Puka Nacua
Cooper Kupp, No. 1 receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, returned for his first game this 2023 season. Many questioned what role Puka Nacua will take-on with this new offensive change. Despite the doubters, Puka Nacua had 7 receptions for 71 yards and 1 touchdown against the undefeated Eagles.
Kupp said, “It’s fun being out there with (Puka). His joy and excitement he has playing this game…He’s just going to continue to get better which is crazy to say as good as he’s been.”
Puka Nacua is making a name for himself on and off the field. So much that LeBron James, NBA all-star basketball player, nicknamed Nacua “Puka Dončić.”
The Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 23-14, making them 2-3 this season, and face NFC west foe the Arizona Cardinals.
Zach Wilson
Wilson helped the Jets go 2-3 by beating the Denver Broncos 31-21. After a slow start in the first half, Wilson went 19-26 with a 73.1 completion percentage, 199 yards, with 1 interception.
Coach Robert Saleh said after the game, “I thought Zach did a great job.”
Wilson said that his goal is to be as efficient as he can be and seeks to tighten up his game. He said, “I feel like I am seeing the field well and being decisive and getting the ball out of my hands quickly, but of course there are plays to learn from.”
The Jets face the undefeated Eagles next Sunday.
Fred Warner
Against their longtime NFC rivals, the 49ers took the lead in series history wins against the Dallas Cowboys after demolishing them 42-10. Fred Warner had eight total tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, one quarterback hit, one forced fumble, and one interception.
In the first quarter with 46 seconds left, Warner tackled Cowboys running back Tony Pollard and punched the ball out causing a 49ers fumble recovery. Many fans commented that this is similar to BYU’s Tyler Allgeier’s punchout versus Arizona State in 2021.
It was his night as Warner also started the fourth quarter by intercepting Dak Prescott the Cowboys quarterback. He was a big asset in helping the niners clinch the win against a high-profile team.
Warner received many accolades by many including former cougar and Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy who tweeted the following:
Tyler Allgeier
The Falcons snatched a win against the Texans, 21-19. Allgeier had 10 more carries than last week with 17 carries and 40 rushing yards. The Falcons will face Dax Milne and the Commanders next week.
Taysom Hill
In a shutout versus the New England Patriots. Taysom Hill had 3 carries for 19 yards and 1 reception. The Saints will face the Texans next Sunday in Houston.
Kyle Van Noy
In his second week with the ravens, Kyle Van Noy had one solo tackle with a loss to the Steelers 17-10.
Blake Freeland
The Indianapolis Colts played division rivals the Tennessee Titans and won 23-16. For the rookie's second start, Freeland played in 66 offensive snaps and had an overall grade of 56.2.
Other Cougars
Other former Cougars on active rosters who did not see playing time were Chris Brooks, Jaren Hall and Khyiris Tonga. Michael Davis with the Los Angeles Chargers and Sione Takitaki with the Cleveland Browns both had a bye week. Dax Milne remains on injured reserve with the Washington Commanders, with Jamaal Williams of the New Orleans Saints on injured reserve as well. Zayne Anderson is now on the Green Bay Packers practice squad.
Other Cougars on practice squads are Kaleb Hayes with the New York Giants, Matt Bushman with the Kansas City Chiefs, Daniel Sorensen with the Saints, and Chris Wilcox with the Chargers.