Badgers in the NFL: Check out top performances by former Wisconsin players in Week 8
From Melvin Gordon scoring his first touchdown of the season to T.J. Watt shining on Monday Night Football, here are nine notable performances from former University of Wisconsin players in Week 8 of the NFL season.
Vince Biegel — Dolphins
Despite the Dolphins wasting a golden opportunity to pick up their first win of the season, linebacker Vince Biegel (above right) turned in a solid performance Monday night in Miami's 27-14 loss to the Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Biegel had four solo tackles and five assisted tackles as the Dolphins fell to 0-7 on the season despite jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
In five appearances this season, Biegel has five solo tackles, eight assists and two sacks.
T.J. Edwards — Eagles
Eagles undrafted rookie linebacker T.J. Edwards had his most productive game as a pro as Philadelphia defeated the Bills 31-13 on Sunday at New Era Field in Buffalo.
Edwards had two solo tackles and three assisted tackles as the Eagles improved to 4-4 at the halfway mark of the season.
In three appearances this season, Edwards has contributed eight solo tackles and four assists while continuing to impress his teammates.
“We knew before training camp that he was going to make the team already," Philadelphia linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill told NBC Sports earlier this month. "He was an undrafted guy and for guys like that, it’s a battle to make the team. But we could tell right away.”
Alex Erickson — Bengals
While his biggest catch of the day came with Cincinnati well on its way to an eighth-straight loss to start the season, wide receiver Alex Erickson continued to shine as the Bengals fell at home to the Los Angeles Rams 24-10.
Erickson's big play came with less than a minute left when he had his biggest gain of the season with a 52-yard reception from quarterback Andy Dalton.
Erickson caught 6 of 7 balls thrown his way for a team-high 97 yards (16.2 per catch) as the Bengals fell to 0-8 on the season.
In seven appearances this season, Erickson has caught 25 passes for 343 yards, while also rushing the ball three times for 17 yards.
Melvin Gordon — Chargers
Playing in his fourth game since ending his holdout, Chargers running back Melvin Gordon had one of his better showings of the season as Los Angeles edged the Chicago Bears 17-16 on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Gordon scored his first touchdown of the season, while totaling 31 rushing yards on eight carries as Los Angeles improved to 3-5. He also caught 2 of 3 passes thrown his way for 3 yards.
In his four appearances this season, Gordon has run the ball 44 times for 112 yards (2.5 per carry), while also catching 11 passes for 37 yards (3.4 per catch).
Joe Schobert — Browns
While the Browns haven't lived up to rare preseason hype, linebacker Joe Schobert (above left) continued to make an impact as Cleveland fell to the New England Patriots 27-13 on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Schobert had eight solo tackles and three assists as the Browns fell to 2-5 on the season. It was the fourth time this season that Schobert totaled double digits in tackles (11).
In seven games this year, Schobert has racked up 51 solo tackles, 22 assists, one sack and a forced fumble.
James White — Patriots
Helping the Patriots reach the halfway point of the season with a perfect record, running back James White (above left) continued to make an impact in the receiving game as New England cruised to a 27-13 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
White caught four passes for 75 yards, including a season-long 59-yard reception.
While he only carried the ball twice for 4 yards on Sunday, it's been White's ability to be a reliable target for quarterback Tom Brady that's kept New England's offense humming along on the way to an 8-0 record.
In seven appearances this season, White has caught 42 of 52 passes thrown his way for 358 yards (8.5 per catch) with one touchdown. To contrast that, he's ran the ball 23 times for 66 yards (2.9 per carry) with no scores.
J.J. Watt — Texans
While it was far from the outcome he'd have liked, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt remained positive after suffering a season-ending injury Sunday in Houston's 27-24 win over the Oakland Raiders at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Watt had three solo tackles before exiting the game with a pectoral injury that will reportedly require surgery this week and sideline him for at least four months.
Watt posted a message Sunday night on Twitter, trying to look on the bright side and saying in part, "This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal."
This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal. Absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can’t stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 28, 2019
In seven games this season, Watt totaled 24 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble.
Later on Sunday night, Watt continued to put things in perspective by sharing a post on social media of his nephew standing for the first time.
Even on a tough day there is reason to smile.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 28, 2019
Texans win, the Stros are winning and my nephew stood on his own for the first time.
That smile at the end can brighten up even the darkest day. pic.twitter.com/Ccu6qZejFH
And by Monday night, he was showing his support on social media for brother T.J. Watt, who was busy helping the Steelers take down the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
ANOTHER SACK. ANOTHER FUMBLE.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 29, 2019
BEASTMODE!!!!@_TJWatt
T.J. Watt — Steelers
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was a man on a mission Monday night as Pittsburgh overcame an early deficit to roll over the winless Miami Dolphins 27-14 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Watt had three solo tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles as the Steelers improved to 3-4 by scoring 27 unanswered points after letting the Dolphins jump out to a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter.
Watt's play drew praise from older brother J.J., who confirmed Sunday night that he'll miss the rest of the season after suffering a pectoral injury in the Texans' win over the Raiders.
ANOTHER SACK. ANOTHER FUMBLE.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 29, 2019
BEASTMODE!!!!@_TJWatt
In seven games this season, the younger Watt has 23 total tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
Russell Wilson — Seahawks
Despite tying his season low with only 20 pass attempts, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson did enough on the road for Seattle to hold off the Atlanta Falcons 27-20 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Wilson completed 14 of 20 attempts for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing the ball four times for 4 yards as the Seahawks improved to 6-2 on the season.
Wilson, who's drawn consideration for MVP this season, has completed 171 of 250 passes (68.4 percent) for 2,127 yards, 17 touchdowns and one interception in eight games. He's also rushed 43 times for 182 yards (4.2 per carry) and three scores.
Chris Doyle | Wisconsin State Journal
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Sports Web Editor, Social Media Coordinator, and Video/Podcast Producer for the Wisconsin State Journal.
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