Orange in the NFL: Recapping Week 1 action of Syracuse football alumni

You may have heard that a former Orange had a big game.

Whether or not the Syracuse Orange see success on Saturdays, you can be guaranteed there will be Orange on Sundays as the program has several players on NFL rosters this season contributing to their respective teams. Each week, we’ll recap the alumni action in one place in case you couldn’t flip through the channels fast enough.

Chandler Jones – Arizona Cardinals

You may have heard, but Jones ripped off a franchise tying record 5 sacks against the Titans, helping the Cardinals win 38-13. The total is a career high for Jones, and his third sack of the game was his career 100th sack. Back in 2019, Jones was the first player in a while to challenge Michael Strahan’s NFL single season record of 22.5 with 19 that year. Jones is clearly eying this record as he also eyes a new long term contract.

Justin Pugh – Arizona Cardinals

Pugh was starting at guard, playing 66 snaps (96%) on offense, and 7 on special teams (26%). Pugh should have this position locked down all season, pending health.

Riley Dixon – New York Giants

Dixon started his 2021 season strong, with 3 punts that averaged 54 yards per kick. He had a long kick of 61 yards, and one touchback. The other two punts were returned, dragging his NET average down to 39.3 yards.

Zaire Franklin – Indianapolis Colts

Franklin was named a team captain for the second straight season, and saw 13 snaps (24%) on defense. He got another 22 (92%) on special teams, which is where Franklin will see most of his action this season.

Andre Cisco – Jacksonville Jaguars

The former Orange All-American may get his chance to win the starting safety job sooner than anticipated, after a poor outing from Andrew Wingard contributed to a 37-21 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans. Cisco only got 29% of the available snaps on defense, and did get 54% of special teams snaps, recording one tackle in that limited action. It seems like fans would like to see if Cisco can fare any better in the starting role this upcoming week.

Alton Robinson – Seattle Seahawks

Robinson had a relatively quiet game, racking up two tackles on the edge of the defensive line for the Seahawks in their 28-16 win over the Colts. Robinson saw the field on just 16 defensive snaps.

Trill Williams – Miami Dolphins

Trill was inactive for the Miami win over New England.

Ifeatu Melifonwu – Detroit Lions

Iffy saw 10 snaps on defense and another 12 on special teams, recovering a fumble. With Jeff Okudah’s injury, Iffy has a chance to see extended action on defense.

Practice Squad Players: Koda Martin – Arizona Cardinals, Chris Slayton – Atlanta Falcons, Trishton Jackson – Minnesota Vikings,