Badger of Honor
Fansided

Wisconsin Football: Former Badger Week 1 NFL performances

By Christian Borman

Sep 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Week 1 of the NFL took place this weekend and there were plenty of former Wisconsin football players in action.

Here are some notable performances from some former Badgers in Week 1.

Offense

QB Russell Wilson – 18/23 for 253 yards and 4 TD; 5 rushes for 9 yards

Wilson enjoyed a nice day in Indianapolis, throwing for three first-half touchdowns and leading the Seahawks to a 28-16 victory over the Colts.

RB Jonathan Taylor  – 17 carries for 56 yards; 6 receptions for 60 yards

The former running back for the Wisconsin football team is becoming a big part of the offense for the Colts. Although he is still sharing, he led the team in carries. He also had the most receptions and receiving yards for the Colts in Week 1.

Melvin Gordon III – 11 carries for 101 yards 1 TD; 3 receptions for 17 yards

Gordon is part of a running back platoon in Denver, but he took advantage of the carries he got. He was second on the team in carries but busted a 70-yard touchdown run, giving him 9.2 yards per carry.

Quintez Cephus – 3 receptions for 12 yards and 1 TD; 2-point conversion

The former Wisconsin football receiver was targeted seven times, bringing three in, including a touchdown near the end of the game. He also caught the 2-point conversion to bring the Lions to within eight before the end of the game.

Defense

Zack Baun – 5 tackles

Baun led the Saints in tackles in their Week 1 blowout over the Packers.

TJ Edwards – 5 tackles

Edwards recorded 5 tackles for the Eagles in their win over the Falcons.

TJ Watt – 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 tackle for a loss

Fresh off of a new contract extension, TJ Watt was back making plays in the backfield, sacking Josh Allen twice, leading the team.

Joe Schobert – 6 tackles

Schobert had a nice debut with his new team, tallying 6 tackles for the Steelers, tied for the fourth-most on the team.

JJ Watt – 2 tackles and 1 tackle for a loss

JJ Watt also debuted with his new team in Week 1. Watt had two tackles and one tackle for a loss in the Cardinals’ big win over the Titans.

Andrew Van Ginkel – 5 tackles

Andrew Van Ginkel didn’t get a sack, but he did get 5 tackles in the Dolphins’ big win over the Patriots on the road.

All stats are courtesy of ESPN.com