Mississippi State alumni make early impact in NFL Week 1

Several former Mississippi State players made notable contributions during the opening week of the NFL season, including defensive linemen Montez Sweat, Chris Jones and Jeffery Simmons. Sweat recorded a sack and two tackles in Chicago’s win, while Jones recovered a fumble in Kansas City’s victory on Monday Night Football. Simmons made four tackles for Tennessee and posted the team’s third-best pressure grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dak Prescott completed 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns for Dallas. His 79.7 overall offensive grade was the highest among Cowboys players. Houston’s Jo'Quavious "Woody" Marks totaled 120 yards, returning three kickoffs for 78 yards and gaining 42 yards on nine carries. Marks led the Texans with a 74.7 offensive grade and ranked fifth among NFL running backs with a 78.1 rushing grade.

Elgton Jenkins and Charles Cross each played every offensive snap for their teams. Jenkins started at center in his Cleveland debut and played all 51 offensive snaps, posting the Browns’ best pass-blocking grade at 84.6. Cross started at left tackle for Seattle and played all 50 offensive snaps.

Jacksonville punter Logan Cooke averaged 54 yards on two punts, including a 58-yard kick, and pinned one punt at the 11-yard line.

Rookies Brenen Thompson and Seydou Traore made their NFL debuts for the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins, respectively. New Orleans cornerbacks Martin Emerson and Decamerion Richardson also made their first appearances for the Saints after joining during the offseason. Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson was activated from Cleveland’s practice squad and played on special teams.

Houston signed defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy from Green Bay’s practice squad on Sept. 11, but he was inactive during Week 1. Other Mississippi State alumni listed as inactive included Davon Booth, Albert Reese IV and Tyrus Wheat, while Emmanuel Forbes and Willie Gay Jr. also contributed on special teams or defense during the opening week.

Source: Mississippi State Athletics.