#FromStateToSundays: Week 15 Update
December 22, 2021 | Football
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State's defensive prowess was on full display across the NFL during Week 15.
Former Bulldogs were responsible for 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and four pass deflections.
Fletcher Cox led the way in the sack department with a season-high 1.5 in Philadelphia's win over Washington. Cox's teammate Darius Slay played every defensive snap and even lined up on offense for a rep at receiver. Slay has the Eagles' highest defensive grade for the season at 81.6.
In that same game, Montez Sweat produced a strip sack in his first game back for Washington since Oct. 31. Sweat had the team's second-highest defensive grade in Week 15.
Cox and Sweat forced fumbles as their teams went head-to-head. Cameron Dantzler was also credited with a forced fumble in Minnesota's win at the Bears.
Denico Autry also added a sack in the Titans loss at Pittsburgh. It was Autry's seventh sack of the season and marked the second straight season (third career) in which he has posted seven sacks.
Johnathan Abram and K.J. Wright led Las Vegas in with nine and eight tackles respectively last week. Two of Abram's stops were behind the line of scrimmage and leads all NFL safeties with 114 tackles this season.
Abram had played every defense snap for the Raiders this season but left the game late with a left shoulder injury. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that Abram's injury would require surgery and cost him the remainder of the year.
The tackles weren't only limited to defense. J.T. Gray provided a special teams stop for the Saints in their shutout win over Tampa Bay. Gray leads the entire league in special teams tackles this season.
Speaking of special teams, Logan Cooke continued his stellar season punting for Jacksonville. Cooke ranks second in the NFL in net punting average (43.5 yards) and has only had one touchback in his 63 punts this year.
Dak Prescott guided Dallas to its 10th victory of the season and are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. Prescott completed 28 of 37 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown in the Cowboys' 21-6 win at the Giants.
Two MSU players signed practice squad contracts on Wednesday. Wide receiver Isaiah Zuber inked with the Jets while the Saints signed defensive tackle Braxton Hoyett. Linebacker Pernell McPhee also came off injured reserve for the Ravens on Monday.
JOHNATHAN ABRAM | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 63 TKL, 51 AST, 114 TT, 5.0 TFL, 3 QBH, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1FR, 2 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 GS, 6 TKL, 3 AST, 9 TT, 2.0 TFL at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
Season: 14 G, 11 GS, 17 TKL, 5 AST, 22 TT, 7.0 SK, 8.0 TFL, 16 QBH, 5 PD
Last Week: 1 TKL, 1 TT, 1.0 SK, 1.0 TFL, 1 QBH at Pittsburgh Steelers (L, 13-19)
Season: 13 G, 63 Punts, 2967 YDS, 47.1 AVG, LONG 68, 28 In-20
Last Week: 5 Punts, 237 YDS, 47.4 AVG, LONG 54, 1 In-20 vs. Houston Texans (L, 16-30)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 19 TKL, 9 AST, 28 TT, 2.5 SK, 5.0 TFL, 11 QBH, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT, 1.5 SK, 1.0 TFL, 4 QBH, 1 FF vs. Washington Football Team (W, 27-17)
Season: 12 G, 5 GS, 33 TKL, 4 AST, 37 TT, 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 GS, 6 TKL, 1 AST, 7 TT, 1 FF at Chicago Bears (W, 17-9)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Rams (L, 10-20)
WILLIE GAY JR. | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – LB | AT MSU: 2017-19
Season: 9 G, 8 GS, 20 TKL, 18 AST, 38 TT, 0.5 SK, 1.0 TFL, 1 QBH, 2 INT, 3 PD
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
J.T. GRAY | NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – DB | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 14 G, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 17 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 ST TKL at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W, 9-0)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. New England Patriots (W, 27-17)
GERRI GREEN (PS) | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – LB | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
KYLIN HILL (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – RB | AT MSU: 2017-20
Season: 8 G, 10 RUSH, 24 YDS, 2.4 AVG, 1 REC, 5 YDS, 2.5 AVG, 10 KO RET, 199 YDS, 19.9 AVG, 1 ST TKL
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
GABE JACKSON | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – OG | AT MSU 2009-13
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 34 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 Pressures Allowed at Los Angeles Rams (L, 10-20)
ELGTON JENKINS (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 8 G, 8 GS, 11 Pressures Allowed, 1 TKL
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
