BY MIKE PRATER
@KTIK.COM
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has more quarterback sacks (4) in the first two games of this NFL season than teammate Kellen Moore has played games in the league after six years (3). Lawrence has had a monster start to his new year, while Moore is having his typical routine season. There are 14 former Boise State players in the NFL this season – here is how they rank based on their performances after the first two weeks:
DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, DE, No. 90, Cowboys (1-1) … Finally healthy after back surgeries the past two seasons, Lawrence (photo above, courtesy of Getty Images / Cumulus Digital) shares the NFL lead with four sacks, two in each game. He also has one forced fumble, and is No. 3 on the team with 12 tackles. The bad news for Cowboys’ fans: He did have one costly leverage penalty against Denver in Week 2 that allowed the Broncos to score, and is slated to become a free agent after this season. If the production continues, he’s looking at a life-changing contract going into the 2018 season.
Film Review | DeMarcus Lawrence’s big day in Cowboys blowout loss
JAY AJAYI, RB, No. 23, Dolphins (1-0) … Ajayi looked sharp in his opener, despite missing training camp time with a concussion and not playing Week 1 because of Hurricane Irma. He carried the ball 28 times for 122 yards (4.4 yards per carry) against San Diego, and had two catches for four yards. It was his fifth career 100-yard game. Ajayi not only gained 82 of his 122 yards after contact, he picked up 15 critical yards on a drive that led to the winning field goal.
JAMAR TAYLOR, CB, No. 21, Browns (0-2) … He has a team-high 15 tackles, including 11 solo and two tackles for loss. He’s started both games, playing nearly every snap, including additional time on special teams. In the game against Pittsburgh, Taylor had one near interception and one pass interference penalty.
MATT PARADIS (Council HS), C, No. 61, Broncos (2-0) … He started both games at center, and is the anchor of an offensive line that’s still working through early season issues. The Broncos gave up four sacks in their opener, but only two in their second game. “Matt (Paradis is) coming back from his hip injuries and playing well,” Denver coach Vance Joseph told the media. “We’ve fixed the offensive line. Now, it hasn’t been perfect, but the run game, it’s there. Our pass protection is not there, yet. We’re still working some kinks out there, but the running game is there.”
GEORGE ILOKA, S, No. 43, Bengals (0-2) … Iloka has started both games at free safety, and is fifth on the team with nine tackles. He also has two TFLs, and is playing on special teams.
ORLANDO SCANDRICK, CB, No. 32, Cowboys (1-1) … The NFL veteran had two tackles in the opener against the Giants, and didn’t play in a bad loss to the Broncos (fractured left hand suffered in the Giants game). Without their starting cornerback, the Cowboys gave up 380 yards, four passing TDs and 42 points against the Broncos. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the media he expects Scandrick to play this week against the Cardinals.
TYRONE CRAWFORD, DL, No. 98, Cowboys (1-1) … Crawford, still working through a right ankle injury, came off the bench for both games. He has three tackles and some special teams time.
CHARLES LENO, OT, No. 72, Bears (0-2) … Leno started the season with a new $38 million contract, and now he’s starting at left tackle for a struggling line that has allowed five sacks through two games. Overall, the offense is anemic with only 145 rushing yards and 24 points through two games.
REES ODHIAMBO, OL, No. 70, Seahawks (1-1) … Locked in at left tackle, it’s been a struggle for Odhiambo and the Seahawks offensive line under coach Tom Cable. The team has given up six sacks, quarterback Russell Wilson is constantly being harassed, and the ground game is off to a slow start (90, 131 yards rushing first two games). “Rees (Odhiambo) is a first-time starter and his first go on the other side, unfortunately. … There was a little bit of newness you could see,” head coach Pete Carroll said. The line should mature quickly after all five starters played every snap of the first two games.
DARIAN THOMPSON, FS, No. 27, Giants (0-2) … Started both games at free safety, and is sixth on the team with eight tackles; also has one pass deflection. The Giants, as a defense, have no interceptions and have allowed 43 points in two games. Thompson was beat for a TD against the Lions.
KAMALEI CORREA, LB, No. 51, Ravens (2-0) … The Ravens’ defense has been strong, giving up just 10 points in two games. Correa started at weakside linebacker in both games and is sixth on the team with six tackles. Coaches want to see more consistency, especially from the practice field to the game field, and if it doesn’t happen, his playing time could diminish.
TANNER VALLEJO, LB, No. 40, Bills (1-1) … Vallejo had his knee scoped near the end of preseason, and was not active for the opener. He made his Bills debut in Week 2 against the Browns and saw some time on special teams.
KELLEN MOORE, QB, No. 17, Cowboys (1-1) … The backup quarterback has not stepped on the field this season. He’s coaching starter Dak Prescott and waiting for his chance – as usual.
DOUG MARTIN, RB, No. 22, Bucs (1-0) …. Martin is on the Reserve/Suspended By Commissioner list (drug suspension from last season). He will miss the next two games against the Vikings and Giants, and is eligible to return Oct. 5 against the Patriots (Thursday prime-time game on CBS).
Former Boise State players on practice squads: Donte Deayon, CB, No. 38, Giants; Jeremy McNichols, RB, No. 33, 49ers. Jonathan Moxey, CB, was released by the Bucs this week.
Mike Prater, editor of The Opinionator, co-hosts Idaho Sports Talk with Caves & Prater weekdays from 3-6 p.m. on KTIK 93.1 FM The Ticket and can be heard on Bronco GameNights after BSU football games on KBOI 670 AM and KTIK 93.1 FM. He can be reached at [email protected], and found @CavesandPrater(Facebook) and @MikeFPrater (Twitter).
