Tide vs. Tide: Five exciting former Alabama player matchups on 2022 NFL schedule

Just over a week ago, the official NFL schedule for 2022 was released by the league. In total, there will be 272 games played during the regular season. With Alabama currently having an eye-opening 74 players on NFL rosters, the assumption is that most of those will be available on 53-man rosters this fall.

That presents opportunities for Crimson Tide fans to see plenty of one-on-one matchups between former Alabama players. Below, we’ve included at least five matchups that you that should excite you, beginning with Landon Dickerson facing off against several former Tide stars.

Landon Dickerson vs. Washington DL

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders

Date: Sept. 25 (Week 3)

Time/Channel: 12:00 p.m. CT (FOX)

After starting 13 games as a rookie in 2021, Dickerson is projected to be the starting left guard for Philadelphia this season. That means for the forseeable future, he’ll have two division matchups per season against a Washington defensive front that’s littered with former Alabama standouts.

Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are two established veterans that help form one of the league’s top interior duos. Throw in rookie second-round pick Phidarian Mathis as a rotational piece, and Dickerson is going to feel like he’s back practicing in Tuscaloosa come Sept. 25.

Najee Harris vs. C.J. Mosley

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets

Date: Oct. 2 (Week 4)

Time/Channel: 12:00 p.m. CT (CBS)

Full disclosure: this might be my favorite matchup on this list.

As a rookie in 2021, Najee Harris put up impressive numbers — both as a runner and a receiver. He totaled 1,667 yards (1,200 rushing, 467 receiving) and 10 touchdowns on an eye-popping 381 touches. Plus, Pittsburgh’s blocking in front of Harris should be improved after signing top free agent guard James Daniels.

On the other end is C.J. Mosley, who was finally able to get back onto the field full time in 2021 after missing the 2019 and 2020 seasons due to injury and opting out. The former Crimson Tide defender rewarded New York’s patience by posting a career-high 168 tackles from his MIKE linebacker spot.

At 6-foot-1, 232 pounds, Harris has almost identical size as Mosley (6-2, 231). This matchup should provide at least a few fireworks for former Alabama fans.

Jameson Williams vs. Trevon Diggs

Teams: Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys

Date: Oct. 23 (Week 7)

Time/Channel: 12:00 p.m. CT (CBS)

Here’s to hoping that rookie first-round pick Jameson Williams is fully recovered from his season-ending knee injury come Oct. 23. If he’s on the field for Detroit, we should see him going head-to-head against another former Alabama star in cornerback Trevon Diggs.

For those who don’t know, Diggs is fresh off an 11-interception season, which led the NFL, as a second-year player. The former Day 2 selection has got the length (6-2, 195) and athleticism to carry Williams vertically, but he still might need some safety help over the top to prevent any big plays downfield.

This matchup should be fun.

Tua Tagovailoa vs. Eddie Jackson

Teams: Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears

Date: Nov. 6 (Week 9)

Time/Channel: 12:00 p.m. CT (CBS)

The Dolphins did a tremendous job surrounding Tua Tagovailoa with more talent this offseason. They solidified the offensive line by adding free agents Terron Armstead and Connor Williams. Plus, they brought in multiple offensive weapons, including trading for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

While a breakout season is being predicted, Tagovailoa would be wise to look away from Eddie Jackson on Nov. 6. In 76 career starts, the former Tide safety has racked up 342 tackles to go along with 10 interceptions, three of which were returned for a touchdown.

Chicago’s defense is exploitable without Khalil Mack on the roster, so Tagovailoa won’t be forced to throw in Jackson’s direction. But it’s bound to happen at least a few times. We’re curious to see what Jackson can do with those opportunities.

Josh Jacobs vs. Christian Barmore

Teams: Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots

Date: Dec. 18 (Week 15)

Time/Channel: 7:20 p.m. CT (NBC)

Really, this matchup extends well beyond Josh Jacobs and Christian Barmore.

After all, these two NFL teams combine to field 11 former Alabama players at the moment. No, we probably won’t see all of them make the cut for the final 53-man rosters, but there should be enough Crimson to make this an interesting game for Tide fans.

After a successful rookie season, Barmore is projected to start at defensive tackle for the Patriots. Meanwhile, linebacker Mack Wilson and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings could also see defensive snaps. If that happens, Jacobs, Kenyan Drake and Alex Leatherwood will see plenty plenty of their former Alabama teammates lining up across from them.

Other Tide in the NFL stories

Alabama in the NFL: Keeping track of every active player

Building a 53-man NFL roster using only former Alabama players (Offense)

Building a 53-man NFL roster using only former Alabama players (Defense)

What NFL teams have done to support Alabama QBs this offseason

NFL free agency: Tracking where former Alabama players sign in free agency