How Former Hoosiers Fared in Week 2 of the 2020 NFL Season
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Written by Evan McShane
Hoosiers in the NFL: Week 2
Indiana had nine players active on NFL Sunday (none on Thursday or Monday). Several former IU players got the nod to start and helped their teams to victory. Let’s take a look around the league and check up on these former Hoosiers.
Rodger Saffold, LG, Tennessee Titans (2-0)
Rodger Saffold added to his ironman streak. After not having missed a start in over two years now, Saffold got the start at left guard in Tennessee’s midday game against the Jaguars. The Titans won the game on a last second field goal for the second week in a row. Saffold and the Titans offensive line only gave up one sack the entire game and paved the way for 123 team rushing yards.
Jordan Howard, RB, Miami Dolphins (0-2)
Jordan Howard was the only Hoosier to find the end zone this week, punching it in for six at the goal line in the fourth quarter. The TD wasn’t enough, as Howard’s Dolphins fell to the Bills 31-28. Howard only had five carries for four yards on the day, but the score was important for his confidence moving forward. Howard has two touchdowns on the season. Next week, Miami looks to get their first win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
Tevin Coleman and the 49ers got their first win of the year in blowout fashion against the New York Jets. The former star running back is off to a slow start in 2020, but one promising sign is the number of touches Coleman got on Sunday. Coleman led his team in carries with 14 and caught two passes for 28 yards. He may have only managed 12 rushing yards, but as long as Tevin Coleman remains heavily involved in the offense, good things will happen. With an injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Coleman may be even more of a focal point next week as San Francisco faces off against the struggling New York Giants.
Nate Sudfeld, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (0-2)
Nate Sudfeld was inactive for the Eagles disappointing blowout loss to the LA Rams. It would appear as if Nate Sudfeld has fallen in the pecking order at QB in Philadelphia. The former standout in Bloomington was third string on Sunday, now behind rookie QB Jalen Hurts, who served as the Eagles’ backup quarterback. Sudfeld will work to regain his backup role throughout the season as Philadelphia looks to shake off and 0-2 start.
Dan Feeney, LG, Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)
Dan Feeney again got the start at left guard. The Chargers could not pull off a 2-0 start, allowing the Chiefs to tie the game as the clock hit 0:00. In overtime, LA punted the ball on 4th and 1 at their own 34 yard-line and went on to lose thanks to a 58-yard field goal by Kansas City’s Harrison Butker. Feeney and the Chargers hope to get back in the win column next week against the Panthers.
Ian Thomas, TE, Carolina Panthers (1-1)
Ian Thomas and the Panthers lost for the second week in a row, 31-17 to the Buccaneers. Thomas was not targeted in the loss after catches two passes for 16 yards last week. Thomas hopes to get more involved in Carolina’s offense. Hoosier fans know how lethal the athletic tight end can be in the passing game. Hopefully the Panthers figure it out sooner than later. Carolina looks to avoid an 0-3 start as they play the LA Chargers next week.
Jason Spriggs, OT, Chicago Bears (2-0)
Spriggs was active for the Bears as they held off the Giants’ last-minute drive for a 17-13 victory. Spriggs is fulfilling a backup role on Chicago’s offensive line and will be ready when the time comes. Chicago hopes to advance to 3-0 next week against the Atlanta Falcons.
Wes Martin, OL, Washington Football Team (1-1)
After a week one upset win over Philadelphia, Wes Martin and the Washington Football Team struggled against Arizona this weekend. Martin again got the nod at left guard. Unfortunately, his team quickly fell behind to the Cardinals 20-0 and were unable to mount a comeback. Washington will look to get back on track next week where they’ll travel to Cleveland to play the Browns.
Brandon Knight, OL, Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
In what was a game-time decision, former Hoosier lineman Brandon Knight got the start at left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. By all accounts, Knight held his own and then some as he helped the Cowboys offense complete an improbable comeback. Dallas immediately fell behind 20-0 against the Atlanta Falcons, and were trailing 29-10 at halftime. Quarterback Dak Prescott led the Cowboys to a furious comeback with four second half touchdowns (three rushing, one passing). Dallas won the game 40-39 on a last second field goal and in the process, Brandon Knight may have earned himself some more playing time down the road.
Nick Westbrook, WR, Tennessee Titans (2-0)
Nick Westbrook was signed off the Titans practice squad ahead of week one. This Sunday, Westbrook made his NFL debut in Tennessee’s win over Jacksonville. The young wide receiver did not record a statistic, but it would appear he’ll get an opportunity to see some snaps in the coming weeks.
Simon Stepaniak, OL, Green Bay Packers (2-0)
Stepaniak was inactive for the Packers trouncing of the Detroit Lions 42-21. The rookie guard will have to wait for his number to be called, as is often the case with young offensive linemen.