The Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) and the Washington Redskins (3-2) face off in this weeks edition of Monday Night Football in the NFL.
Although a majority of readers based out of Texas may not be fans of either team, there is still plenty to watch for from the Lone Star State.
In total, there are 11 former Texas High School players on the two teams. Here’s a list of them and which ones you should definitely keep an eye on.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have the first six. One of them land on the defensive side of the ball, while the rest are on the offensive side. One of them, has quite a history in the NFL.
Jalen Mills – DB – DeSoto
No. 31 has at least four tackles in at least all of the Eagles game, except for the loss to Kansas City week two. After a zero-interception performance in 2016, he has bounced back well with two interceptions so far this year. Not bad for a guy who got picked in the seventh round. Mills has really proved himself this year, and with his last stellar game being against Kirk Cousins, look for him to continue his success. He’s probably the guy you really want to watch tonight.
Nick Foles – QB – Austin Westlake
Hasn’t played at all in 2017. Barring injury, that should stay the same tonight.
Lane Johnson – OT – Groveton<
In five games this year, the sixth-year product of The University of Oklahoma has played 77 percent of the snaps. He’s only allowed 1.5 sacks on the year, and is the anchor to this line.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai – OT – Haltom
He’s started in one game in 2017, but played in all of them with 37 percent of the snaps played. Back ups Jason Peters, who just so happens to also be a Texan.
Jason Peters – T – Queen City
This is the guy every offensive tackle in Texas should aspire to be. He has been a pro bowl player every year since 2008. One more Pro Bowl would make him equal with Eagle-great Chuck Bednarik, who had eight himself. A huge reason as to why Carson Wentz has had such a successful year.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins will need every one of these former Texans to play out of their minds to beat the much-favorited Eagles.
Trent Williams – T – Longview
For eight years, Williams has been a staple in the NFL. He’ll play a big part in keeping Kirk Cousins up and potentially pull off the upset tonight.
Dustin Hopkins – K – Clear Lake
A career 84 percent kicker, Hopkins has found himself a home in Washington. Although his percentage has dropped a considerable amount since his first year (89.3), he has not missed any in a game in which the Redskins won. His kicks were actually the difference last week against the 49ers. The Redskins will hope they don’t have to use him much, but should they do, he is a reliable option.
Ziggy Hood – DL – Palo Duro
The starting nose tackle for the Redskins has only half a sack on the year and two tackles. The rest of the line will look for him as there are some injuries up front and they’ll need a new leader.
Josh Doctson – WR – Masnfield Legacy
He’s only been targeted eight times the last few games, but with the four balls he’s hauled in, he has two touchdowns. He has shown big play ability, and those who watched him at TCU will know that.
Ty Nsekhe – T – Arlington Bowe
Nsekhe has not played since week three, and given who he sits behind (Williams), there’s good reason.
Semaje Perine – RB – Pflugerville Hendrickson
Perine was amazing in college, and he’s shown flashed in the League as well. No. 32 is the third guy in line to take the handoff, but finally got his first touchdown last week. He has 166 yards on the ground this year, and a few catches out of the backfield. He’s the one back the Eagles did not see him last time around, so he could surprise the Green guys a bit tonight.
The Eagles and Redskins will be on ESPN at 7:30 Monday night.
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