After a busy Week 4 in the NFL, the Blue Zone breaks down the contributions from several former Blue Devils:
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
After a tough 23-16 loss to the Cowboys last week, Jones led the G-men to a 20-12 home win in MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Charlotte native called his own number for two rushing touchdowns in the first half, racking up 68 rushing yards in total on the day. On top of that, he threw for 71 yards at a 61.5 completion rate before an ankle injury in a third-quarter sack forced the Giants to bench Jones and bring in backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor to close out the game's second half. When Taylor was also injured, Jones stepped back on the field but lined up as a wide receiver, with running back Saquon Barkley stepping in to take snaps in the Wildcat formation. After the win against Chicago, the Giants moved to 3-1 in a strong NFC East Division, placing them third, behind the 3-1 Cowboys and the undefeated Eagles, respectively. Jones is currently listed as questionable and his availability is considered day-to-day. The Giants will play the Packers in London at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Jamison Crowder, WR, Bills
The Bills lost to the Dolphins last week, but bounced back this weekend, managing to edge out the Ravens 23-20. Unfortunately, it seems like the Bills will be without wide receiver Jamison Crowder for a while, as he was carted off the field with a broken ankle. Before the injury, Crowder had one reception for seven yards on four targets, along with a seven-yard punt return. Without Crowder, Bills quarterback Josh Allen will have one fewer target when Buffalo hosts the Steelers at Highmark Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Noah Gray, TE, Chiefs
The Chiefs looked to avenge their loss in the 2021 Super Bowl with a win against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. They accomplished that mission after taking an early lead and then holding on for all four quarters to take a 41-31 victory in Tampa. While Noah Gray did not play much of a role in the Sunday night win, he was an integral part of a trick play. As Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes pretended to make some audible adjustments to the goal line formation, Gray took the snap directly and plunged into the end zone, giving Kansas City a 28-17 lead. Looking forward, Gray and the Chiefs will host the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium for some Monday Night Football action next week.
Josh Blackwell, CB, Bears
While Blackwell has not been a key impact player for the Chicago Bears this year, he did make a key play late in the second quarter Sunday that helped put the team ahead. When the Bears punted with 3:55 left in the first half, New York Giant wide receiver Richie James fielded the kick and began to run it back, before a big hit from Blackwell knocked the ball loose. At the bottom of the dogpile, Blackwell had recovered the ball and ultimately set up a Bears field goal that cut the deficit to five points. The Bears will visit the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Laken Tomlinson, G, Jets
Coming off a loss against the Bengals last week, Tomlinson and the Jets looked to bounce back on the road against Pittsburgh. After three weeks of veteran backup Joe Flacco in the pocket, the return of young talent Zach Wilson was likely a welcome sight for the Jets. Tomlinson played all 70 offensive snaps on Sunday, and his line allowed only one sack. In the end, the Jets took the 24-20 win and will host the Dolphins next Sunday.
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