While defense ruled the day for former Bulldogs in week 1, the offensive players really stood out in week 2 of the NFL season.

Perhaps no player had a more encouraging performance the rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman. The 2019 second-round pick pulled in his first career touchdown in the Chiefs’ 28-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Hardman finished the day with 4 catches for 61 yards and the touchdown. The former Bulldog could’ve had an even bigger day, as he had a 74-yard touchdown called back due to a penalty.

“I wanted to get in the end zone this week. Been practicing hard. Had a good week of practice,” Hardman told Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star. “But just getting in the end zone, it’s a dream kind of come true. But you have to continue working. I have to get in there some more.”

Hardman wasn’t the only former Georgia receiver to get into the endzone, as Isaiah McKenzie also scored a touchdown this weekend. He was a big reason the Bills were able to improve to 2-0 on the season, as he caught two passes for 40 yards. Chris Conley of the Jacksonville Jaguars had 4 catches for 73 yards this weekend as well.

As for the running backs, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and Todd Gurley all scored touchdowns this weekend and all of their teams picked up wins. Michel bounced back from a poor week 1 outing as he racked up 85 yards in the New England Patriots’ 43-0 win over the Dolphins.

Gurley found the endzone for the first time this season as he helped the Los Angeles Rams dispatched the New Orleans Saints. Chubb meanwhile finished with 62 rushing yards while also catching four passes for 36 yards in Cleveland’s win over the New York Jets.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was able to lead the Detroit Lions to their first win of the season on Sunday. He threw for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns in the upset win over the Los Angeles Chargers. His go-ahead touchdown pass to Kenny Golliday was one of the best highlights from the weekend.

On the defensive side of the ball, Thomas Davis once again had an outstanding effort. He racked up another 12 tackles for the Chargers in defeat. Davis is the NFL’s leading tackler through two games, as he has 26 with his new team.

But there was another Bulldog who finished a game with even more tackles, as Roquan Smith racked up 13 tackles for the Chicago Bears in their 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos. Teammate Leonard Floyd added two tackles and a quarterback hit as well.

A couple of Bulldogs did leave their respective games with injuries. Outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins had to leave the Browns-Jets game with a calf injury, while offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn exited the Patriots-Dolphins game with a toe injury.

As for this week’s Top Dawg — our weekly honor that goes to the former Bulldog who had the best week in the NFL —we’re going to have to reward Hardman. In addition to filling in for the injured Tyreek Hill, he hauled in his first career touchdown and look like another major weapon for Kansas City.

Top Dawg in the NFL

Week 2: Mecole Hardman, WR Kansas City Chiefs Week 1: Leonard Floyd, OLB Chicago Bears

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