SEC in the pros: Marcell Dareus is a sack machine

The SEC has produced more current NFL players than any other conference in America, and many of the Southeast’s former stars have continued to shine at football’s highest level.

Here are the best performances by SEC alums throughout the NFL in Week 10 action last weekend:

OFFENSE

• Peyton Manning: It didn’t take long for the NFL’s career passing touchdown leader to return to our list. He got off to a slow start against Oakland, but turned it on near the end of the first half and didn’t look back. Manning finished 31-of-44 for 340 yards and five touchdowns.
• Matthew Stafford: With the return of a fully-healthy Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford’s numbers are likely to increase. He enjoyed a standout performance in a win against Miami. Stafford led Detroit on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter en route to a 280-yard, two touchdown game.
• Eddy Lacy: The former Alabama running back seems to be one of the top RBs week in and week out. He wasn’t as dominant on the ground, but his help in the receiving game led to 118 total yards and one touchdown.
• Mark Ingram: Ingram came into this season without a single 100-yard game in his NFL career. After Sunday’s performance, he now has three consecutive 100-yard games. His 120 rushing yards, however, were not enough for the Saints who fell to the 49ers in OT.
• Julio Jones: Hey, this guy is good! As Matt Ryan’s favorite target, Jones torched the Bucs’ secondary for 119 receiving yards on eight receptions. He didn’t record a touchdown, but he made some clutch catches for the Falcons who were victorious in Tampa Bay.
• Mike Evans: Tampa’s first-round pick is quickly becoming the team’s most reliable receiver. Evans recorded his second straight 120 yard-plus game and also scored a touchdown. It seems no matter who the quarterback is for Tampa Bay, Evans is going to produce.

DEFENSE

• Marcell Dareus: As the anchor of the Buffalo Bills defensive line, Dareus has been a force all season. In Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Darius recorded seven total tackles and an impressive three sacks. His three sacks were tops in the NFL for Week 10.
• Alec Ogletree: If it’s not one former UGA linebacker making this list, it’s probably another. Ogletree was the standout defensive performer for the Rams this past weekend, despite a 31-14 losing effort. He racked up seven total tackles but forced one fumble and had one interception.

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.