Former Syracuse football star Chandler Jones made a monster comeback after undergoing season-ending surgery for a biceps injury last year.
The Arizona Cardinals linebacker got his 98th, 99th and 100th career sacks in the first quarter of the team’s NFL season opener Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Then he stuffed quarterback Ryan Tannehill two more times, for five total sacks in the game and 102 career sacks; he’s just the eighth player since the NFL began tracking sacks to top 100 in the first 125 games of his career, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Jones had six total tackles and forced two fumbles in the game, which ended in a 38-13 win over the Titans.
According to ESPN, Jones, 31, became the first player since Jacksonville’s Chris Clemons in 2014 to get three sacks in a first quarter. It also puts him well on pace to break Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5; he came close with 19 in 2019, but had just one in 2020 before his injury ended his season in Week 5.
“He was unblockable most of training camp to the point where it’s like, ‘Hey, we can only pass when he’s out of game’ type of deal,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game. “He was awesome. So, I didn’t know if he’d have five, but I knew he would impact the game. There was no doubt.”
Here’s how the rest of the former Syracuse and Central NY stars did in the NFL this week:
Justin Pugh, LG, Arizona Cardinals
Ex-Syracuse lineman Justin Pugh and the Cardinals’ offensive line allowed two sacks on QB Kyler Murray. Pugh played 96% of the OL’s snaps, plus seven plays on special teams.
Last game: Cardinals 38, Titans 13
Next game: Vikings at Cardinals, Sunday 4:05 p.m.
Riley Dixon, P, New York Giants
Syracuse University alum Riley Dixon kicked three punts for an average of 54 yards.
Last game: Broncos 27, Giants 13
Next game: Giants at Washington, Thursday 8:20 p.m.
Zaire Franklin, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Former Syracuse linebacker Zaire Franklin, who was named one of Indy’s team captains this season, had one tackle Sunday.
Last game: Seahawks 28, Colts 16
Next game: Rams at Colts, Sunday 1 p.m.
Alton Robinson, DE, Seattle Seahawks
Former Orange defensive end Alton Robinson got two tackles Sunday.
Last game: Seahawks 28, Colts 16
Next game: Titans at Seahawks, Sunday 4:25 p.m
Trill Williams, LB, Miami Dolphins
Undrafted former Orange defensive back Trill Williams made the Dolphins’ 53-man roster out of training camp, but did not see any playing time Sunday.
Last game: Dolphins 17, Patriots 16
Next game: Bills at Dolphins, Sunday 1 p.m.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Detroit Lions
The rookie cornerback from SU recovered a fumble in his NFL debut.
Last game: 49ers 41, Lions 33
Next game: Lions at Packers, Monday 8/20 at 8:15 p.m.
Andre Cisco, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
The rookie safety out of Syracuse University had one tackle against Houston on Sunday.
Last game: Texans 37, Jaguars 21
Next game: Broncos at Jaguars, Sunday 1 p.m.
Latavius Murray, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Former Onondaga Central High School football star Latavius Murray has signed a one-year deal with the Ravens after being cut by the New Orleans Saints. He makes his Baltimore debut tonight.
Next game: Ravens at Raiders, Monday at 8:15 p.m.
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‘Lack of playmakers is glaring’: What they’re saying about Syracuse’s loss to Rutgers