USC in the NFL: Drake Jackson dominates in Week 1
Former USC Trojans were all over the professional scene this past weekend as the NFL officially kicked off the 2023 season. Defensive end Drake Jackson stole the show among former Trojans, but several players had big opening games.
Jackson was one of three players across the league to register three sacks in the season-opener. The three sacks for Jackson matched his season total from his rookie year in 2022. The three tackles he recorded tied his career high. There was a lot of offseason talk in San Francisco about the 20 pounds of muscle Jackson added this offseason.
“He’s worked his tail off all offseason,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “And for him to come out and have a game like that, it’s such a big confidence booster for himself. And we’re going to need it all season. We need everybody to play a big role on this defense. And I was so happy for him.”
49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, liked what he saw from Jackson in the opener.
“He’s going to be dangerous,” Bosa said.
Talanoa Hufanga – San Francisco 49ers
Playing on the same 49ers defense with Jackson, Talanoa Hufanga recorded five tackles and grabbed an interception in San Francisco’s 30-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Michael Pittman Jr. – Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts came up short against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a big game. Pittman caught eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. His score came on a 2nd-and-29 play when he took a quick screen and raced 39 yards to the endzone.
Keaontay Ingram – Arizona Cardinals
Running back Keaontay Ingram carried the ball five times for -4 yards for the Cardinals.
Drake London – Atlanta Falcons
Wide receiver Drake London did not record a catch as the Falcons threw for just 115 yards in a win over the Carolina Panthers.
Nelson Agholor and Kevon Seymour – Baltimore Ravens
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor and cornerback Kevon Seymour played for the Ravens in a win over the Texans, but neither recorded a statistic.
Rasheem Green – Chicago Bears
Defensive lineman Rasheem Green recorded one tackle for the Bears in a loss to the Packers.
Jay Tufele – Cincinnati Bengals
Defensive lineman Jay Tufele played just three defensive snaps for the Bengals, but recorded a tackle.
Tyron Smith and Chuma Edoga – Dallas Cowboys
Offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Chuma Edoga are starters up front for the Cowboys and helped Dallas to a 40-0 win against the New York Giants to open the year.
Amon-Ra St. Brown – Detroit Lions
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown got the Detroit Lions on the board early by scoring the first touchdown of the 2023 NFL season during the Thursday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs. St. Brown caught six passes for 72 yards and that touchdown.
Robert Woods – Houston Texans
Wide receiver Robert Woods is with the Houston Texans now and will be tasked with helping bring along rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Woods caught six passes for 57 yards and is looking to produce his 11th consecutive season of at least 40 receptions and 500 receiving yards.
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Isaiah Pola-Mao – Las Vegas Raiders
Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao played on special teams, on kick coverage and both kick and punt return. He did not record a statistic.
Tuli Tuipulotu – Los Angeles Chargers
It was a bit of a defense-optional game in Los Angeles as the Dolphins beat the Chargers 36-34. But Tuli Tuipulotu was on the field for 47 defensive and special teams snaps in his first NFL game, finishing with two tackles, including one for loss.
Austin Jackson and Brandon Pili – Miami Dolphins
Austin Jackson started at right tackle and helped the Dolphins pile up 36 points in a win over the Chargers. Brandon Pili played eight snaps along the defensive line but didn’t record a statistic.
Jordan Addison and Mekhi Blackmon – Minnesota Vikings
Wide receiver Jordan Addison caught four passes for 61 yards and recorded a touchdown in his NFL debut. Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon played 15 defensive snaps for the Vikings and recorded his first NFL tackle.
Juju Smith-Schuster – New England Patriots
Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster caught four passes for 33 yards in a close loss to the Eagles.
Adoree’ Jackson and Leonard Williams – New York Giants
While the Giants lost 40-0, the Cowboys had just 265 total yards. Adoree’ Jackson recorded four tackles and Leonard Williams had two.
Alijah Vera-Tucker – New York Jets
Offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker started at right guard for the New York Jets in their overtime win against the Buffalo Bills and turned in an outstanding performance. Vera-Tucker earned the No. 6 grade among NFL offensive linemen according to PFF, including the No. 2 run-blocking grade.
Marlon Tuipulotu – Philadelphia Eagles
Defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu played in six snaps for the Eagles and made three tackles.
Sam Darnold – San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback Sam Darnold came in to finish off the 49ers’ big win over the Steelers by taking a knee on the final two snaps of the game.
Uchenna Nwosu – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks suffered a lopsided defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, but Uchenna Nwosu continues to play well on defense. The veteran defender finished the game with three tackles, including two tackles for loss.
