Tigers in the NFL: Week 8

Each week, we take a look at what some of the former Clemson standouts are doing in the NFL. Here’s a look at what went down in Week 8:

Several former Clemson defensive ends made waves over the weekend. Recently signed Malliciah Goodman made his debut for the Seattle Seahawks, while Buffalo Bills rookie Shaq Lawson collected his first sack in the NFL.

With three combined tackles, two hits on the quarterback and the aforementioned sack, Lawson was a force to be reckoned with in the Bills’ clash with the New England Patriots on Sunday, only the second game of his burgeoning NFL career. Speaking on Lawson’s performance following the game, Bills head coach Rex Ryan told the media, “We actually put him in a couple of different coverages. I thought he did a decent job.” For a defensive end, the first career sack is a memorable achievement regardless of circumstances. In Lawson’s case, however, considering that it involved driving Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, his first career sack was extra special.

Second-year Atlanta Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley continued his stellar 2016 play on Sunday afternoon by picking up a sack and three total tackles in a hard-fought Falcons victory. Now with 7.5 sacks on the season, tied for the third most in the league, Beasley is quickly becoming of the NFL’s most formidable pass rushers.

New York Jets free safety Marcus Gilchrist corralled his second interception in as many games and also compiled six solo tackles and a pass deflection. Gilchrist was a prominent fixture in the defensive backfield for the Jets throughout the game and helped them garner a win on the road over the Cleveland Browns. Also in the secondary, Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland accrued four solo tackles in the tie that took place in London, while rookie free safety T.J. Green amassed four tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass deflection for the Indianapolis Colts.

On the receiving front, Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins led the Houston Texans in receiving yards, with 44 in all, and former teammate Adam Humphries, who had 58 receiving yards, did the same for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Right tackle Chris Hairston was in on several snaps for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The sixth-year pro has made three starts so far this season. Elsewhere, Tyler Shatley, a third-year offensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been serving as a valuable contributor in the pass protection game so far this year. Shatley, who earned his first career start earlier this season, has served as both a center and a guard for the Jaguars.