Terps in the NFL: Darnell Savage records his first interceptions of the season

After playing in nine games without an interception, Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage picked off Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky twice en route to a 41-25 victory on Sunday.

Coming off a six tackle performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11, Savage started off hot in the second quarter of Sunday night’s game, snatching a deep throw from Trubisky.

The former Terp’s defensive snag would end up translating into another score for Green Bay, as the Packers marched down the field to score another touchdown on the ensuing possession and extended their lead over the Bears to 17 points (20-3).

Following his impressive performance in the first half, Savage continued to capitalize on Chicago’s struggling offense in the third quarter, pulling down his second interception of the night in spectacular fashion.

Green Bay wasted no time capitalizing on the turnover and scored a touchdown in just four plays after the interception to pad their lead at 34-10. Despite a fourth quarter push by Chicago, Green Bay ultimately secured the 41-25 victory, improving their record to 8-3.

The Maryland alum finished the game with one tackle and two deflected passes to go alongside his pair of picks. The two pass deflections puts Savage at a career-high seven for this season, surpassing the five he had in 2019.

Savage also tied a career-high in picks in just the one game, matching the two total he recorded as a rookie.

As the only player on either team to record an interception in Monday’s contest, Savage’s explosive performance could be a sign of big things to come as the Packers prepare to face a struggling Philadelphia Eagles team in Week 13.

Other Performers

• Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs had seven receptions for 39 yards on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The low number was a step back for Diggs, who had recorded at least 90 yards receiving in each of his past three games.
• After posting impressive numbers in his last two games, Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore came back down to earth in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The wideout reeled in four catches for 61 receiving yards. Fellow Terp and Panthers linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. led the team with a season-high seven tackles.
• After an explosive game against the Titans in Week 11, Yannick Ngakoue of the Baltimore Ravens was unusually quiet in the 19-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, only recording a single pass deflection.
• Bill’s defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson recorded two tackles during the team’s win, one of which was for loss.
• Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. rushed for nine yards on three carries, alongside 17 receiving yards on one reception in a 19-14 win against the Baltimore Ravens.
• Steelers safety and Maryland alum Sean Davis recorded one tackle in the win. Antoine Brooks Jr. was not active.
• New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson tallied two tackles in a close 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Teammate Byron Cowart did not play in the game.
• New York Jets running back Ty Johnson rushed for three yards on two carries in the team’s 20-3 loss to the Dolphins.
• Chicago Bears linebacker Josh Woods failed to record a stat during the 41-25 loss, playing all 16 of his snaps on special teams.