That’s a wrap on Week 4 in the National Football League. It’s defense first for Iowa’s NFL contingent. Let’s dive in to the 1-3 Baltimore Ravens! Just kidding, no one wants that!
Cooper DeJean, Anthony
Nelson, and Kaevon Merriweather
It was a reunion in Tampa as the Eagles held off a Bucs rally to win, 31-25. DeJean led the Eagles in tackles, registering 9 tackles with 8 of the 9 tackles solo. He also had 2 passes defended. Really strong start to the year for DeJean so far.
On the other sideline, Nelson logged 2 tackles. Merriweather also picked up 2 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, which accounted for a safety at the final buzzer as the Eagles took the intentional safety. Philly moved to 4-0 with the win, while Tampa took their first loss of the year and is now 3-1.
Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta
Another former Hawk led his team in tackles and that was Jack Campbell. He logged 11 tackles, 7 of them solos, and 1 tackle for loss as the Lions quietly dismantled Cleveland, 34-10. LaPorta chipped in with 3 catches for 39 yards as the Lions moved to 3-1. Perhaps that Week 1 loss to Green Bay was due in large part to them playing virtually none of their starters during preseason? Maybe? Feels like a definite yes on that front.
AJ Epenesa
Welcome to the party, AJE! It’s been a quiet start to the season for Epenesa. Through 3 games, he’d logged 3 tackles and that was it. Not much of anything.
In Sunday’s 31-19 win over New Orleans, AJE doubled his tackle total for the season and logged his first sack as well. The win takes the Bills to 4-0.
Geno Stone, Noah Fant, and Riley Moss
Another reunion. Stone tied for the team lead in tackles for the Bengals, registering 10 tackles. Unfortunately Fant did not play in his return to the Mile High City, as he was recovering from a concussion.
On the other sideline, Moss picked up 2 tackles as the Broncos dominated Cincy, 28-3. Both teams now sit at 2-2. You can feel this sliding away for Cincinnati with Joe Burrow out.
T.J. Hockenson and Kaleb Johnson
Hey – Kaleb’s back! The rookie’s had a tough start to life in the NFL, but he saw his first extended action after his Week 2 kickoff blunder. Johnson finished Sunday’s 24-21 over the Vikings in Dublin with 6 carries for 22 yards. He also had 1 target, though that was incomplete. Meanwhile, Hockenson had 4 receptions for 39 yards. The Steelers moved to 3-1 with the win, while the Vikes fell to 2-2.
