It was a busy and exciting Saturday in the NFL for some Iowa football greats.
The day started with a bang as Tyler Goodson made a house call from 49 yards out for the Atlanta Falcons. The former Hawkeye running back found a crease, made a man miss, and turned on the afterburners for the score. He did so back in Indianapolis, where his NFL career started.
Goodson finished the game with six carries for 59 yards and that touchdown. Making plays like that will help his pursuit of a spot on the Falcons’ 53-man roster.
Drew Stevens also turned in a strong performance on Saturday. Just days after being named the Washington Commanders’ starting kicker, Stevens rewarded the franchise’s faith in him with a perfect day. He went 2 for 2 on field goals, hitting from 27 and 32 yards.
He also nailed his only extra point attempt of the game. Stevens will be fun to keep an eye on with the Commanders throughout the season.
Stevens wasn’t the only specialist making plays. Tory Taylor was excellent when called upon by the Chicago Bears on Saturday. The Aussie had six punts for 311 yards, averaging 51.8 yards per punt. He boomed a 63-yard punt in the third quarter, showing off his massive leg that Iowa fans fell in love with. He looks primed for another big year in the Windy City.
Anthony Nelson added some splash plays later in the day for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former Hawkeye defensive end exploded off the edge for a strip-sack of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields. He got to Fields again later in the half, splitting the sack with teammate Mohamed Kamara. Nelson finished the game with four tackles and those 1.5 sacks.
TJ Hall turned in a good game for the New Orleans Saints, even without a big play that jumps off the page. The 6-foot-1 defensive back finished the afternoon with six total tackles and a pass defended. He’s fighting for a roster spot in New Orleans and played well in his snaps on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football stars shine in Saturday’s NFL preseason action
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
