Best Crimson Tide Performances from NFL Week One

Nick Saban said it best himself this past week when he was asked about reaching out to his former players in the NFL ahead of week one.

"We have so many players in the NFL, I can't reach out to each of them individually."

That is essentially what it feels like to watch an NFL Sunday trying to keep up with the plethora of former Crimson Tide players scattered across the league, but fear no more because here is your weekly rundown of the best Crimson Tide performances from the NFL.

Jalen Hurts, QB Philadelphia Eagles

Starting off with a fan favorite, Jalen Hurts dismissed any notion that he was not the answer at quarterback for the Eagles, leading them to a huge victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Hurts looked like a refined, more confident version of himself from a year ago, completing 27-of-35 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns and even adding 62 yards on the ground. The connection between Hurts and his newest offensive weapon was undeniable as well, giving Eagles fans a spark of hope for the future of their team.

Read More: Week 1 Bama Pro of the Week: Jalen Hurts

Get our free mobile app

DeVonta Smith, WR Philadelphia Eagles

In his rookie debut, DeVonta Smith showed just what made him so dominant at Alabama, and he looked right at home in doing so. Smith was the Eagles leading receiver by a wide margin and the immediate chemistry with his former quarterback was undeniable. Smith hauled in six catches for 72 yards and a score, finding a familiar place in the corner of the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Amari Cooper, WR Dallas Cowboys

Sticking with the NFC East, Amari Cooper was completely dominant despite a loss in week one. The former Crimson Tide wideout caught 13 passes for 139 yards and 2 scores, staking claim for the Cowboys offense to be respected and breaking a Cowboys record for receptions in a season opener.

Get our free mobile app

Trevon Diggs, CB Dallas Cowboys

Trevon Diggs did a lot of things on Thursday night that wont necessarily show up on the stat sheet, most notably holding one of the NFL's top targets, Mike Evans, to just one catch on three targets in 39 coverage snaps. Overall, Diggs was targeted just five times total, with Evans making the only catch against him. Diggs played like a lockdown corner for an otherwise questionable Cowboys defense, finishing with 2 pass deflections and an interception.

Mac Jones, QB New England Patriots

Mac Jones trotted out as the starter for the New England Patriots and played as if it had been that way for a while. Jones looked extremely comfortable, battling fellow Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and finished the night 29-of-39 for 281 yards and a touchdown. Despite a loss, the future looks extremely bright for Jones who, by all means except winning, outdueled his former teammate with a less stellar cast.

Get our free mobile app

Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers made a statement in week one with their comeback win over the Buffalo Bills, and their defense was a massive reason for it. Minkah Fitzpatrick was a star on that defense, finishing the game with 10 tackles and a pass deflection. Fitzpatrick was all over the field, making plays in both the run and pass game from start to finish.

Jonathan Allen, DT Washington Football Team

While the Football Team may not have an official team identity, their defense absolutely does. Jonathan Allen, despite a loss, finished with 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack and was able to hit Chargers quarterback, Justin Herbert, three times. The Football team defense is somewhat of a class reunion for former Alabama players at this point, but Allen outshined the rest in week one.

Get our free mobile app

Damien Harris, RB New England Patriots

Although a crucial late game fumble ultimately cost his team a shot at victory, Damien Harris played extremely well in his debut as the feature running back for the Patriots. Harris finished the night with 100 yards on 23 carries and was able to impose his will early, earning 60 of his rushing yards in the first quarter.