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Wolverines in the NFL: Pair of rookies shine, five Michigan defenders combine for 8 sacks in Week 3

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•09/26/23•

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Rashan Gary packers
Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports

Michigan Wolverines football made its mark in NFL Week 3, starting with a pair of San Francisco 49ers rookies on Thursday night.

Wide receiver Ronnie Bell made his first career reception, a 9-yard touchdown, and had 2 grabs for 24 yards in the 30-12 win over the New York Giants. Bell received extended playing time due to an injury to starter Brandon Aiyuk. He also notched 1 special teams tackle on punt coverage.

“No, he already has proven to us,” San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said when asked if Bell proved something to the coaching staff with his performance. “We’ve been really happy with Ronnie, thought he was ready for the moment.”

Kicker Jake Moody continued his strong start to his first campaign in the league, knocking home 3 field goals and 3 extra points. The pair of former Michigan players was responsible for 18 of the 49ers’ 30 points, out-scoring the Giants.

Moody is one of just three kickers to make at least 9 field goals without a miss in their first career games since the 1966 AFL-NFL merger. He’s a perfect 9-for-9 on both field goals and extra points, ranking tied for second in the NFL with 36 points.

Former Michigan defenders have shined early on this season, and Sunday was no exception. Five Wolverines combined for 8 sacks, including a career-high 3 for Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary and 2 for Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (who also had a strip sack and fumble recovery), both in winning efforts. Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna, Colts defensive end Kwity Paye and Bengals defensive back Dax Hill all added 1 sack a piece.

Michigan has three players who rank in the top nine among NFL edge rushers in quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus — Hutchinson (19, t-1st), Gary (13, t-9th) and Patriots outside linebacker Josh Uche (13, t-9th).

Hill also had 2 tackles for loss and 1 quarterback hit to go along with his 8 total tackles in an extremely disruptive game Monday night, helping his Bengals win for the first time this season, 19-16 over the Los Angeles Rams.

Here’s a look at how every former Michigan player in the NFL performed in Week 3:

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Ronnie Bell (played at Michigan from 2018-22), WR, San Francisco 49ers

Scored his first career touchdown on his first-ever reception, a 9-yard pass to go up 10-3 in a 30-12 victory over the New York Giants Thursday night … Totaled 2 grabs for 24 yards while receiving extended playing time due to an injury to starter Brandon Aiyuk … Also totaled 1 tackle on punt coverage … Played in all three games for the 3-0 49ers.

Ben Bredeson (2016-19), G, New York Giants

Missed a 30-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a concussion the previous week … Started two clashes at left guard for the 1-2 Giants.

Devin Bush (2016-18), LB, Seattle Seahawks

Opened a 37-27 win over the Carolina Panthers, totaling 2 tackles … Started two clashes, recording 3 stops, for the 2-1 Seahawks.

Zach Charbonnet (2019-20), RB Seattle Seahawks

Posted career highs in rushing attempts (9) and rushing yards (46) in a 37-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers … Carried 16 times for 73 yards and notched 3 receptions for 13 yards for the 2-1 Seahawks.

Camaron Cheeseman (2016-19), LS, Washington Commanders

Snapped 4 times in a 37-3 setback to the Buffalo Bills … Served as the long snapper in all three contests for the 2-1 Commanders.

Frank Clark (2011-14), DE, Denver Broncos

Missed his second straight game with a hip injury for the 0-3 Broncos … Played in the season-opener, a 17-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and totaled 2 tackles.

Mason Cole (2014-17), OL Pittsburgh Steelers

Started at center in the 2-1 Steelers’ 23-18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday night … Allowed a team-high 4 pressures and posted a dismal 16.3 PFF pass-blocking grade … Ranked second on the team with a 70.5 run-blocking rating … Opened all three outings for the Steelers.

Nico Collins (2017-19), WR, Houston Texans

The former Michigan wide receiver hauled in 2 catches for 34 yards in a 37-17 upset victory over division rival Jacksonville … Totaled 15 grabs for a team-best 260 yards and 1 touchdown for the 1-2 Texans this season.

Michael Danna (2019), DE, Kansas City Chiefs

Recorded at least half a sack in all three games this season … Registered 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 quarterback hit with 5 pressures (second-most on team) in a 41-10 blowout win over the Chicago Bears … Tallied 11 stops, 2.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hits and 1 pass breakup while starting all three tilts this season for the 2-1 Chiefs.

