Eagles in the NFL: Week 1

Eagles in the NFL: Week 1

September 18, 2020 · by · in Football

By Anthony Patrick Perez

The 2020 NFL Season is finally here, and many former Eagles across the league saw action in an explosive Week 1!

Let’s catch up with some BC football alumni, who proudly represented the maroon and gold, with their notable #NFLKickoff performances!

 Harold Landry
LB #58
Tennessee Titans

Boston College (2014-2017)

Despite multiple missed field goals and a flubbed extra point, the Tennessee Titans escaped the Mile-High City with a 16-14 win over Denver in their Monday Night Football matchup.

Harold Landry took turns with new acquisition Jadeveon Clowney in invading the Broncos backfield and pressuring Drew Lock the entire evening. The third-year linebacker totaled four tackles, which included two QB hits and one tackle for loss. Landry played on every defensive snap except two, proving his value as a game-changing presence on the Titans’ defense.

Matt Milano
LB #58
Buffalo Bills

Boston College (2013-2016)

Before leaving the game early with an injured hamstring, linebacker Matt Milano put up a standout performance for the Buffalo defense. Drafted by the Bills back in 2017 after starting two years for BC, Milano compiled three solo tackles and registered his fifth career interception when he picked off Jets QB Sam Darnold. Although Buffalo lost three other linebackers due to injury, the Bills still came out on top at home, 27-17 over New York.

 

Justin Simmons
FS #31
Denver Broncos

Boston College (2012-2016)

Named to the 2019 All-Pro second team, Broncos safety Justin Simmons produced solid numbers in Denver’s 16-14 home loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Broncos leader in interceptions last year with four, Simmons tallied four solo tackles and two assisted tackles on Monday Night Football.

Playing the 2020 season under the franchise tag, the veteran DB’s star continues to rise in his second year under coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.

Matt Ryan
QB #2
Atlanta Falcons

Boston College (2004-2007)

Matt Ryan was in fine form as the Atlanta Falcons hosted the Seattle Seahawks for their season opener. The 2016 NFL MVP completed 36 of 52 passes, for 434 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons’ Sunday afternoon, 38-25 defeat. “Matty Ice” connected with top target Julio Jones nine times for 157 yards, and nine more with Calvin Ridley for 130 yards and two touchdowns, moving into ninth place on the NFL all-time career passing yards list in the process.

As the Falcons rued their inability to convert on all their 4th down attempts, Ryan cited preparation and execution as key points for improvement heading into Atlanta’s Week 2 playdate with Dallas.


AJ Dillon
RB #28
Green Bay Packers

Boston College (2017-2019)

The latest Eagle to join the pro ranks, 2020 second round pick AJ Dillon made his NFL debut in a 43-34 Green Bay Packers road victory against the Minnesota Vikings. Although he saw limited touches with only two carries, BC’s record holder for all-purpose yards still racked up six and eight yards on his pair of rushes. With Green Bay up against a shaky Detroit run defense in their home opener, Packers coach Matt LaFleur should be confident in letting his rookie 247-pound running back loose in Week 2.