#FromStatetoSundays: Week 13 Update
December 03, 2019 | Football
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Thanksgiving Day was good to the Bulldogs. Not only did Mississippi State win the 92nd Battle for the Golden Egg, but former Bulldogs also excelled in their respective NFL games in the hours before kickoff.
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay reached a milestone with his crucial third-quarter interception that led to the Lions' game-tying touchdown. "Big Play" Slay now has 19 career picks and the play marked his 100th pass defense in just his 99th career game. Slay is the ninth player in NFL history to record 100 pass defenses before his 100th career game.
On the offensive side of the ball, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continues to put up impressive numbers. Prescott has now passed for a league-leading 3,788 yards, including 355 passing yards on Thursday. That marks the seventh-most in a single game in his career and the fourth-most in Cowboys history on Thanksgiving Day. With two touchdowns, he tied his 2016 rookie season with a career-high 23 passing scores on the year.
Sunday saw defensive linemen Montez Sweat (Washington Redskins) and Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles) both record sacks. Cox was the Eagles' top-graded defender for the second straight week, checking in at 85.8 according to Pro Football Focus. His overall defense grade of 90.3 is 14th in the NFL. Sweat reached the quarterback twice for 1.5 sacks for a loss of 7.5 yards.
Special teams players continue to step up in big moments. Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt to preserve a lead at the end of the first half against Washington. Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints defensive back J.T. Gray now boasts a 90.9 special teams grade according to Pro Football Focus, which is tied for second in the NFL this year.
Below is a list of former Mississippi State student-athletes who are currently with NFL teams. Please use the link to view season and career statistics from NFL.com.
JOHNATHAN ABRAM (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 4 AST, 5 TT, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 9-40)
DENICO AUTRY | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – DT/DE | AT MSU: 2012-13
Season: 11 G, 11 GS, 18 TKL, 9 AST, 27 TT, 3.0 SK, 3.0 TFL, 10 QBH, 4, PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 5 TKL, 2 AST, 6 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 QH vs. Tennessee Titans (L, 17-31)
HUNTER BRADLEY | GREEN BAY PACKERS – LS | AT MSU: 2012-17
Season: 12 G
Last Week: 1 G at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
FRED BROWN | DENVER BRONCOS – WR | AT MSU 2010-15
Season: 7 G, 2 Rec, 21 YDS, 16 LONG
Last Week: 1 G vs. San Diego Chargers (L, 20-23)
RICHIE BROWN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – LB | AT MSU: 2012-16
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: BYE
DEION CALHOUN | MIAMI DOLPHINS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 7 G, 4 GS
Last Week: 1 GS vs. Philadelphia Eagles (W, 37-31)
TAVEZE CALHOUN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-15
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: BYE
LOGAN COOKE | JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – P | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 12 G, 58 Punts, 2,656 Yds, 45.8 AVG, LONG 61, 20 In-20
Last Week: 1 G, 4 Punts, 183 Yds, 45.8 AVG, LONG 54, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 11-28)
FLETCHER COX | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – DT | AT MSU: 2009-11
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 21 TKL, 11 AST, 32 TT, 5.0 TFL, 8 QBH, 2 PD, 3.0 SK, 2 FF, 2 PD
Last Week: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 TFL, 2 QH at Miami Dolphins (L, 31-37)
Season: 11 G, 8 TKL, 2 AST, 10 TT, 1 BL, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 G, 1 TKL at Atlanta Falcons (W, 26-18)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Tennessee Titans (L, 31-17)
BRAXTON HOYETT (PS) | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Kansas City Chiefs (W, 40-9)
GABE JACKSON (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – OG | AT MSU 2009-13
Season: 8 G, 8 GS, 71.9 Offensive Grade, 78.7 Run Block Grade
Last Week: 1 GS at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 9-40)
ELGTON JENKINS | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 12 G, 10 GS, 77.0 Pass Block Grade
Last Week: 1 GS, 66.7 Pass Block Grade at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
JUSTIN JOHNSON (IR) | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – TE | AT MSU: 2015-18
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Minnesota Vikings (W, 37-30)
MALCOLM JOHNSON (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – FB | AT MSU: 2010-14
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
CHRIS JONES | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2013-15
Season: 9 G, 8 GS, 16 TKL, 11 AST, 27 TT, 6.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 13 QBH, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 3 AST, 5 TT, 1 SK, 1 TFL, 1 QH 1 PD vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 40-9)
Season: 10 G, 3 TKL, 2 AST, 5 TT, 2 QH, 1 PD, 1 BL
Last Week: 1 G, 1 BL vs. Washington Redskins (L, 21-29)
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 48 TKL, 38 AST, 88 TT, 0.5 SK, 4.0 TKL, 3 QBH, 3 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL 4 AST, 7 TT, 1 PD vs. New England Patriots (W, 28-22)
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 13-31)
