Tonight, the highly anticipated Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State will heat up the field. Coinciding with this showdown, football fans will also be treated to a three-game NFL Thanksgiving slate, providing Rebel fans with entertainment before the big game. Adding to the excitement, a number of former Ole Miss players are set to showcase their skills across these Thanksgiving games.
Benito Jones, DT, Detroit
In the early NFL Thanksgiving game, the Detroit Lions will go head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers in an exhilarating NFC North rivalry. Among the starters, nose tackle Benito Jones will make an impact for the Lions, while the Packers have WR Malik Heath and offensive lineman Royce Newman prepared for action if needed.
Jones has tallied 15 total tackles and one sack in six games this season, showcasing his prowess as a formidable force on the field. Additionally, he has contributed to special teams as a field goal protector.
A notable figure in his four-season tenure at Ole Miss, Jones recorded 10.5 sacks and 132 total tackles. His final productive season in 2019 saw him grabbing an interception, showcasing his diverse skill set and vibrant personality, traits that continue to shine in his NFL journey.
Sam Williams, DE, Dallas
The Thanksgiving rivalry continues with the Dallas Cowboys hosting Washington in the second game. Expect to see defensive end Sam Williams making significant contributions for the Cowboys.
As a second-round Draft pick in 2022, Williams has showcased a strong debut season, recording 11 pressures and four sacks. After a slow start to the 2023 season, he has gained momentum, securing seven tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack in each of his last three games, highlighting his potential and impact on the field.
During his three seasons with the Rebels, Williams impressively secured 22.5 sacks, with the majority coming in his final season. His exceptional college performances caught the eye of Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, leading to Williams being selected 56th overall, a decision that is paying off as Williams continues to validate the choice.
DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle
To conclude the NFL Thanksgiving Day slate, the Seattle Seahawks will take on San Francisco in a matchup that can be enjoyed alongside the Egg Bowl. Keep an eye out for DK Metcalf, one of the NFL’s top receivers, donning the Seahawks jersey.
Since his draft in 2019, Metcalf has been a vital component of the Seattle offense, accumulating an impressive 346 receptions for 4,864 yards and 38 touchdowns in his Seahawks career.
Throughout his time at Ole Miss, injury setbacks limited Metcalf’s performance to 67 receptions for 1,228 yards and 14 touchdowns, despite his renowned talent recognized by the Ole Miss coaching staff. The decision for Metcalf to slide to the second round remains a point of contention, with his impactful presence in the NFL proving many doubters wrong.
These compelling NFL Thanksgiving matchups are not to be missed, creating an enthralling prelude to the highly anticipated Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Stay tuned for action-packed football and dynamic player performances.
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