Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
Harris grabbed two interceptions in the NFL season opener
Week One is officially in the books for the NFL, and none other than Ant Harris was the breakout star of the week. The now-certified baller leads our pack of former Virginia Cavaliers’ performances in the first week of the professional season. Let’s get right into it.
Starters:
Anthony Harris - DB - Minnesota Vikings: Ant Harris had himself a day! The former UVA star DB recorded two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and five tackles in Minnesota's 28-12 win. No player in the NFL had a two interception/one fumble recovery game all last season. Harris is only the second player to do it with 5 tackles as well since 2014.
Here was the first interception, out-hustling All-Pro Julio Jones:
Here is the second interception, preserving a 3rd quarter shutout:
The Vikings press already loves him:
What a start to the season for the former Hoo!
Juan Thornhill - DB - Kansas City Chiefs: The rookie DB made an impressive NFL debut with 8 tackles (5 solo) for the Chiefs in their 40-26 win. Thornhill started the game, played every defensive snap, and led Kansas City in tackles.
Rodney McLeod - DB - Philadelphia Eagles: In his first game back from spending most of last year out with a knee injury, McLeod started for the Eagles and played every defensive snap. He did not record any stats in the 32-27 Philadelphia win.
Morgan Moses - OL - Washington Redskins: The former Hoo star lineman started at right tackle for the Redskins and played every snap in the 32-27 loss. Unfortunately, Moses committed two holding penalties and a false start in the game. He also made headlines after the game by criticizing the coaching staff for not dressing veteran Adrian Peterson.
Role Players:
Brent Urban - DL - Tennessee Titans: In his first game for the Titans, Urban saw 11 defensive snaps and 7 special teams snaps, but did not record a stat.
Darius Jennings - WR/Kickoff Returner - Tennessee Titans: The former Hoo WR returned two kickoffs for the Titans for 27 yards in Tennessee’s Week 1 win.
Backups:
Dontrelle Inman - WR - Los Angeles Chargers: In his first game back with the Chargers since 2016, Inman saw 27 offensive snaps and caught a 5 yard pass.
Chris Peace - DL - Los Angeles Chargers: The rookie DE played three special teams snaps for the Chargers in the 30-24 win.
Matt Schaub - QB - Atlanta Falcons: Schuab did not see any action in Atlanta’s loss.
Oday Aboushi - OL - Detroit Lions: The veteran offensive lineman was inactive for the Lions in Week 1.
Andrew Brown - DL - Cincinnati Bengals: The former UVA star DT was inactive for the Bengals in Week 1.
Eric Smith - OL - New York Giants: Smith was inactive for New York in Week 1.
Olamide Zaccheaus - WR - Atlanta Falcons: The former UVA star RB was inactive for the Falcons in Week 1.
Injured Reserve:
Kurt Benkert - QB - Atlanta Falcons
Tim Harris - DB - San Francisco 49ers
Micah Kiser - LB - Los Angeles Rams