Michigan State Spartans in the NFL: Week 3
With plenty of former MSU players participating in the NFL regularly, Spartan Nation takes a look at how they did in week three.
In this edition of 'Michigan State Spartans in the NFL,' we will look at performances from LB Shilique Calhoun, QB Kirk Cousins, CB Darqueze Dennard, WR Bennie Fowler, DE William Gholston, CB Justin Layne, and S Khari Willis.
LB Shilique Calhoun: New England Patriots
Last week, Shilique Calhoun recorded the first sack of his NFL career against the Seattle Seahawks.
The former Spartan outdid himself against the Las Vegas Raiders, recording three tackles, two forced fumbles, and a half-sack in a 16-point victory. Calhoun's second forced fumble came in the fourth quarter while sacking Derek Carr.
The turnover was picked up by Deatrich Wise Jr., who scored a touchdown on the play and sealed the win for New England.
Calhoun features eight tackles (five solo, three assisted), 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through three weeks.
QB Kirk Cousins: Minnesota Vikings
The tone for Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings isn't any different than last week.
Beginning the season 0-3 as they fell to the Tennessee Titans 31-30.
The NFL veteran quarterback is off to a rocky start himself, throwing for 623 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 59.0% of his passes.
Cousins completed 59.3% of his throws (16-for-27), 251 yards, three touchdowns, and two picks on Sunday.
CB Darqueze Dennard: Atlanta Falcons
It took Darqueze Dennard three games to record his first interception as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, picking off Nick Foles in the end zone during the third quarter.
Through three contests, Dennard has 16 tackles, which includes the six he totaled in Sunday's 30-26 loss to the Chicago Bears.
WR Bennie Fowler: New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints signed former Spartan Bennie Fowler in large part due to a recommendation by their hall of fame quarterback, Drew Brees.
Following the signing, he was cut and signed to the practice squad.
Yet, after getting called up with Saints superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas sidelined due to an injury, he hasn't recorded a single statistic the past two weeks.
Fowler played 11 offensive snaps and 15 on special teams in a 37-30 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
DE William Gholston: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
William Gholston finished his day with one tackle (in 28 defensive snaps) following the 28-10 victory against the Denver Broncos.
He has ten tackles (four solo, six assisted) and one sack on the year.
CB Justin Layne: Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Layne received all of his snaps on special teams (18) in the 28-21 win over the Houston Texans this past weekend. He features two tackles through three games for the Steelers.
S Khari Willis: Indianapolis Colts
In a 36-7 blowout victory over the Jets, Khari Willis recorded eight tackles (six solo, two assisted) in another impressive performance by the former Spartan standout.
The Colts improved to 2-1 on the year, while Willis started nearly the entire ballgame (57-of-64 defensive snaps).
The 5-foot-11, 213-pound safety has 14 tackles and one sack in his sophomore season.
Inactives/Injured Reserve
C Brian Allen: Los Angeles Rams
RB Le'Veon Bell: New York Jets
CB Josiah Scott: Jacksonville Jaguars
CB Trae Waynes: Cincinnati Bengals
DE Kenny Willekes: Minnesota Vikings
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