Texas Longhorns in the NFL: Week 5

Earl Thomas had one of his best games in his eight-year NFL career, Marquise Goddwin went over 100 yards receiving, and Adrian Phillips led the Chargers in tackles, just three of many former Texas Longhorns who made an impact across the NFL throughout Week Five.

Also, free-agent edge linebacker Lamarr Houston might have a home with a NFL team this week.

Let’s take a look at how all the former ‘Horns performed in Week Five.

Malcolm Brown (RB-LAR): Brown had a solid day as a receiving back out of the backfield for the Rams. He totaled 29 yards on two receptions which was good for 14.5 yards per catch.

D’Onta Foreman (RB-HOU): Foreman had a rookie moment under the bright lights on Sunday night, surrendering his first career fumble in the second quarter of the 42-34 loss by the Texans. Later on in that same quarter, Foreman bullied his way for a 25-yard gain. Houston scored a touchdown two plays later. The back-up rookie running finished with 34 yards on four carries and had a three-yard reception.

Marquise Goodwin (WR-SF): After suffering a concussion last week, Goodwin played and had his first 100-yard game as a Niner on Sunday. He had 116 yards on five catches, this was good for a tremendous 23.2 yards per catch. Despite the big performance from the speedster, the 49ers lost in overtime 26-23.

Marcus Johnson (WR-PHI): Johnson had his first career NFL catch on Sunday, a six-yard reception in the 34-7 blowout win for the Eagles.

Malcom Brown (DT-NE): Brown had three total tackles in New England’s 19-14 win on Thursday night.

Brian Orapko (DE-TEN): Orapko racked up three solo tackles in the brutal 16-10 Tennessee loss.

Brian Robison (DE-MIN): Robison only had one solo tackle in the Vikings 20-17 Monday night victory, but he continues to make a major impact for this stingy defense. The veteran leader is being used in a whole different type of role this season. He reads defenses as the ‘spy’ defensive lineman and relays what he sees to the rest of the defensive line. His veteran leadership and knowledge of the game has become very important for their defense.

Jordan Hicks (MLB-PHI): After a monster performance last Sunday, Hicks had a more quiet week this past Sunday. He finished with four total tackles in the 34-7 Eagles win.

Derrick Johnson (ILB-KC): Johnson totaled five tackles, had a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery in the 42-34 Sunday night victory for the Chiefs. After ex-Longhorn running back D’Onta Foreman fumbled, Johnson came up with the recovery, the eighth of his career.

Sam Acho (LB-CHI): Acho had a very solid performance under the bright lights on Monday night. The linebacker recorded four total tackles with a QB hurry, as well. Acho did a nice job containing the Vikings playmakers and forced them out-of-bounds on multiple instances.

Keenan Robinson (LB-NYG): Robinson made two total tackles as the Giants fell to 0-5 with a 27-22 loss.

Quandre Diggs (Nickel CB-DET): Diggs totaled three tackles during the tough 27-24 Lions loss.

Adrian Phillips (SS-LAC): Phillips led the Chargers in total tackles in their 27-22 loss. He had eight solo tackles, which were a career high in a game for Phillips.

Earl Thomas (FS-SEA): Thomas had his best game of the season this past week. He recorded seven total tackles, forced a fumble, had a pass deflection, and reeled in an interception. His forced fumble occurred as Rams running back Todd Gurley dove into the end zone, saving a touchdown and standing as the difference in the 16-10 Seahawks win. His interception was a crucial fourth quarter interception as the Rams were driving at the time down 13-10. Thomas basically single handily won this game and showed why he’s the best safety in our great game today.

Cool moment after the game as fellow teammate Doug Baldwin interrupted a post-game interview with Thomas and declared him as a “Hall of Famer.”

Phil Dawson (K-ARI): The 42-year-old veteran kicker had his only field-goal attempt blocked on Sunday. He added an extra point while the Cardinals lost 34-7.

Justin Tucker (K-BAL): Tucker had his first multiple field goal game since week one. He went 3 for 3, connecting from 21, 22, and 44 yards. He also added three extra points during the 30-17 Ravens win.

Former Longhorns Quandre Diggs and Fozzy Whittaker exchanged jerseys after the Lions-Panthers game on Sunday.

After tearing his ACL for the second time in his NFL career last year, former Longhorn defensive end/linebacker Lamarr Houston is working out with NFL teams this week. With multiple teams suffering from linebacker injuries and Houston being one of the best available on the market, expect him to be picked up very soon.

Stats via NFL.com/gamecenter