As several former Blue Devils close out Week 5 of the NFL, the Blue Zone looks back at how they performed:
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
Another week of NFL action, another win in the books for Daniel Jones and the Giants. Taking on the Packers across the pond at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Charlotte native played a steady game to lead the G-men to a 27-22 victory. Although he did not find the endzone, Jones had an excellent game, completing 21-of-27 passes for 217 yards and adding 37 more with his legs.
When the Giants, which trailed by two touchdowns at one point, needed the fourth-year signal caller most, he delivered. Trailing by seven with a little more than three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Jones and company started a drive on their own nine-yard-line that would run into the fourth. Star running back Saquon Barkley was injured on the first play of the possession and headed to the locker room, leaving Jones to lead his teammates down the field. The Duke product would go on to pass for 55 yards and take off three times for 25 more before second-string running back Gary Brightwell carried it in from two yards away for the score. The clutch 15-play, 91-yard touchdown drive was exactly what Jones needed to show he could achieve, as it paved the way for the New York Giants to move to 4-1.
Deon Jackson, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Going into their matchup against the Broncos Thursday night, the Colts were without starting running back Jonathan Taylor. In the game's third play from scrimmage, Nyheim Hines, who replaced Taylor in the starting position, was injured and unable return to the contest. As a result, Jackson was given a heavy workload in his second game of action this season. The former Duke captain rushed for 62 yards through 13 carries and added 29 receiving yards on four targets. The second-year back’s 4.8 yard rushing average helped lead the Colts to a 12-9 victory to move to 2-2-1.
Michael Carter II, CB, New York Jets
The sophomore cornerback continues to shine for the Jets. After an interception last week, Carter posted another impressive performance in his team’s 40-17 victory against the Miami Dolphins. The Blue Devil product logged three tackles and two passes defended, allowing just two completions for 16 yards on five targets. The 2021 fifth-round selection will look to continue his strong secondary play next week against Green Bay.
Joe Giles-Harris, LB, Buffalo Bills
For the first time this season, Giles-Harris was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the Bills’ Week 5 matchup against the Steelers. The linebacker was credited with one tackle in Buffalo’s dominating 31-3 victory.
Lucas Patrick, OL, Chicago Bears
The veteran has recently become a pillar in the Bears' offensive line. Patrick started for the third straight week at left guard and played all 50 of the team’s offensive snaps in Chicago's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings without allowing a sack. The Bears lost to the Vikings by a touchdown Sunday—the final score being 29-22.
Victor Dimukeje, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
Although he played just 17 snaps for the Cardinals Sunday, Dimukeje logged a season-high three tackles. The Cardinals fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17.
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