Temple University Athletics
Owls in the NFL - Week 8
11.3.20 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – As teams start to hit the mid-point of their seasons, former Owls carry on contributing to their NFL squads, with 13 of them playing this past week.
The action started on Thursday night, as six former Owls played when Atlanta took on Carolina. The Falcons were able to pull out the victory 25-17 over Carolina head coach Matt Rhule and the Panthers. Carolina wide receiver Robby Anderson (2011-13, 2015) had five receptions for 48 yards in the game, bringing his season total to 688 receiving yards, the 3rd most in the NFL. Anderson also now has 51 receptions this year, currently the 7th most in the NFL. Carolina had two former Owls starting on defense, as linebacker Tahir Whitehead (2008-11) had six tackles and rookie safety Sam Franklin (2016-19) totaled four tackles and a pass defended.
Also in Thursday's game, Carolina quarterback Phillip Walker (2013-16) saw his first playing time of the season when Teddy Bridgewater picked up an injury, and he completed one pass for three yards in his one drive under center. Walker also saw snaps out at receiver earlier in the game. Tight end Colin Thompson (2014-16) saw snaps blocking throughout the game, including on a touchdown pass in the second quarter and a converted fake punt in the third quarter. Atlanta offensive lineman Matt Hennessy (2016-19) saw action on special teams in the victory.
Six more Owls were in action on Sunday, and they went a combined 6-0 on the day. Indianapolis cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (2018) totaled two tackles in a 41-21 victory against Detroit. Minnesota cornerback Harrison Hand (2019) saw significant time on defense and special teams and, like Ya-Sin, had two tackles in a 28-22 win over Green Bay.
Denver kicker Brandon McManus (2009-12) made his only field goal attempt from 35 yards in the first quarter, and converted all four of his extra point attempts, including the game-winning point after Denver scored a touchdown as time expired, giving the Broncos a 31-30 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (2013-16) helped protect an offense that totaled over 330 yards on the day in a 24-21 win over New England. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (2012-15) had two special teams tackles and an important recovery on a surprise onside kick attempt by New England in the third quarter, which directly led to a touchdown for Buffalo.
On Sunday night, Philadelphia linebacker Shaun Bradley (2016-19) once again saw substantial action on specials teams as the Eagles earned a huge NFC East victory, defeating Dallas 23-9.
Finally, on Monday night, Tampa Bay linebacker Chapelle Russell (2016-19) saw action on special teams in a 25-23 win over the New York Giants.
In total, teams with former Owls on their rosters went a combined 7-1 in Week 8.
The action started on Thursday night, as six former Owls played when Atlanta took on Carolina. The Falcons were able to pull out the victory 25-17 over Carolina head coach Matt Rhule and the Panthers. Carolina wide receiver Robby Anderson (2011-13, 2015) had five receptions for 48 yards in the game, bringing his season total to 688 receiving yards, the 3rd most in the NFL. Anderson also now has 51 receptions this year, currently the 7th most in the NFL. Carolina had two former Owls starting on defense, as linebacker Tahir Whitehead (2008-11) had six tackles and rookie safety Sam Franklin (2016-19) totaled four tackles and a pass defended.
Also in Thursday's game, Carolina quarterback Phillip Walker (2013-16) saw his first playing time of the season when Teddy Bridgewater picked up an injury, and he completed one pass for three yards in his one drive under center. Walker also saw snaps out at receiver earlier in the game. Tight end Colin Thompson (2014-16) saw snaps blocking throughout the game, including on a touchdown pass in the second quarter and a converted fake punt in the third quarter. Atlanta offensive lineman Matt Hennessy (2016-19) saw action on special teams in the victory.
Six more Owls were in action on Sunday, and they went a combined 6-0 on the day. Indianapolis cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (2018) totaled two tackles in a 41-21 victory against Detroit. Minnesota cornerback Harrison Hand (2019) saw significant time on defense and special teams and, like Ya-Sin, had two tackles in a 28-22 win over Green Bay.
Denver kicker Brandon McManus (2009-12) made his only field goal attempt from 35 yards in the first quarter, and converted all four of his extra point attempts, including the game-winning point after Denver scored a touchdown as time expired, giving the Broncos a 31-30 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (2013-16) helped protect an offense that totaled over 330 yards on the day in a 24-21 win over New England. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (2012-15) had two special teams tackles and an important recovery on a surprise onside kick attempt by New England in the third quarter, which directly led to a touchdown for Buffalo.
On Sunday night, Philadelphia linebacker Shaun Bradley (2016-19) once again saw substantial action on specials teams as the Eagles earned a huge NFC East victory, defeating Dallas 23-9.
Finally, on Monday night, Tampa Bay linebacker Chapelle Russell (2016-19) saw action on special teams in a 25-23 win over the New York Giants.
In total, teams with former Owls on their rosters went a combined 7-1 in Week 8.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
BUBO
/ Football
CB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
LB
/ Football
PK/P
/ Football
LB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
QB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
CB
/ FootballTemple Men's Basketball 2025-26 All Access | Game 22 WHITE OUT VS USF
Tuesday, February 03
Ep. 35: Football's Peter Clarke & Curly Ordonez
Tuesday, February 03
Ep. 34: Head Fencing Coach Jennie Salmon
Friday, January 30
MBB Press Conference vs. Charlotte (Adam Fisher)
Thursday, January 29
