Texas Longhorns in the NFL: Week 8

Former Longhorn defensive backs showed why Texas is the real DBU this past week in the NFL. Safeties Adrian Phillips, Earl Thomas, Kenny Vaccaro, and nickel back Quanre Diggs all had superb performances. Associate athletic director John Bianco recognized their performances.

Jamaal Charles (RB-DEN): Against his former team, Charles ran for 39 yards on eight carries and added a five-yard reception. But, he was stripped of the ball on a carry early in the game that was returned for a touchdown. It was the second fumble lost on the year for Charles. This play set the tone for the rest of the game. Charles ceded some backup running back carries to Devontae Booker late in the game.

D’Onta Foreman (RB-HOU): The rookie running back received just one snap on Sunday. Head coach Bill O’Brien said it had nothing to do with him missing practice on Friday because of the Bob McNair’s comments. Alfred Blue practiced better than Foreman this past week according to O’Brien.

Geoff Swaim (TE-DAL): Swaim had an 18-yard reception in the Cowboys 33-19 win.

Hassan Ridgeway (DT-IND): The second year defensive tackle had a solo tackle in a 24-23 loss.

Alex Okafor (DE-NO): Okafor totaled four tackles (0.5 TFL) and a pass deflection as the Saints defense kept it rolling in a victory.

Derrick Johnson (ILB-KC): The veteran linebacker helped lead a stingy Chiefs defense in a winning effort with six total tackles and a pass deflection on Monday night.

Sam Acho (LB-CHI): Acho recorded four total tackles in the Bears 20-12 defeat.

Quandre Diggs (Nickel CB-DET): Diggs had five total tackles including two for a loss. He brought the energy and heart to the field on the big stage on Sunday night. He also forced a fumble which ended up being overturned due to a questionable call. Diggs showed impressive closing speed and delivered booming hit on Antonio Brown on a third down play right after that.

Adrian Colbert (CB-SF): The rookie had two solo tackles as the 49ers fell to 0-8.

Adrian Phillips (SS-LAC): Phillips made a name for himself with a monster performance against the Patriots. He recorded 12 solo tackles (1 TFL) and had a pass deflection in the Chargers loss.

Kenny Vaccaro (SS-NO): The hard-hitting safety was at it again on Sunday. He had nine total tackles, a pass breakup, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and was in on a sack. So much for those lousy trade rumors earlier in the year. Vaccaro makes a very smart football play in the video below.

Earl Thomas (FS-SEA): Thomas had his second career pick six in the Seahawks 41-38 over the Texans. After getting beat deep for a touchdown the drive before, Thomas read the eyes of DeShaun Watson well and jumped a route for six. He also had five total tackles and a pass deflection. Thomas left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. The injury is nothing serious according to Thomas.

Nick Rose (K-WAS): Rose had a not-so-successful second career game in the NFL. He connected on 38 and 42 yard field goals, but had a field goal blocked due to a low kick and missed an extra point.

Justin Tucker (K-BAL): Tucker was 2-for-3 on field goals (48 and 55 yard makes) and connected on all four extra point attempts in the Ravens 40-0 shutout win. His lone miss was blocked.

Stats via NFL.com/gamecenter