PERNELL MCPHEE (IR) | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 2 AST, 19 TT, 3.O SK, 7.0 TFL, 6 QBH, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. San Francisco 49ers (W, 20-17)
DAK PRESCOTT | DALLAS COWBOYS – QB | AT MSU: 2011-2015
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 298-447, 3,788 YDS, 23 TD, 11 INT, 99.8 QBR, 38 RUSH, 222 YDS, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 32-49, 355 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 91.8 QBR, 4 RUSH, 25 YDS, 0 TD vs. Buffalo Bills (L, 15-26)
Season: 6 G, 5 GS
Last Week: DNP vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 40-9)
WILL REDMOND | GREEN BAY PACKERS – S | AT MSU: 2012-15
Season: 10 G, 4 GS, 24 TKL, 10 AST, 34 TT, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
JEFFERY SIMMONS | TENNESSEE TITANS – DL | AT MSU: 2016-18
Season: 5 G, 5 GS, 11 TKL, 10 AST, 21 TTL, 1.0 SK, 2 TFL, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 1 AST, 4 TT at Indianapolis Colts (W, 31-17)
DARIUS SLAY | DETROIT LIONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-12
Season: 10 G, 10 GS, 23 TKL, 8 AST, 29 TT, 2 INT, 9 PD, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 1 INT, 1 PD vs. Chicago Bears (L, 20-24)
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 30, TKL, 15 AST, 44 TT, 10.5 SK, 9.0 TFL, 19 QBH, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 22 TKL, 16 AST, 38 TT, 5.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 9 QBH, 2 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST, 3 TT, 1.5 SK, 1 TFL, 2 QH at Carolina Panthers (W, 29-21)
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. New England Patriots (W, 28-22)
K.J. WRIGHT | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 53 TKL, 51 AST, 104 TT, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT, 8 PD, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 6 AST, 9 TT, 1 PD vs. Minnesota Vikings (W, 37-30)
STARKVILLE – Thanksgiving Day was good to the Bulldogs. Not only did Mississippi State win the 92nd Battle for the Golden Egg, but former Bulldogs also excelled in their respective NFL games in the hours before kickoff.
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay reached a milestone with his crucial third-quarter interception that led to the Lions' game-tying touchdown. "Big Play" Slay now has 19 career picks and the play marked his 100th pass defense in just his 99th career game. Slay is the ninth player in NFL history to record 100 pass defenses before his 100th career game.
On the offensive side of the ball, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continues to put up impressive numbers. Prescott has now passed for a league-leading 3,788 yards, including 355 passing yards on Thursday. That marks the seventh-most in a single game in his career and the fourth-most in Cowboys history on Thanksgiving Day. With two touchdowns, he tied his 2016 rookie season with a career-high 23 passing scores on the year.
Sunday saw defensive linemen Montez Sweat (Washington Redskins) and Fletcher Cox (Philadelphia Eagles) both record sacks. Cox was the Eagles' top-graded defender for the second straight week, checking in at 85.8 according to Pro Football Focus. His overall defense grade of 90.3 is 14th in the NFL. Sweat reached the quarterback twice for 1.5 sacks for a loss of 7.5 yards.
Special teams players continue to step up in big moments. Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt to preserve a lead at the end of the first half against Washington. Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints defensive back J.T. Gray now boasts a 90.9 special teams grade according to Pro Football Focus, which is tied for second in the NFL this year.
Below is a list of former Mississippi State student-athletes who are currently with NFL teams. Please use the link to view season and career statistics from NFL.com.
JOHNATHAN ABRAM (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 4 AST, 5 TT, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 9-40)
DENICO AUTRY | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – DT/DE | AT MSU: 2012-13
Season: 11 G, 11 GS, 18 TKL, 9 AST, 27 TT, 3.0 SK, 3.0 TFL, 10 QBH, 4, PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 5 TKL, 2 AST, 6 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 QH vs. Tennessee Titans (L, 17-31)
HUNTER BRADLEY | GREEN BAY PACKERS – LS | AT MSU: 2012-17
Season: 12 G
Last Week: 1 G at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
FRED BROWN | DENVER BRONCOS – WR | AT MSU 2010-15
Season: 7 G, 2 Rec, 21 YDS, 16 LONG
Last Week: 1 G vs. San Diego Chargers (L, 20-23)
RICHIE BROWN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – LB | AT MSU: 2012-16
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: BYE
DEION CALHOUN | MIAMI DOLPHINS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 7 G, 4 GS
Last Week: 1 GS vs. Philadelphia Eagles (W, 37-31)
TAVEZE CALHOUN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-15
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: BYE
LOGAN COOKE | JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – P | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 12 G, 58 Punts, 2,656 Yds, 45.8 AVG, LONG 61, 20 In-20
Last Week: 1 G, 4 Punts, 183 Yds, 45.8 AVG, LONG 54, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 11-28)
FLETCHER COX | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – DT | AT MSU: 2009-11
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 21 TKL, 11 AST, 32 TT, 5.0 TFL, 8 QBH, 2 PD, 3.0 SK, 2 FF, 2 PD
Last Week: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 TFL, 2 QH at Miami Dolphins (L, 31-37)