Chris Evans (2016-18, 20), RB, Cincinnati Bengals

The former Michigan running back has been inactive the last two weeks due to a hamstring injury, after rushing twice for 12 yards and making 1 catch for minus-1 yard in a 24-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns … The Bengals are 1-2.

Rashan Gary (2016-18), LB, Green Bay Packers

Exploded for career highs in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (4), and tied his career-best with 4 quarterback hits (he has accumulated that number in three other games) in an 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints … His 5 pressures led the Packers … Appeared off the bench in all three outings for the 2-1 Packers, totaling 5 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 stops for loss, 5 quarterback hits and 1 pass breakup.

Graham Glasgow (2011-15), OL, Detroit Lions

Started for the first time this season in a 20-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons, playing right guard … Led the Lions offensive line with an 83.4 PFF pass-blocking grade, a mark that ranked sixth among NFL guards for Week 3 … Played in all three games with one start for the 2-1 Lions.

Brandon Graham (2006-09), DE, Philadelphia Eagles

Tallied 2 tackles while coming off the bench in a 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night … Totaled 3 tackles and 1 quarterback hit in three appearances for the 3-0 Eagles.

Ryan Hayes (2018-22), T, Indianapolis Colts

Yet to make his NFL debut for 2-1 Indianapolis, which beat the Baltimore Ravens 22-19 in overtime this past weekend.

Dax Hill (2019-21), S, Cincinnati Bengals

Started and racked up 8 tackles, 2 stops for loss, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit in a 19-16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams Monday night … Has 26 tackles (21 solo), 4 stops for loss, 1 quarterback hit, 2 pass breakups and 1 interception while opening all three games for the 1-2 Bengals.

Christopher Hinton (2019-21), DL, Los Angeles Chargers

Has not appeared in a game yet this season for the 1-2 Chargers.

James Hudson (2017-18), OT, Cleveland Browns

Inactive for a Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans with an ankle injury … Appeared off the bench in both games prior for the 2-1 Browns.

Khaleke Hudson (2016-19), LB, Washington Commanders

Played his first defensive snap of the season in a 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, with his other 21 plays coming on special teams … Played on special teams in the two prior contests for the 2-1 Commanders.

Maurice Hurst II (2014-17), DT, Cleveland Browns

The former Michigan defensive tackle notched 2 tackles, 1 stop for loss and 1 quarterback hit in a 27-3 win over the Tennessee Titans … Played in all three outings for the 2-1 Browns, recording 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 quarterback hits, a half-sack and 1 pass breakup.

Aidan Hutchinson (2018-21), DL, Detroit Lions

Recorded the third multi-sack game of his career and first this season — including recovering a fumble he forced on a strip sack — in a 20-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons … Added 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hit, 2 pass breakups and 6 pressures … His 91.9 PFF pass-rush grade ranked second among NFL edge rushers for Week 3, behind Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (93.2) … His 6 pressures slotted tied for sixth … Starting all three games for the 2-1 Lions, he has 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery with an NFL-high 19 pressures (tied with two others).

Jourdan Lewis (2013-16), CB, Dallas Cowboys

The former Michigan cornerback registered 3 tackles, including 1 for loss, in a stunning, 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals … Played in the last two games after recovering from a foot injury suffered last season.

David Long Jr. (2016-18), CB, Las Vegas Raiders

Saw 4 defensive snaps and 6 special teams plays in a 23-18 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night … Played in all three games as a reserve and on special teams, recording 2 tackles, for the 1-2 Raiders.

Cameron McGrone (2018-20), LB, Indianapolis Colts

Played on special teams in all three games for the 2-1 Colts, including a 22-19 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens this past weekend.

Josh Metellus (2016-19), S, Minnesota Vikings

The former Michigan safety started and racked up 5 tackles and 1 quarterback hit in a 28-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers … Opened all three outings for the 0-3 Vikings, registering 20 tackles, 1 quarterback hit and 1 pass breakup.

