The 2021 NFL season kicked off this past weekend, and that means a ton of former Michigan Wolverines have once again begun their quest for a Super Bowl championship.
In case you missed the article last week from our own Kellen Voss on every Wolverine on an active roster, click here. But today, let’s go through the top performances of former Michigan players, starting with the greatest quarterback of all time.
Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay
32/50 passing, 379 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
The GOAT proved once again why he’s the GOAT, leading Tampa Bay down the field to kick a last-second field goal to down the Dallas Cowboys. Brady was efficient and showed zero signs of slowing down whatsoever. His touchdowns went to Gronk (2), Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin. His offense is loaded, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see his reign over the league continue this year.
Jourdan Lewis, CB, Dallas
2 tackles, 2 PD, 1 INT
One of Brady’s two interceptions was caught by former Wolverine corner Jourdan Lewis, who also compiled two tackles and two passes deflected in the Thursday Night game against Tampa Bay. It was caught in the end zone on a Hail Mary to end the first half, but Lewis nearly took it the distance anyways. This was a nice start to the season for a player like Lewis who hasn’t really been a household name for the Cowboys.
Wolverine on Wolverine crime! Jourdan Lewis picks off Tom Brady on a Hail Mary attempt at the end of the half.@Buccaneers lead the @dallascowboys at the break, 21-16#GoBlue 〽️ pic.twitter.com/fMwydXJEzU
— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineMag) September 10, 2021
Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh
10 tackles (6 solo)
In his first game back after tearing his ACL last season, Bush was an absolute force on defense for the Steelers, who somehow won at Buffalo. Compiling 10 tackles, with six of them being solo tackles, Bush was all over the field and seemed to be constantly around whoever had the ball. This was a great start to his season, especially considering how last season ended for him.
Kwity Paye, DE, Indianpolis
3 tackles (2 solo), 1 TFL, 1 FR
The rookie defensive end had a good first regular season game in the NFL, racking up three tackles, one tackle for loss and recovering a fumble in a 28-16 loss at home to Seattle. Paye also had a pretty stellar preseason, so look for him to continue to be a force on the Colts’ defensive line.
David Long, CB, Los Angeles Rams
5 tackles (5 solo), 2 PD, 1 INT
It’s taken a little bit for Long to make a name for himself in the league, but he just may do that this season if his first game is any indicator of what may be to come. Coming up with five tackles, two passes deflected and an interception is a pretty good way to begin the 2021 season with Matthew Stafford and the Rams. A big 34-14 victory on Sunday Night Football over the Bears only makes that stat line even sweeter for Long.