Terps in the NFL: Yannick Ngakoue records first two sacks of season

The start of the NFL season has been a bit of a struggle for Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, but the Maryland product got back on track Sunday by recording his first two sacks of the season.

Although his team lost to the Panthers 34-27, it was a great sign to see Ngakoue return to the type of production Jags and Terps fans have become accustomed to seeing during his first three seasons in the league, after battling a hamstring injury to the start the season.

“He was battling through some things, which is obviously appreciated,” head coach Doug Marrone told media after the game. “He is doing a good job and he’s working his butt off. He’s giving everything he has.”

Both sacks came earlier in the game, one of which was a strip sack. He finished the game with four total tackles in addition to his two sacks. Ngakoue and the Jaguars will look to rebound next week against the Saints.

Other Standout Performers

On the winning side of that matchup between the Jaguars and the Panthers was wide receiver DJ Moore. The second-year pro had a nice bounce back performance that saw him record six catches for 91 yards, his best game since Kyle Allen took over for the injured Cam Newton at quarterback.

This was a big week for Moore, because he had struggled to build a rapport with Allen in previous games. Moore was second on the team with 8 targets only behind running back Christian McCaffrey, who carried the Panthers offense in this game like he has done all season long.

The increase of targets for Moore should bode well for the future until Newton is back, as well as the fact that he turned in a great game against a stout defense and secondary like Jacksonville’s — even though they were missing All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Packers first-round pick Darnell Savage left the game early in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys with an ankle injury after recording just one tackle. The injury looked pretty bad at first glance and Savage did not return to the game, but an update today from Ian Rappaport says that the injury was just a tweak and nothing major.

Other Terps in Action

• Stefon Diggs followed up his drama-filled week due to trade rumors with another frustrating showing in the Vikings 28-10 win over the Giants. The embattled star receiver had three receptions for 44 yards on just four targets. After another performance where he didn’t get enough looks, Diggs was asked if he still wants to be a Viking and this was his answer.

• JC Jackson followed up his huge week last week with a quieter game this week in a 33-7 win over the Redskins. Jackson recorded two tackles in the Patriots’ win.
• Vernon Davis was on the losing end of that blowout in Washington and had his worst game of the season. He didn’t record a catch in the loss.
• Quinton Jefferson only recorded one tackle in the Seahawks thrilling 30-29 Thursday night win over the Rams.
• Jermaine Carter Jr. didn’t record any defensive statistics in the Panthers 34-27 win over the Jaguars and played most of the day on special teams after a big week last Sunday.
• Josh Woods was also active for the Bears in their 24-21 loss to the Raiders in London, but didn’t record any defensive statistics and mostly played on special teams.
• Byron Cowart was a healthy scratch for the Patriots, Ty Johnson and the Lions were on bye this week and Sean Davis remains on the IR for the Steelers.

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