CHRIS JONES | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2013-15
Season: 11 G, 11 GS, 12 TKL, 8 AST, 20 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 5 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
Season: 8 G, 2 GS, 16 TKL, 12 AST, 28 TT, 1.0 TFL
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT vs. Dallas Cowboys (L, 6-21)
PERNELL MCPHEE | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 8 G, 11 TKL, 3 AST, 14 TT, 1.0 SK, 2.0 TFL, 2 QBH
Last Week: DNP vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 30-31)
OSIRUS MITCHELL (PS) | DALLAS COWBOYS – WR | AT MSU: 2016-20
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 21-6)
TYRE PHILLIPS | BALTIMORE RAVENS – OT | AT MSU: 2017-19
Season: 10 G, 5 GS, 17 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 Pressures Allowed vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 30-31)
DAK PRESCOTT | DALLAS COWBOYS – QB | AT MSU: 2011-2015
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 337-492, 3598 YDS, 25 TD, 98.1 QBR, 39 RUSH, 105 YDS, LONG 21, 1 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 28-37, 217 YDS, 1 TD, 98.6 QBR, 2 RUSH, (-1) YDS at New York Giants (W, 21-6)
Season: 3 G, 2 TKL, 2 TT
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
JEFFERY SIMMONS | TENNESSEE TITANS – DL | AT MSU: 2016-18
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 38 TKL, 12 AST, 50 TT, 7.5 SK, 11.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 6 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 1 PD at Pittsburgh Steelers (L, 13-19)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 37 TKL, 11 AST, 48 TT, 4.0 TFL, 3 INT, 9 PD, 2 FR, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 4 TKL, 4 TT, 2 PD vs. Washington Football Team (W, 27-17)
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 20 TKL, 10 AST, 30 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 1PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST, 3 TT, 1 QBH at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Cincinnati Bengals (L, 10-15)
MONTEZ SWEAT | WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM – DE | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 9 G, 9 GS, 12 TKL, 10 AST, 22 TT, 5.0 SK, 3.0 TFL, 13 QBH, 3 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT, 1.0 SK, 1 QBH, 1 FF at Philadelphia Eagles (L, 17-27)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
K.J. WRIGHT | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 13 G, 5 GS, 21 TKL, 23 AST, 44 TT, 2.0 TFL
Last Week: 1 GS, 4 TKL, 4 AST, 8 TT at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
Former Bulldogs were responsible for 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and four pass deflections.
Fletcher Cox led the way in the sack department with a season-high 1.5 in Philadelphia's win over Washington. Cox's teammate Darius Slay played every defensive snap and even lined up on offense for a rep at receiver. Slay has the Eagles' highest defensive grade for the season at 81.6.
Down he goes, courtesy @fcoxx_91 💪
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 22, 2021
📺: @NFL#FromStateToSundays | #DLU pic.twitter.com/BtDRltkKvv
In that same game, Montez Sweat produced a strip sack in his first game back for Washington since Oct. 31. Sweat had the team's second-highest defensive grade in Week 15.
.@_sweat9 with the forced fumble 💥@TheHumble_21 with the scoop 🔥
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 22, 2021
📺 » FOX | #WASvsPHI pic.twitter.com/WBcZJ1LZNE
Cox and Sweat forced fumbles as their teams went head-to-head. Cameron Dantzler was also credited with a forced fumble in Minnesota's win at the Bears.
Denico Autry also added a sack in the Titans loss at Pittsburgh. It was Autry's seventh sack of the season and marked the second straight season (third career) in which he has posted seven sacks.
.@camdantzler3 forces it, @AnthonyBarr recovers it. #Vikings ball.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 21, 2021
📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/Iaeswcga0a
Johnathan Abram and K.J. Wright led Las Vegas in with nine and eight tackles respectively last week. Two of Abram's stops were behind the line of scrimmage and leads all NFL safeties with 114 tackles this season.
Abram had played every defense snap for the Raiders this season but left the game late with a left shoulder injury. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that Abram's injury would require surgery and cost him the remainder of the year.
Defense came READY ☠️@JohnathanAbram1 with the gorgeous TFL.#LVvsCLE | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/ApSVNbIoag
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 20, 2021
The tackles weren't only limited to defense. J.T. Gray provided a special teams stop for the Saints in their shutout win over Tampa Bay. Gray leads the entire league in special teams tackles this season.
