Terps in the NFL: Yannick Ngakoue seals the deal in Jaguars Win

For a defensive end, it is fairly uncommon to record an interception, let alone a pick six, but Yannick Ngakoue achieved both when he picked off Andy Dalton and scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter in the Jaguars 27-17 win over the Bengals.

It was the first interception return for touchdown of his career, though he had a fumble recovery touchdown back in 2017.

In addition to the pick six, Ngakoue had a very productive day, recording two total tackles, with one being for a loss. The former Terp has been a key member of the Jacksonville defense for the past few years, and with the trade of Jalen Ramsey, the Jags will need added contributions from everyone on their defense in order to maintain their status as one of the best units in the league.

Ngakoue’s production has been up and down this season, as he’s battled injuries and held out of the first few weeks of training camp. With strong performances two out of the last three weeks, things seem to be trending upwards for the star defensive end.

Other Standout Performers

Stefon Diggs had his second strong performance in as many weeks. The star receiver recorded seven catches for 142 yards in the Vikings 42-30 win over the Lions.

Diggs has rebounded after a really slow start to his 2019 season. The Vikings offense, in particular quarterback Kirk Cousins, has looked much better over the last few weeks, and that has certainly played a factor in Diggs’ resurgence. With Adam Thielen going down with a hamstring injury and expected to miss the next game, Diggs production should continue to improve.

Diggs also continues to rock some of the coolest cleats in the NFL, this week paying homage to the Joker.

Other Terps in Action

• Ty Johnson had 10 rushes for 29 yards and four receptions for 28 yards in the Lions 42-30 loss to the Vikings. Johnson stepped in to lead the Detroit backfield when starting running back Kerryon Johnson was injured early in the game. Kerryon Johnson is now listed as week to week and Ty Johnson should step in to the lead running back spot along with JD McKissic.
• Quinton Jefferson followed up his strong performance last week with only one tackle in the Seahawks 30-16 loss to the Ravens at home.
• JC Jackson and Byron Cowart were both quiet during the Patriots dominant 33-0 win over the Jets on Monday Night Football. Jackson was flagged twice early for holding and pass interference and was one of the few players in the Patriots secondary not to get an interception, but played better as the game went on. Jackson had a nice pass breakup towards the end of the game and Cowart did not record any defensive statistics.
• DJ Moore and Jermaine Carter were both on bye after the Panthers played in London last week.
• Darnell Savage missed his second straight game after injuring his ankle against the Cowboys in week 5. Vernon Davis also missed his third straight game with a concussion.
• Josh Woods was a healthy scratch for the Bears this week and Sean Davis remains on the IR for the Steelers.

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