By Ryan Satsky, Maryland Athletics Communications
In 2005, former Maryland standout Shawne Merriman took home NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors to commence his prolific NFL career. If Jaguars defensive end
Yannick Ngakoue can maintain his early dominance throughout the remainder of this season, another former Terp might be bringing home some similar hardware.
In a 30-27 victory over the Colts in London, Ngakoue forced a fumble for the third consecutive week. After one quarter of the NFL season, nobody else in the NFL has forced more fumbles than Ngakoue.
Ngakoue also tallied his first career interception after corralling a tipped pass by teammate Dante Fowler Jr. Additionally, he knocked down a pass and chipped in four tackles, including one tackle for a three-yard loss.
Ngakoue's three sacks thus far are two more than any other rookie defender. While there is certainly plenty of football left to play this season, it wouldn't be an overreaction to call Ngakoue the early favorite for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Steelers veteran wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey made a splash Sunday night with a 31-yard touchdown reception to start off a blowout victory over the Chiefs. Heyward-Bey also contributed a spectacular tackle on special teams.
Stefon Diggs continues to creep his way into the Vikings' record books. His five receptions for 47 yards pushed him over 1,000 career receiving yards, making him the second Viking after Randy Moss to record 1,000 receiving yards in his first 16 games in the NFL. Diggs and Minnesota improved to a league-best 4-0.
Elsewhere around the league:
- Jets linebacker Erin Henderson returned from his foot injury to contribute four tackles, including one tackle for loss, in a 27-17 loss to Seattle.
- Texans kicker Nick Novak hit two out of his three field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder. He also nailed all three of his extra point attempts in a 27-20 win over Tennessee.
- Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson continues to get the job done, as he registered six tackles, including one tackle for a four-yard loss, in a 30-27 loss to Jacksonville.
- Redskins tight end Vernon Davis hauled in one pass totaling eight yards in a 31-20 win over Cleveland.
- 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith caught one pass for three yards in a 24-17 loss to Dallas.