Speaking of special teams, Logan Cooke continued his stellar season punting for Jacksonville. Cooke ranks second in the NFL in net punting average (43.5 yards) and has only had one touchback in his 63 punts this year.
Punting PERFECTION. #Saints#NOvsTB on NBC and @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/ioYeqNaFsK
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 20, 2021
Dak Prescott guided Dallas to its 10th victory of the season and are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. Prescott completed 28 of 37 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown in the Cowboys' 21-6 win at the Giants.
YESSSIR! Dak to Dalton for 6️⃣!#DALvsNYG | 📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/BumU30yOB7
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 19, 2021
Two MSU players signed practice squad contracts on Wednesday. Wide receiver Isaiah Zuber inked with the Jets while the Saints signed defensive tackle Braxton Hoyett. Linebacker Pernell McPhee also came off injured reserve for the Ravens on Monday.
Is that... @bigplay24slay in motion on offense? 😅 @BoobieMilesXXIV | #FlyEaglesFly
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2021
📺: #WASvsPHI on FOX
📱: NFL App pic.twitter.com/Yh52RZb6HK
JOHNATHAN ABRAM | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 63 TKL, 51 AST, 114 TT, 5.0 TFL, 3 QBH, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1FR, 2 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 GS, 6 TKL, 3 AST, 9 TT, 2.0 TFL at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
- Leads all NFL safeties and ranks 12th in the league in total tackles this season
- Made consecutive tackles for loss (1.5) on Cleveland's opening drive to force a punt
- Added a half tackle for loss in the third quarter
- Led the Raiders and was tied for eighth in the NFL in Week 15 with five "stops" per PFF, which are tackles that constitute a failure for the offense
Season: 14 G, 11 GS, 17 TKL, 5 AST, 22 TT, 7.0 SK, 8.0 TFL, 16 QBH, 5 PD
Last Week: 1 TKL, 1 TT, 1.0 SK, 1.0 TFL, 1 QBH at Pittsburgh Steelers (L, 13-19)
- Recorded a sack on third down in the fourth quarter to force a field goal attempt
- Posted his second straight season with 7.0 or more sacks and the third of his career
- Now has 37.5 sacks in his career
Season: 13 G, 63 Punts, 2967 YDS, 47.1 AVG, LONG 68, 28 In-20
Last Week: 5 Punts, 237 YDS, 47.4 AVG, LONG 54, 1 In-20 vs. Houston Texans (L, 16-30)
- Tied for the NFL lead with just one touchback all season
- Third in the NFL in punts inside the 20 and second in net punting average (43.5)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 19 TKL, 9 AST, 28 TT, 2.5 SK, 5.0 TFL, 11 QBH, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT, 1.5 SK, 1.0 TFL, 4 QBH, 1 FF vs. Washington Football Team (W, 27-17)
- Totaled seven pressures per PFF, which was tied for third in the NFL in the league in Week 15
- Posted the NFL's No. 4 pass rush grade (90.2) in Week 15
- Turned in a season-high 1.5 sacks
Season: 12 G, 5 GS, 33 TKL, 4 AST, 37 TT, 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 GS, 6 TKL, 1 AST, 7 TT, 1 FF at Chicago Bears (W, 17-9)
- Forced a fumble that was recovered by Minnesota and resulted in a Vikings field goal
- Posted a 92.1 run defense grade in Week 15, which ranked second in the league
- Holds the NFL's No. 2 run defense grade this season (91.7) per PFF
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Rams (L, 10-20)
WILLIE GAY JR. | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – LB | AT MSU: 2017-19
Season: 9 G, 8 GS, 20 TKL, 18 AST, 38 TT, 0.5 SK, 1.0 TFL, 1 QBH, 2 INT, 3 PD
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
J.T. GRAY | NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – DB | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 14 G, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 17 ST TKL
Last Week: 1 ST TKL at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W, 9-0)
- Made one tackle on kickoff coverage
- Leads the NFL in special teams tackles
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. New England Patriots (W, 27-17)
GERRI GREEN (PS) | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – LB | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
KYLIN HILL (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – RB | AT MSU: 2017-20
Season: 8 G, 10 RUSH, 24 YDS, 2.4 AVG, 1 REC, 5 YDS, 2.5 AVG, 10 KO RET, 199 YDS, 19.9 AVG, 1 ST TKL
