With the NFL heading towards the home stretch of the regular season, a couple of former Blue Devils found the endzone in Week 9, and others are still playing key roles in a push for the playoffs. The Blue Zone gives you a recap:
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
Coming off a four touchdown, 322 yard performance against Detroit, Daniel Jones and the Giants' offensive struggles resurfaced Monday Night against the Cowboys. Jones started off hot, finding Cody Latimer for a short one-yard touchdown, and after another drive deep into Dallas territory, New York found itself up 12-3 early. However, after a poor decision on a deep route, Jones was badly intercepted late in the second, and Dallas took the lead going into the half.
Jones was unable to find much success in the second half, finishing with 210 yards and a passer rating of 74.2, and the Giants could only score six more points the rest of the night. After New York found themselves in an early, comfortable lead, the 37-18 final result was demoralizing, making this the Giants' fifth straight defeat as Jones and the team continue to search for their identity.
Jamison Crowder, WR, New York Jets
For most, losing a game to the worst team in the NFL does not leave anything to look forward to. But most are not Jamison Crowder. In the Jets' embarrassing loss to the then winless Miami Dolphins, Crowder caught his first touchdown of the season on a 12 yard dart early in the first quarter.
In a season of woes, surprising trade talks and bizarre illnesses for the Jets, Crowder has emerged as a promising piece leading the team in both yards and receptions after his five catch, 83 yard performance on Sunday. Crowder hopes to continue his impressive season next week as New York takes on the Redskins in another battle of teams fighting for the No. 1 overall pick.
Matt Skura, C, Baltimore Ravens
While playing a historic New England defense, Matt Skura stepped up in a big way in a Ravens win over the then undefeated, AFC leading Patriots. The offensive line, led by the former Blue Devil, bolstered a run game that exploded for 210 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and only allowed one sack on star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Skura and the Ravens sit a top the AFC North with a comfortable two game lead and hope to continue their dominance of the division against the struggling Bengals next week.
Ross Cockrell, CB, Carolina Panthers
Despite allowing an alarming 51 points to the league leading 49ers last week, Ross Cockrell and the Panthers put their season back on track with a 30-20 win over Tennessee. The Panthers' defense held the Titans scoreless in the first half as the former fourth-round pick recorded eight tackles to match his season high. Cockrell ranks fifth on the team in tackles and third in interceptions and pass breakups.
In a season of uncertainty, the Kyle Allen led Panthers continued their hot streak, making this their fifth win in the previous six games. With the Saints' division lead extended to two games, Cockrell and the defense hope to step up in a tough matchup at Lambeau Field against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.