Alabama in the NFL: Ridley breaks out in week three

RJ Nealon, Staff Writer

Week three of the NFL season is complete, and there were several former Alabama players with impressive performances. Among the 37 former Alabama players to see the field, Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons showed off his elite skill set in a breakout performance.
Ridley caught seven passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns, and he also added a nine-yard run. His scores went for 18,75, and nine yards to complete the hat trick in his third NFL game. Wide receiver Julio Jones caught five passes for 96 yards. The Falcons lost 43-37 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints.
Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson made three tackles and made an interception during their 16-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals. His interception led to a Bears touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers Inside linebacker Reuben Foster made seven tackles and broke up a pass during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was his season debut after completing a two-game suspension. The 49ers lost 38-27.
Washington Redskins defensive teammates Da’Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen both recorded stats in their 31-17 win over the Green Bay Packers. Payne recorded the first sack of his career and four tackles. Allen recorded five tackles and three quarterback hits.
Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick both played a role in their 28-20 win over the Oakland Raiders. Drake had three yards on five carries and caught two passes for seven yards. Fitzpatrick made his first career start and recorded ten tackles.
Another notable performance was by Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard during Monday Night Football.  Howard caught six passes for 72 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is the second week in a row with an outstanding performance for Howard.