Oklahoma Sooners in the NFL: Adrian Peterson makes history yet again

It was an eventful Week 8 in the NFL for many former Oklahoma Sooners, none more so than the indomitable Adrian Peterson. The 2012 NFL MVP, now in his 12th season, looked like his younger self in Washington’s divisional matchup against the Giants, rushing for 149 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries while also adding a seven-yard touchdown reception. His big day vaulted him ahead of the great Tony Dorsett for ninth on the career NFL rushing yards list, as AD (not “AP”, dammit) continues to add to his illustrious NFL career.

Signed by Washington in August after Derrius Guice was lost for the year with injury, the ageless wonder Peterson is fifth in the league in rushing so far this season. After the big win in New York, AD also had some wisdom to pass on to Giants rookie phenom Saquon Barkley.

Father Time, who? Congrats, All Day!

Sterling Shepard caught four passes for 34 yards in the loss.

Joe Mixon also enjoyed a big Week 8, rushing 21 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals’ win over the Bucs. Mixon also added 3 receptions for 15 yards.

Here’s his first score to put Cincy on the board:

And here’s his follow-up, complete with a touchdown dance. Despite missing two games this season, Mixon is currently eighth in the league in rushing yards.

Mixon’s teammate Jordan Evans also played a hell of a game, recording a team-high seven solo tackles and assisting on four more. The former Sooners co-captain also grabbed the first interception of his budding NFL career.

Buccaneers linebacker Devante Bond, who was recently re-acquired by Tampa Bay after being waived in September, registered two solo and one assisted tackles on the afternoon.

Jaguars wideout Dede Westbrook caught two passes for 31 yards and a touchdown as his team squared off against the defending Super Bowl champions in London. The 2016 Biletnikoff Award winner also added one rush for nine yards in the 24-18 loss to the Eagles.

Westbrook gained a new teammate, another former Sooner legend, last week in Jacksonville. The Belldozer, Blake Bell, who was recently acquired by the Jags, caught one pass for 13 yards in his Jaguars debut across the pond. With erratic QB Blake Bortles seeing his share of struggles in 2018, it begs the question (for me, at least) — could the Jags unveil the Belldozer at any point this season? One can only hope (or I can, at least). We wish Blake Bell the best in his new home.

Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson was unfortunately forced to leave the game in London with an MCL sprain, which is thought to keep him out for one month. As the only Eagles fan on staff, this leaves me a bit worried. Ralph Wiggum sums it up pretty well.

Baker Mayfield had a rocky (but not terrible) Week 8 in Pittsburgh, as the rookie signal caller went 22-of-36 for 180 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and also added a rush for 9 yards. Mayfield was also sacked twice and found himself once again under constant, sometimes violent, pressure all afternoon. He did toss this sweet score to fellow rookie Antonio Callaway late in the third.

Following yet another disappointing loss, the Browns made big news on Monday by firing head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

No, no, no, I don’t think Lincoln Riley is taking that job. First of all, Lincoln is smarter than all of us and is likely well aware that the Browns are still a gigantic poop show. Why leave all the potential at Oklahoma, a program whose brand and potential is currently sky-high (and also provides a ton of stability) for the confines of Cleveland? If the NFL is something he’d consider in the future, the guy is only 35 and looks poised to have his pick of jobs in the league for years to come. Baker or no Baker, Cleveland ain’t that gig.

Baker Mayfield will be fine, and so will Lincoln Riley as the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. I do imagine the Browns will give Bob Stoops a call since it’s something they’ve probably done virtually every year since 2001.

Anyway, let’s get back on topic...

Mark Andrews caught four passes for 31 yards in the Ravens loss in Carolina. the 2017 Mackey Award winner continues to make strides in Baltimore halfway through his rookie season.

Ravens Tony Jefferson recorded two solo and five assisted tackles in the loss.

Jermaine Gresham caught three passes for 22 yards, but also fumbled, in the Cardinals win over the 49ers.

Jordan Phillips was in action for the Bills on Monday night against the Pats and recorded one solo tackle in the loss.

These Sooners also saw action for their respective teams this weekend:

(*denotes starter)

*Orlando Brown (OT - Ravens), Jermaine Gresham (TE - Cardinals), *Tress Way (P - Washington), Damien Williams (RB - Chiefs), *Trent Williams (OT - Washington), James Winchester (LS - Chiefs)

The following Sooners were inactive or did not play in Week 8:

Jeff Badet (WR - Vikings, practice squad), Emmanuel Beal (LB - Seahawks, IR), Sam Bradford (QB - Cardinals), Aaron Colvin (CB - Texans), Geneo Grissom (DE - Patriots), Gerald McCoy (DT - Buccaneers), Stacy McGee (DT - Washington, PUP), Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (LB - Rams, PUP), Steven Parker (S - Rams, practice squad), Samaje Perine (RB - Washington), Kenny Stills (WR - Dolphins) Ahmad Thomas (LB - Colts, practice squad), Damien Williams (RB - Chiefs), Daryl Williams (OT - Panthers, IR)

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