In the NFL, sometimes all it takes is an opportunity. One Auburn rookie got his opportunity on Sunday and took full advantage of it. That and more in this week's Auburn in the NFL recap.
BEST OF WEEK 9
Montravius Adams, DT, Green Bay Packers
Adams enjoyed his best game of the season for the Packers on Sunday. The former second-round pick played on 24 defensive snaps and recorded a season-high three tackles in a 26-11 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Adams has now played in all nine games this season with two starts.
Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With fellow Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis unable to play, Dean saw his first extended action of the season Sunday against the Seahawks. The rookie defensive back, who had yet to record his first NFL tackle, played 67 snaps (57 on defense) and finished with five tackles and four pass deflections.
Dee Ford, LB, San Francisco 49ers
On Thursday night against the division rival Arizona Cardinals, Ford got to rookie quarterback Kyler Murray for another sack. The sixth-year player now has a sack in five of the eight games he's appeared in this season. Through the first nine weeks of the season, Pro Football Focus rates Ford as the 10th best edge rusher in the NFL.
Braden Smith, OL, Indianapolis Colts
With starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett going down early in the Colts game Sunday, Smith and the offensive line stepped up to provide protection for backup Brian Hoyer, who threw for three touchdowns in a close loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a PFF grade of 72.2, Smith has played a major role for one of the NFL's top offensive lines.
OTHER TIGERS IN THE NFL
Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Daren Bates, LB Tennessee Titans
Angelo Blackson, DL, Houston Texans
Josh Bynes, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Daniel Carlson, K, Oakland Raiders
Chandler Cox, FB, Miami Dolphins
Carlton Davis, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rudy Ford, DB, Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Harris, LS, Atlanta Falcons
Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots
Devaroe Lawrence, DL, Cleveland Browns
Carl Lawson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers
Greg Robinson, OL, Cleveland Browns
Dontavius Russell, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars
Chad Slade, OL, New York Giants
Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Jarrett Stidham, QB, New England Patriots
Neiko Thorpe, CB, Seattle Seahawks
C.J. Uzomah, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Duke Williams, WR, Buffalo Bills
DNP (Reserve/Injured or Practice Squad)
Shon Coleman, OL San Francisco 49ers
Jeff Holland, LB, Los Angeles Chargers
Kerryon Johnson, RB, Detroit Lions
Brandon King, LB, New England Patriots
Ricardo Louis, WR, Miami Dolphins
Cassanova McKinzy, LB, Washington Redskins