Penn State in the NFL: Week 8

Unsurprisingly, the NFL remains unpredictable.

Several upsets ensued in an exciting week eight that several former Nittany Lions were a part of.

Here’s how they fared.

Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders

The NFC East clashed on Sunday as the Eagles traveled to Washington. After a slower start and a strong showing by the Commanders, Philadelphia rallied to win 38-31.

Dotson had a breakout performance with 108 yards on eight receptions. This is only the second game where the wide receiver broke the 100-yard receiving mark; the last time was against the Giants last season.

Earlier in the season when these teams battled, Dotson was responsible for the touchdown that sent the game into overtime; however, this time around, he reached the end zone much sooner.

In the second quarter, on second-and-16 from the Eagles 21-yard line, Dotson ran a route that left him wide open in perfect position to receive Sam Howell’s pass. The score put the Commanders up 14-3 with about twelve minutes before halftime.

Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After starting the season 3-1, the Buccaneers are quickly spiraling. The 24-18 loss to Buffalo on Thursday Night Football was the team’s third loss in a row — their record now 3-4.

Midway through the second quarter, Josh Allen threw an interception, which left Tampa Bay in a good position to score. Godwin found the end zone just two plays later on a three-yard touchdown.

The score tied the game at 10, and was Godwin’s first of the season and the wide receiver finished with five receptions for 54 yards.

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

In the battle of New York, the game was sloppy and overtime was needed to seal a winner. Rainy conditions and injuries disrupted typical game plans, but the Jets walked away with a 13-10 win.

Tyrod Taylor left the game early with a rib injury, and with Daniel Jones still hurt, the Giants put Tommy DeVito in the game, the Jersey kid who made his NFL debut.

The offense quickly shifted to rely just on the run. Barkley had 36 carries, his highest amount of the season, and rushed for 128 yards — the first time he broke the triple-digit mark in 2023.

The running back also had three receptions, but the Jets defense didn’t allow Barkley to get any yardage through the air.

Amanda Vogt is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email amandaevogt@gmail.com.