Temple University Athletics
Owls in the NFL - Week 3
9.28.20 | Football
Temple Owls continue to populate NFL fields on the last weekend in September, with 15 former players dressing to play on Sunday afternoon.
One of the surprises of the day was Washington rookie wide receiver Isaiah Wright (2016-19), who started on the opening drive against Cleveland. Wright contributed in all facets of the game, recording four receptions for 24 yards, registering a 6-yard carry, and had a special teams tackle in a 34-20 loss. Wright also helped the Washington offense in an unexpected way. An errant pass in the first quarter fell into the hands of a Cleveland defender, but Wright came in with a strong tackle to knock the ball loose and keep the ball with Washington, who would end up scoring a touchdown later in the drive.
Carolina head coach Matt Rhule picked up his first NFL victory in a 21-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and he was helped on the field by four other Owls. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead (2008-11) had seven combined tackles and a fumble recovery with a 20-yard return on the Panthers first defensive drive. Wide receiver Robby Anderson (2011-13, 2015) had five receptions for 55 yards in the game, including an 18-yard reception that helped the Panthers to an opening-drive field goal. Rookie linebacker Sam Franklin (2016-19) saw special teams snaps and tight end Colin Thompson (2014-16) saw time on offense and special teams in the victory.
Buffalo left tackle Dion Dawkins (2013-16) faced the Los Angeles Rams and was matched up against former Defensive POY Aaron Donald throughout the day. Dawkins and the offensive line held strong, allowing Josh Allen to pass for over 300 yards for the third consecutive game and record four touchdown passes as the Bills earned a hard fought 35-32 victory. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (2012-15) also helped the Bills to victory with considerable special teams action.
An Owl making his NFL debut on Sunday was Minnesota rookie cornerback Harrison Hand (2019), who was called up to the active roster this week after some injuries in the Vikings defensive backfield. Hand saw significant action on special teams in a 31-30 loss to Tennessee.
Denver kicker Brandon McManus (2009-12) had a stellar performance when called upon, converting a 56-yard field goal in his only attempt, and going 1/1 on extra points in a 24-10 loss to Tampa Bay. 56 yards is the second longest field goal of his career (57 yards) and his longest since 2015.
Arizona linebacker Haason Reddick (2013-16) also had a strong performance, totaling three tackles, including a sack, as well as a QB hit and a pass defended in a 26-23 loss to Detroit.
Atlanta rookie Matt Hennessy (2016-19) again saw action on the offensive line in a 30-26 loss to Chicago and Philadelphia rookie linebacker Shaun Bradley (2016-19) saw substantial action on special teams in the first tie of the NFL season, 23-23 against the Bengals.
New York Jets cornerback Nate Hairston (2014-16) recorded a special teams tackle in a 36-7 loss to the Colts and Houston linebacker Jacob Martin (2014-17) saw action on defense and special teams in a 28-21 loss to Pittsburgh. Washington defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (2012-15) was suffered a season-ending injury early in the game against Cleveland.
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One of the surprises of the day was Washington rookie wide receiver Isaiah Wright (2016-19), who started on the opening drive against Cleveland. Wright contributed in all facets of the game, recording four receptions for 24 yards, registering a 6-yard carry, and had a special teams tackle in a 34-20 loss. Wright also helped the Washington offense in an unexpected way. An errant pass in the first quarter fell into the hands of a Cleveland defender, but Wright came in with a strong tackle to knock the ball loose and keep the ball with Washington, who would end up scoring a touchdown later in the drive.
Carolina head coach Matt Rhule picked up his first NFL victory in a 21-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and he was helped on the field by four other Owls. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead (2008-11) had seven combined tackles and a fumble recovery with a 20-yard return on the Panthers first defensive drive. Wide receiver Robby Anderson (2011-13, 2015) had five receptions for 55 yards in the game, including an 18-yard reception that helped the Panthers to an opening-drive field goal. Rookie linebacker Sam Franklin (2016-19) saw special teams snaps and tight end Colin Thompson (2014-16) saw time on offense and special teams in the victory.
Buffalo left tackle Dion Dawkins (2013-16) faced the Los Angeles Rams and was matched up against former Defensive POY Aaron Donald throughout the day. Dawkins and the offensive line held strong, allowing Josh Allen to pass for over 300 yards for the third consecutive game and record four touchdown passes as the Bills earned a hard fought 35-32 victory. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich (2012-15) also helped the Bills to victory with considerable special teams action.
An Owl making his NFL debut on Sunday was Minnesota rookie cornerback Harrison Hand (2019), who was called up to the active roster this week after some injuries in the Vikings defensive backfield. Hand saw significant action on special teams in a 31-30 loss to Tennessee.
Denver kicker Brandon McManus (2009-12) had a stellar performance when called upon, converting a 56-yard field goal in his only attempt, and going 1/1 on extra points in a 24-10 loss to Tampa Bay. 56 yards is the second longest field goal of his career (57 yards) and his longest since 2015.
Arizona linebacker Haason Reddick (2013-16) also had a strong performance, totaling three tackles, including a sack, as well as a QB hit and a pass defended in a 26-23 loss to Detroit.
Atlanta rookie Matt Hennessy (2016-19) again saw action on the offensive line in a 30-26 loss to Chicago and Philadelphia rookie linebacker Shaun Bradley (2016-19) saw substantial action on special teams in the first tie of the NFL season, 23-23 against the Bengals.
New York Jets cornerback Nate Hairston (2014-16) recorded a special teams tackle in a 36-7 loss to the Colts and Houston linebacker Jacob Martin (2014-17) saw action on defense and special teams in a 28-21 loss to Pittsburgh. Washington defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (2012-15) was suffered a season-ending injury early in the game against Cleveland.
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Players Mentioned
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