Jake Moody (2018-22), K, San Francisco 49ers

Made all 3 of his field goal attempts and knocked through a trio of extra points in a 30-12 win over the New York Giants Thursday night … Ranks tied for second in the NFL with Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey in total points (36), behind Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (42) … One of just seven NFL players who have scored more than 30 points so far this season … Perfect on field goals (9-for-9) and extra points (9-for-9) while playing in all three games for the 3-0 49ers.

Mike Morris (2019-22), DE, Seattle Seahawks

Missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury, after posting 3 tackles in Week 1 for the 2-1 Seahawks.

David Ojabo (2019-21), OLB, Baltimore Ravens

Made his first career start in a 22-19 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts, registering 1 tackle … Totaled 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit and 1 forced fumble in three contests for the 2-1 Ravens.

Olu Oluwatimi (2022), C, Seattle Seahawks

Played 7 snaps on special teams in a 37-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers … Appeared in two contests for the 2-1 Seahawks.

Mike Onwenu (2016-19), OL, New England Patriots

The former Michigan offensive lineman started and played every offensive snap in a 15-10 win over the New York Jets … Allowed 1 pressure and committed 1 penalty (false start) … Opened the last two outings after missing the first with an injury … The Patriots are 1-2.

Kwity Paye (2017-20), DE, Indianapolis Colts

Started and notched 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hit, 1 fumble recovery and 3 pressures in a 22-19 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens … Opened all three games for the 2-1 Colts, registering 12 tackles, 3 sacks (1 in each game), 3 quarterback hits and 2 fumble recoveries with 9 pressures.

Donovan Peoples-Jones (2017-19), WR, Cleveland Browns

Started and hauled in 3 receptions for 49 yards in a 27-3 triumph over the Tennessee Titans … Has 5 catches for 68 yards this season, playing in all three games with two starts for the 2-1 Browns.

Jabrill Peppers (2014-16), DB, New England Patriots

Returned 2 punts for 25 yards and recorded 7 tackles with 1 for loss in the 1-2 Patriots’ first win of the season … Opened all three clashes with 19 tackles, including 1 for loss, 1 pass breakup and 1 forced fumble.

Brad Robbins (2017-22), P, Cincinnati Bengals

Punted 5 times with a 42-yard average, allowing only 3 return yards, with 1 that wound up inside the Rams’ 20-yard line in a 19-16 win … Booted 18 times with a 41.1-yard average (ranks third to last in the NFL) this season for the 1-2 Bengals.

Cesar Ruiz (2017-19), C/G, New Orleans Saints

The former Michigan offensive lineman started at right guard but went down with an injury (concussion protocol) after 18 snaps and did not return in an 18-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers … Opened all three games at right guard for the 2-1 Saints.

Jon Runyan (2015-19), G, Green Bay Packers

Started at right guard and did not allow any pressures in an 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints … Started all three games for the 2-1 Packers.

Luke Schoonmaker (2018-22), TE, Dallas Cowboys

Targeted once but did not record any stats in a 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals … The former Michigan tight end has 1 catch for a 1-yard touchdown while playing in three games for the 2-1 Cowboys.

Mazi Smith (2019-22), DT, Dallas Cowboys

Played off the bench and tallied 1 tackle in a 28-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals … Appeared in all three contests for the 2-1 Cowboys, recording 3 tackles, including 1 for loss.

Ambry Thomas (2017-20), CB, San Francisco 49ers

Was inactive with a knee injury for the 3-0 49ers’ 30-12 victory over the New York Giants Thursday night … Played and started in the two previous contests, posting 8 tackles and 1 pass breakup.

DJ Turner II (2019-22), CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Played on defense and special teams, totaling 1 tackle, in a 19-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams Monday night … Appeared in all three games for the 1-2 Bengals, with 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup.

Josh Uche (2016-19), LB, New England Patriots

Came off the bench and made 2 tackles in a 15-10 win over the New York Jets, applying pressure on 5 of his 20 pass-rush snaps … The former Michigan edge rusher has appeared in three games with one start for the 1-2 Patriots, posting 2 tackles, 1 sack and 1 quarterback hit … His 13 pressures rank tied for ninth among NFL edge rushers.

Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (2015-17), OT, New England Patriots

Inactive for the 1-2 Patriots’ 15-10 win over the New York Jets … Totaled 5 special teams snaps between the previous two tilts.

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