Locals in NFL: Fresno State alum Tyeler Davison gets first sack in Saints win

Former Fresno State star Tyeler Davison will always remember Oct. 4, 2015.

Not just because the New Orleans Saints picked up a 26-20 victory over Dallas. The rookie defensive tackle also picked up his first career sack.

With 13:30 remaining, Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden was in shotgun formation on third-and-9. The Saints rushed four defenders and Davison powered past left guard Ronald Leary and took down Weeden for a 7-yard loss.

Davison finished with four tackles (two solo) as the Saints improved to 1-3.

“Feels good to get that first win out of the way,” said Davison, who saw 54 percent of the playing time, “… a lot of production from our guys and glad we contributed to this win.

“Gradual everyday work since camp. Been working, trying to perfect our craft.”

The Saints selected Davison with the 19th pick of the fifth round (no. 154 overall) of the 2015 draft after a Fresno State career in which he had 161 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

▪ Cowboys fullback Tyler Clutts (Clovis/Fresno State) had one reception for 4 yards against the Saints.

Eric Kendricks breaks through– Former Hoover High star Eric Kendricks made his first start for the Minnesota Vikings.

The rookie middle linebacker also recorded his first career sack, delivering after a delayed blitz on Peyton Manning, who ducked but took the hit from Kendricks.

The Broncos were able to hold off the Vikings 23-20. Kendricks finished with four tackles.

It’s likely Kendricks, a second-round selection in 2015 (No. 45 overall), will continue to start as Minnesota traded Gerald Hodges on Tuesday to San Francisco for offensive lineman Nick Easton and a fourth-round pick. Hodges had started the first four games, with Kendricks also starting last week because the Vikings opened in a nickel defense.

Et cetera – Tampa Bay guard Logan Mankins (Fresno State) played in his 150th regular season game, all starts, as the Bucaneers lost to Carolina 37-23. At 33, he is the oldest player on the roster.

▪ Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs (Fresno State) didn’t record a tackle.

▪ Oakland’s Derek Carr (Fresno State) completed 20 of 33 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, in a 22-20 loss to Chicago. Carr had two first-half touchdowns for the third time in his career, and the first time in back-to-back games. Carr has 28 career passing touchdowns, moving him ahead of Tom Flores for the most by a Raiders quarterback through their first two seasons.

▪ Bears receiver Marquess Wilson (Tulare High) established a single-game career high with 80 receiving yards (on six receptions) against the Raiders.

▪ St. Louis strong safety T.J. McDonald (Edison) had six tackles and his first sack this season in a 24-22 victory over Arizona. McDonald’s 23 tackles are sixth most on the team this season. McDonald and safety Rodney McLeod have started 26 consecutive games. Rams rookie guard Cody Wichmann (Fresno State) played in his second career game and was in for 13 percent of the plays.

▪ Pittsburgh safety Robert Golden (Edison) had a tackle and a special teams tackle as the Steelers fell to Baltimore 23-20.

▪ Denver tight end Virgil Green (Tulare) played but didn’t record a statistic against the Vikings.

▪ Atlanta tackle Bryce Harris (Tulare/Fresno State) made his debut in a 48-21 victory over Houston. Harris was claimed off waivers from the Saints in early September.

▪ Cincinnati linebacker and fifth-year pro Chris Carter (Fresno State) has played in the Bengals’ first four games, including briefly on defense against Kansas City and on special teams in last week’s 36-21 victory. Bengals rookie safety Derron Smith (Fresno State), a sixth-round draft choice, has played in the first four games on special teams.

▪ Philadelphia running back Ryan Mathews (Fresno State) had five carries for 20 yards in a 23-20 loss to Washington. … Eagles wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State) played, but didn’t have a reception. Inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (Hoover) had to leave the game because of a hamstring injury and likely is out this week against the Saints.

▪ Redskins tight end Anthony McCoy (Bullard) didn’t have a reception in his third game with the team, coming off the bench after two consecutive starts.

▪ Green Bay wide receiver Davante Adams (Fresno State) was inactive before the Packers’ 17-3 victory over the 49ers. Adams had started the first three games, but played sparingly in weeks 2 and 3 while dealing with a nagging ankle injury. He continues to make progress but his status this week is uncertain.

▪ San Diego tackle Kenny Wiggins (Fresno State) played in his third game this season, a 30-27 victory over Cleveland.

▪ Browns receiver Marlon Moore (Fresno State) played in 62 percent of the snaps but didn’t record a stat.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Locals in NFL: Fresno State alum Tyeler Davison gets first sack in Saints win."