ex-Crimson Tide standouts were flying all over the field making huge plays. Listed below are some individuals that were once in crimson that really took over football games.
C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is in first place in the rugged AFC North, and linebacker C.J. Mosley was one of the leaders in tackles for a second consecutive week. He posted a team-high 10 total stops, including eight solo tackles in the Ravens’ 24-10 victory at home over the Cleveland Browns.
Mosley anchored a front that forced three sacks, while helping the pass coverage account for four interceptions and five total turnovers. For a second week, Baltimore has held opponents to horrid numbers in third down efficiency.
Behind Mosley, Cleveland was just two of 12 in that category.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
If one is going to have a career day at running back, it’s best to put up numbers against one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Derrick Henry imposed his will on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half, leading the Tennessee Titans in rushing with 14 carries for 92 yards.
He rumbled for a 17-yard touchdown in the third quarter, while accounting for five runs that resulted in first downs.
Henry continues to bring balance to the Titans offense, and it was even nice to see another former Tide rusher – Jalston Fowler – post a score from three yards out.
Henry and the Titans defeated Jacksonville, 37-16.
Mark Barron, Los Angeles Rams
Despite his team falling 27-20 against Washington, Mark Barron carried Los Angeles’ defense with 10 total tackles.
All of his stops were unassisted and he also had two tackles for loss.
The Rams’ defensive line had a difficult time stopping the run, as the Redskins rolled up 229 yards rushing with two touchdowns on 39 carries. He may be listed as a hybrid player, but Barron is giving Los Angeles all it can ask for.
Hopefully, the former five-star safety can lead the team to a win next week in a divisional game against San Francisco.
Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks
Following a 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Jarran Reed was instrumental in Seattle’s 12-9 bounce back win over San Francisco. A second-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Reed finished with four tackles and was part of a defense that sacked 49ers’ quarterback Brian Hoyer twice.
With Reed, the Seahawks gave up 11 first downs, allowed two third down conversions – 12 attempts – and surrendered just 248 total yards.
Hoyer was limited to 99 passing yards; however, the two sacks dropped to 89 yards and a total quarterback rating of 7.8.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones has Atlanta at 2-0 after the team got a 34-23 win over Green Bay.
He caught five passes from quarterback Matt Ryan for 108 receiving yards, advancing him to his 36th career game in which he brought in 100 yards. Jones averaged 21.6 yards per reception, while all five of his catches resulted in first downs.
Four of his five receptions came during scoring drives.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
