Every Alabama Alum Who Scored a Touchdown in Week 2 of the 2022 NFL Season
Alabama players will always be a key factor in any team's success. Many possess game changing abilities that can change the tide for their team. These Alabama alum made massive impacts for their respective team in Week 2 of the NFL season.
Amari Cooper
During his time at Alabama, Amari Cooper showcased elite route running and speed which made him one of the most dominant receivers in the Saban era. Cooper scored on a 6-yard slant route in the 2nd quarter to take the lead against the New York Jets 14-7. The Browns No. 1 pass-catcher finished the game with 9 receptions on 10 targets, 101 receiving yards, and a lone receiving touchdown in the Browns' 30-31 loss against the New York Jets.
Mac Jones
During his time in Tuscaloosa, Jones stepped in for an injured Tagovailoa for the end of the 2019 season, going 2-1 as a starter including a win over Michigan in the VRBO Citrus Bowl. In his junior season, Jones beat out now starter Bryce Young for the starting role. Jones led the Tide to a perfect season, including a national championship win over the Justin Fields led Ohio State Buckeyes. In the Patriots matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones threw for 252 passing yards with his singular touchdown pass in the form of a 44-yard bomb to Nelson Agholor. The Patriots went on to win the game 17-14
Damien Harris
During his time with the Tide, Harris was the main man in the backfield for Alabama, amassing over 1000 yards from scrimmage three times in his college career. In the Patriots' clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris recorded 71 rushing yards on 15 carries. His score came on the goal-line rush to add to the Patriots lead making it 17-6.
Tua Tagovailoa
During Tua's time at the Capstone, he totaled over 7000 passing yards and 87 touchdowns. He achieved his signature moment during the 2017 National Championship game where he stepped in at the half to lead a legendary comeback against the Georgia Bulldogs. He is known as one of the best signal-callers in the Nick Saban era. Tagovailoa had a career day on Sunday, completing 72% of his passes, throwing 469 passings yards, and tossing 6 touchdowns in a thriller 42-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle was feared at Alabama for his game-changing speed, ability to stretch the field, and a knack for returning punts. All remain true in the NFL. Along with Tua, Waddle also had a career game in week 2, recording 171 yards on 11 catches while finding the endzone twice in the Dolphins' comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts started the recent stretch of elite Alabama quarterbacks to suit up for the Tide in the past few years. Hurts was (and still is) known for being able to make plays with his legs at 'Bama, racking up almost 2000 yards on the ground during his time in Tuscaloosa. Hurts, who was replaced by Tagovailoa in the 2017 National Championship game, infamously took over after Tagovailoa went down with an ankle injury in the 2018 SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs, in which he led the Tide to a thrilling 35-28 comeback. In his 3rd Monday Night Football appearance, the Houston, TX native led the Eagles to a 24-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Alabama alum threw for 333 yards and one touchdown, he also added 57 yards on the ground and two scores.
Irv Smith Jr.
Irv Smith Jr. broke onto the scene in his junior season to be Tua Tagovailoa's safety blanket. The big-bodied Tight End caught 44 passes for 710 yards, finding pay-dirt seven times in 2018. On Monday Night, Smith Jr. scored the only Vikings' touchdown on a 2-yard flat.
Based on their previous performances at The University of Alabama, it's not a surprise, it's part of the process, that these players are making waves in the NFL.