Dec. 25 — Three former area players led their NFL teams in tackles and two former Washington State Cougars had interceptions in a big day for local defensive players in Week 16 .
Perhaps the biggest day went to former WSU star Frankie Luvu, whose big hit took out Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Luvu also had two tackles for loss and an interception to help the Washington Commanders hand Philadelphia its first loss since Week 4.
Here’s how all the former Idaho Vandals, Cougars and a Moscow Bear fared in Week 16:
Idaho
LB, Christian Elliss, New England Patriots: The former undrafted free agent recorded seven tackles (four solo) and one pass defended in a 24-21 loss to the Bills.
LB, Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons: Elliss’ older brother continued to expand his lead as the team’s leading tackler with seven tackles (two solo), one sack, one tackle for loss and two Quarterback hits in a 34-7 win over the Giants. .
LS, Hogan Hatten, Detroit Lions: Hatten made three field goals (2 of 3), four extra points (4 of 4) and a punt in a 34-17 win over the Bears.
PR/KR/WR Jermaine Jackson, New Orleans Saints: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 34-0 loss to the Saints.
WSU
S, Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs: The rookie safety snagged an interception for the second straight week, had two tackles and a pass defended in a 27-19 win over the Texans.
CB, Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs: On injured reserve with an ankle injury, he did not play in a 27-19 win over the Texans.
QB, Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders: The veteran QB is on injured reserve with a broken collarbone suffered in Week 12 and did not play in a 19-14 win over the Jaguars.
Daily headlines, straight to your inbox. Read it online first and stay informed, delivered daily at 7am.
N, Chau Smith-Wade, Carolina Panthers: The rookie had five tackles (three solo) and one tackle for loss in a 36-30 win over the Cardinals.
DT, Daniel Ekuale, New England Patriots: Made a solo tackle in a 24-21 loss to the Bills.
LB, Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders: Luvu led with an interception, seven tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss and a pass defended in a 36-33 upset win over the Eagles.
LB, Brennan Jackson, Los Angeles Rams: The rookie didn’t record a defensive play for the fifth straight game in a 19-9 win over the Jets.
S, Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals: The sixth-year veteran led his team with 10 tackles (seven solo) and one pass defended in a 36-30 loss to the Cardinals.
LB, Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers: He again led his team in tackles with 10 (seven solo) and one tackle for loss in a 34-27 win over the Broncos.
OL, Andre Dillard, Green Bay Packers: Dillard played nine offensive snaps (13%) and six special teams snaps (29%) in a 34-0 win over the Saints.
OL, Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks: Lucas started at right tackle in a 27-24 loss to the Vikings. The Seahawks generated 314 passing yards, but only 59 rushing yards in the loss.
WR, River Cracraft, Miami Dolphins: The veteran wideout caught one reception for six yards on three targets in a 29-17 win over the 49ers.
CB, Cam Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 19-9 win over the Jets.
WR, Easop Winston, New York Jets: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 19-9 loss to the Rams.
Moscow High School
LB, Jonah Elliss, Denver Broncos: The rookie had three tackles (two solo) and one tackle for loss in a 34-27 loss to the Chargers.
