Week 2 NFL Recap: Joe Haden shuts down Brees, Saints receivers
By Drew Laing
Published:
On Saturday, it was a shaky performance from the Florida Gators in a thrilling triple overtime victory against the Kentucky Wildcats. Fortunately for the former Gators, Sunday brought on much better performances from the Gators in the NFL, especially on the defensive side of the football.
Here are some of the notable performance in Sunday’s Week 2 NFL action from the Florida alumni.
Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland Browns
Week 2 stats: 10 tackles and one pass breakup
Haden continues to build on his reputation as one of the league’s best cornerbacks. In addition to applying shut down coverage on the New Orleans wide receivers (no WR had more than 37 receiving yards), Haden added a lot to the defense by recording 10 tackles, which was second-highest on the team. It was in large part the defensive performance by Cleveland that led the Browns to an upset victory over the Saints and Haden played a big role in the win.
Josh Evans, FS, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 2 stats: 14 tackles and one pass breakup
Evans enjoyed a career day yesterday, racking up 14 tackles, the highest-single game total for Evans in his NFL career. The Jaguars suffered a blowout 41-10 loss to the Washington Redskins, but Evans’ performance was one of the lone bright spots for Jacksonville, who is now 0-2 on the season. Evans’ 14 tackles led the team and the next highest player had just seven total tackles.
Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Week 2 stats: five touches, 50 yards, one touchown
The Seahawks may have played much worse than expected against a less than spectacular New York Jets squad, but their playmaking wide receiver Percy Harvin impacted the offense once again. The former Gators showcased his dynamic playmaking ability, averaging 10 yards per touch, including a 51-yard run in the first quarter. It’s evident that Harvin is one of the most explosive players in the NFL today.
Dominique Easley, DT, New England Patriots
Week 2 stats: First career interception
The former Gators defensive lineman didn’t contribute much in terms of tackles or sacks, but Easley stands out for recording his first-ever NFL interception. Easley figures to be play a significant role in the Patriots’ defensive line rotation, so it’s doubtful this is the last we hear of Easley making a big play.
Other notable UF performances in the NFL
- Jelani Jenkins (Dolphins) – 14 tackles (career high), one tackle for loss
- Reggie Nelson (Bengals) – five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup
- Carlos Dunlap (Bengals) – one sack and five QB hits
- Matt Elam (Ravens) – 10 tackles
- Jon Bostic (Bears) – four tackles and one tackle for loss
- Six Gators for Colts and Eagles will be on Monday Night Football: Jonotthan Harrison, Xavier Nixon, Loucheiz Purifoy, Trey Burton, Riley Cooper and Jaylen Watkins
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
