By William Qualkinbush.

The National Football League is full of former Clemson players. Several of them had monster days in Week 6. Here is a recap of a busy football weekend for Clemson alumni…

Indianapolis 33, Houston 28 (Thursday)

IND: Dwayne Allen 3 rec, 49 yds

HOU: DeAndre Hopkins 1 rec, 12 yds

Allen was targeted seven times in the game, yet another testament to the faith Andrew Luck has in him. Unlike many pass-catching tight ends in today’s NFL, Allen has significant value as a blocker—both in pass protection and in the running game. It’s easy to notice him freeing ball carriers and blowing up defenders in space.

Meanwhile, Hopkins was a forgotten man in Houston’s offense. Even though heralded cornerback Vontae Davis shadowed Andre Johnson for much of the game, he received 12 targets, compared to Hopkins’ two. His only catch came on a two-minute drive late in the first half. It’s clear he still has some work to do to become a safety valve for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was under siege for most of the night.

New England 37, Buffalo 23

BUF: Sammy Watkins 2 rec, 27 yds

           C.J. Spiller 6 car, 19 yds

Watkins found himself on Revis Island on Sunday, drawing only three targets while heralded cornerback Darrelle Revis covered him. Watkins was complimentary of Revis’ ability to press him, something fans of the NFL have taken for granted for years.

Meanwhile, Spiller stunk today. He only had 19 yards on the ground—12 of which came on one play—and lost a fumble while only drawing one target in the passing game. Anthony Dixon got more carries than he did this week. Need we say more?

Tennessee 16, Jacksonville 14

TEN: Charlie Whitehurst 17-28, 233 yds; 2 car, 1 yd

JAC: Andre Branch 1 assisted tackle

Once again, Whitehurst was called upon to start in Jake Locker’s absence. Once again, he did nothing to impress, but he also did nothing to kill the Titans. His passer rating of 87.4 seems above average given the low expectations people have of him.

Branch had a nondescript day, managing just one tackle in the game. He continues to back up productive edge rusher Chris Clemons (not the former Clemson safety), so his workload will be consistent but small.

Baltimore 48, Tampa Bay 17

TB: Crezdon Butler 2 solo tackles, PBU

Normally, we discuss the reserve status of Da’Quan Bowers in this space. He played in this game, but it was Butler who made an impact in an otherwise disastrous game for the Buccaneers. He had two tackles in late action and broke up a pass.

Arizona 30, Washington 20

ARI: Andre Ellington 19 car, 67 yds; 6 rec, 26 yds

          Chandler Catanzaro 3-3 FG, 3-3 XP

WAS: Bashaud Breeland 5 solo tackles

            Jarvis Jenkins 1 solo tackle

Ellington was everything fantasy owners and Cardinal fans wanted him to be on Sunday. He was a workhorse back for Carson Palmer, and he also caught a ton of balls out of the backfield. The Cardinal offense was just good enough to allow Catanzaro three second-half opportunities to connect on field goals, including a 49-yarder. Only two kickers have been better than the rookie this season.

Breeland continued to play well in coverage against a fairly pedestrian passing attack, while Jenkins played his role facilitating tackles for other players in Washington’s defensive scheme. Both players appear to be in the Redskins’ long-term plans.

Dallas 30, Seattle 23

SEA: Byron Maxwell 1 solo tackle, 2 PBUs

Maxwell was off to a good start, making his presence felt in coverage. However, he left this game in the second quarter with what the team feels is a high ankle sprain. Maxwell is an integral part of the self-proclaimed “Legion of Boom” and his absence—extended or otherwise—would be difficult to overcome.

San Diego 31, Oakland 28

SD: Marcus Gilchrist 2 tackles (1 solo), PBU

        Kavell Conner 2 assisted tackles

It was a sluggish performance for the Chargers, but Gilchrist and Conner continued to play well. Both should find their respective ways into the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.