- Was the Eagles' top-graded defender for the second straight week, checking in at 85.8 according to Pro Football Focus
- Graded out at 84.4 on the pass rush and now boasts a 90.8 grade for the season, which is ninth in the NFL
- Overall defense grade of 90.3 is 14th in the NFL
Season: 11 G, 8 TKL, 2 AST, 10 TT, 1 BL, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 G, 1 TKL at Atlanta Falcons (W, 26-18)
- Boasts a 90.9 special teams grade for the season according to Pro Football Focus, which is tied for second in the NFL
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Tennessee Titans (L, 31-17)
BRAXTON HOYETT (PS) | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Kansas City Chiefs (W, 40-9)
GABE JACKSON (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – OG | AT MSU 2009-13
Season: 8 G, 8 GS, 71.9 Offensive Grade, 78.7 Run Block Grade
Last Week: 1 GS at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 9-40)
ELGTON JENKINS | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 12 G, 10 GS, 77.0 Pass Block Grade
Last Week: 1 GS, 66.7 Pass Block Grade at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
JUSTIN JOHNSON (IR) | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – TE | AT MSU: 2015-18
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Minnesota Vikings (W, 37-30)
MALCOLM JOHNSON (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – FB | AT MSU: 2010-14
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
CHRIS JONES | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2013-15
Season: 9 G, 8 GS, 16 TKL, 11 AST, 27 TT, 6.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 13 QBH, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 3 AST, 5 TT, 1 SK, 1 TFL, 1 QH 1 PD vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 40-9)
- Graded out a 76.5 on defense according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked fifth on the team
- Was the Chiefs' top pass rusher with a 73.0 grade and three hurries and a batted pass
Season: 10 G, 3 TKL, 2 AST, 5 TT, 2 QH, 1 PD, 1 BL
Last Week: 1 G, 1 BL vs. Washington Redskins (L, 21-29)
- Blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the first half to preserve Carolina's two-point lead at the time
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 48 TKL, 38 AST, 88 TT, 0.5 SK, 4.0 TKL, 3 QBH, 3 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL 4 AST, 7 TT, 1 PD vs. New England Patriots (W, 28-22)
- Tied for the team lead with seven total tackles
- Was the Texans' third-rated tackler at 81.5 according to Pro Football Focus
- Leads the AFC in total tackles since 2016 with 415
- Now fifth in Texans' history with 473 career tackles
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 13-31)
PERNELL MCPHEE (IR) | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 2 AST, 19 TT, 3.O SK, 7.0 TFL, 6 QBH, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. San Francisco 49ers (W, 20-17)
DAK PRESCOTT | DALLAS COWBOYS – QB | AT MSU: 2011-2015
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 298-447, 3,788 YDS, 23 TD, 11 INT, 99.8 QBR, 38 RUSH, 222 YDS, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 32-49, 355 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 91.8 QBR, 4 RUSH, 25 YDS, 0 TD vs. Buffalo Bills (L, 15-26)
- Leads the NFL in passing yards this season, is second in completions and third in touchdowns
- His 355 passing yards were the seventh-most in a single game in his career and the fourth-most in Cowboys history on Thanksgiving Day
- Has now tied his single-season career high with 23 touchdowns on the year (2016)
Season: 6 G, 5 GS
Last Week: DNP vs. Oakland Raiders (W, 40-9)
WILL REDMOND | GREEN BAY PACKERS – S | AT MSU: 2012-15
Season: 10 G, 4 GS, 24 TKL, 10 AST, 34 TT, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
JEFFERY SIMMONS | TENNESSEE TITANS – DL | AT MSU: 2016-18
Season: 5 G, 5 GS, 11 TKL, 10 AST, 21 TTL, 1.0 SK, 2 TFL, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 1 AST, 4 TT at Indianapolis Colts (W, 31-17)
DARIUS SLAY | DETROIT LIONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-12
Season: 10 G, 10 GS, 23 TKL, 8 AST, 29 TT, 2 INT, 9 PD, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 1 INT, 1 PD vs. Chicago Bears (L, 20-24)
- Returned an interception 19 yards in the third quarter
- Interception was the 19th of his career and his 100th pass defense
- Became the ninth player in NFL history to record 100 career pass defenses in fewer than 100 games played
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 30, TKL, 15 AST, 44 TT, 10.5 SK, 9.0 TFL, 19 QBH, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL at New York Giants (W, 31-13)
- Fifth in the NFL in sacks and tied for ninth in quarterback hits this season
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 22 TKL, 16 AST, 38 TT, 5.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 9 QBH, 2 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST, 3 TT, 1.5 SK, 1 TFL, 2 QH at Carolina Panthers (W, 29-21)
- Recorded 1.5 sacks for a loss of 7.5 yards
- Was Washington's second-highest graded defensive player at 82.5 according to Pro Football Focus
- Posted a 79.7 pass rush grade and 73.5 tackling grade
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. New England Patriots (W, 28-22)
K.J. WRIGHT | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 53 TKL, 51 AST, 104 TT, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT, 8 PD, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 6 AST, 9 TT, 1 PD vs. Minnesota Vikings (W, 37-30)
- Was the Seahawks' second-leading tackler
- Now ranks sixth in the NFL with 104 total tackles this year
Players Mentioned
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