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
GABE JACKSON | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – OG | AT MSU 2009-13
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 34 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 Pressures Allowed at Los Angeles Rams (L, 10-20)
ELGTON JENKINS (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 8 G, 8 GS, 11 Pressures Allowed, 1 TKL
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
CHRIS JONES | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2013-15
Season: 11 G, 11 GS, 12 TKL, 8 AST, 20 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 5 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
- One of 15 players in the NFL with a pass rush grade of 90.0 or higher for the season
- Ranks 13th in the NFL with 56 total pressures per PFF and is tied for third with five batted passes
Season: 8 G, 2 GS, 16 TKL, 12 AST, 28 TT, 1.0 TFL
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT vs. Dallas Cowboys (L, 6-21)
PERNELL MCPHEE | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 8 G, 11 TKL, 3 AST, 14 TT, 1.0 SK, 2.0 TFL, 2 QBH
Last Week: DNP vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 30-31)
OSIRUS MITCHELL (PS) | DALLAS COWBOYS – WR | AT MSU: 2016-20
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at New York Giants (W, 21-6)
TYRE PHILLIPS | BALTIMORE RAVENS – OT | AT MSU: 2017-19
Season: 10 G, 5 GS, 17 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 Pressures Allowed vs. Green Bay Packers (L, 30-31)
DAK PRESCOTT | DALLAS COWBOYS – QB | AT MSU: 2011-2015
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 337-492, 3598 YDS, 25 TD, 98.1 QBR, 39 RUSH, 105 YDS, LONG 21, 1 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 28-37, 217 YDS, 1 TD, 98.6 QBR, 2 RUSH, (-1) YDS at New York Giants (W, 21-6)
- Ranks fifth in the NFL in completion percentage
Season: 3 G, 2 TKL, 2 TT
Last Week: DNP at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
JEFFERY SIMMONS | TENNESSEE TITANS – DL | AT MSU: 2016-18
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 38 TKL, 12 AST, 50 TT, 7.5 SK, 11.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 6 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 AST, 2 TT, 1 PD at Pittsburgh Steelers (L, 13-19)
- Broke up a pass on the first play of Pittsburgh's second drive, leading to a three-and-out
- Tied for 14th in the NFL with 54 total pressures per PFF and is tied for third with five batted passes
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 37 TKL, 11 AST, 48 TT, 4.0 TFL, 3 INT, 9 PD, 2 FR, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 4 TKL, 4 TT, 2 PD vs. Washington Football Team (W, 27-17)
- Played every snap on defense and lined up for one offensive snap, going in motion to set up a run for a 10-yard gain
- Broke up two passes
- Has allowed less than 40 yards in coverage in 10 of 14 games this season per PFF
- Coverage grade of 83.7 ranks ninth among NFL cornerbacks and safeties with at least 400 snaps in coverage
- Holds the Eagles' highest overall defensive grade (81.6) this season
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 20 TKL, 10 AST, 30 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 14 QBH, 1PD, 2 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST, 3 TT, 1 QBH at Baltimore Ravens (W, 31-30)
- Totaled five pressures, which led the Packers and in Week 15
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Cincinnati Bengals (L, 10-15)
MONTEZ SWEAT | WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM – DE | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 9 G, 9 GS, 12 TKL, 10 AST, 22 TT, 5.0 SK, 3.0 TFL, 13 QBH, 3 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT, 1.0 SK, 1 QBH, 1 FF at Philadelphia Eagles (L, 17-27)
- Posted strip sack on Philadelphia's second drive of the game which led to a Washington field goal on the ensuing possession
- Played 51 snaps in his return from injured reserve
- Turned in Washington's second-highest overall defensive grade in Week 15
- All three tackles were labeled "stops" by PFF, which are tackles that constitute a failure for the offense
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at Los Angeles Chargers (W, 34-28)
K.J. WRIGHT | LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 13 G, 5 GS, 21 TKL, 23 AST, 44 TT, 2.0 TFL
Last Week: 1 GS, 4 TKL, 4 AST, 8 TT at Cleveland Browns (W, 16-14)
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