Wolverines in the NFL – University of Michigan Athletics

Donovan Peoples-Jones (USATSI)

Wolverines in the NFL, Week 1 Update

• In total, 31 Wolverines saw game action in the NFL’s opening weekend, including regular-season NFL debuts for four rookies: Hassan Haskins (Tennessee Titans), Daxton Hill (Cincinnati Bengals), Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions) and Josh Ross (Baltimore Ravens).

• Donovan Peoples-Jones led the Cleveland Browns with 60 yards receiving on six catches in the team’s 26-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Peoples-Jones was clearly the team’s top receiving target on Sunday with 11 balls thrown his way and the team’s next-highest receiver seeing six. DPJ had two key third-down catches and another to move the chains on 2nd and 12 to set up the game-winning field goal. He was one of six NFL receivers to earn a 35 percent target share of their team’s passing attempts, and led the team in routes (35), catches (six) and yards (60).

• The Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans ended in a dissatisfying 20-20 tie, but Colts end Kwity Paye was a star with seven tackles (six solo) and two sacks, including one in overtime, plus another two quarterback hits. Texans receiver Nico Collins ran 32 routes, second most on the team, and chipped in a pair of catches for 26 yards while defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour delivered a tackle and quarterback hit.

• The Minnesota Vikings got the better of the Green Bay Packers 23-7, but linebacker Rashan Gary was a force off the edge for Green Bay. He registered seven tackles (three solo) with a sack and two quarterback hits, including a big sack on third down. On the offensive side, guard Jon Runyan helped the run game rack up 6.2 yards per carry, but the scoring was too little, too late for Green Bay. Runyan sustained an injury in the second half and was forced to exit the game. Vikings special teams ace Josh Metellus scored two tackles on coverage units.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Bengals 23-20 in an overtime thriller on the strength of their defense, but tight end Zach Gentry made a splash with two catches for 40 yards, including a 32-yarder to help set up first and goal on Pittsburgh’s final touchdown of the game. The Steelers intercepted Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow four times and stripped him of a fumble as well. Linebacker Devin Bush was in on five tackles (two solo), and Chris Wormley was in on two — including one tackle for loss. On offense, Mason Cole was off to a strong start with his new organization,…