Here is a look at how Clemson’s football alumni performed in Week 2 of the NFL season… 

New England 40, Buffalo 32

BUF: Sammy Watkins—8 tgts, 6 rec, 60 yds, TD

Anyone rooting for Watkins to have success this season breathed a sigh of relief to see a bounce-back performance against the Patriots. During a furious late comeback, Watkins caught a touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor a week after not catching a single ball. He actually led the Bills in targets, meaning his health might have been the reason for the slow start and not a poor rapport with his quarterback or an inability to co-exist with Percy Harvin.

Arizona 48, Chicago 23

ARI: Jaron Brown—3 tgts, 2 rec, 20 yds, TD

Chandler Catanzaro—6-7 XP; 1 tackle

Brown found the end zone during the first quarter in this one, which is good news for fans of Brown’s who saw the depth chart and cringed. There doesn’t seem to be a standout receiver in the Cardinals’ corps and that bodes well for Brown, who won’t be the first option but could still get looks in the passing game. The new lengthier extra point will lead to more routine misses, and Catanzaro was victimized by one in this game in an otherwise flawless performance.

CHI: Jarvis Jenkins—2 tackles (1 solo)

It really is quite depressing that the Bears are this bad right after Jenkins signed a nice contract, but such is the reality. Jenkins should continue to amass a few tackles per game as a space-eater on the defensive line. He had the fourth-highest rating in the game for Chicago, according to Pro Football Focus, and ranked third on defense.

Cleveland 28, Tennessee 14

TEN: Coty Sensabaugh—4 tackles (3 solo)

Sensabaugh continues to thrive in the nickel role for the Titans. He wasn’t as productive in coverage this week, but his presence in the lineup isn’t going to diminish anytime soon.

Tampa Bay 26, New Orleans 19

NO: Stephone Anthony—7 tackles (3 solo)

C.J. Spiller—3 car, 7 yds; 1 tgt, 1 rec, 19 yds

The Saints will need to lean on defense for much of this season given Drew Brees’ arm injury, so Anthony will need to step up in a big way. He tied for third on the team in tackles against Tampa and should continue to see numbers pile up in the middle of New Orleans’ system. Spiller was a forgotten man in the backfield, as the change-of-pace options often are in Sean Payton’s scheme. His chances will be sporadic, but they will come as soon as Mark Ingram shows signs of struggle.

Atlanta 24, NY Giants 20

ATL: Vic Beasley Jr.—5 tackles (3 solo), sack

Beasley was a dominant force off the edge for the Falcons. He was the highest-rated player in the game on either side, according to Pro Football Focus. In addition to the lone sack, he also registered two quarterback pressures. Beasley’s presence has helped transform the Atlanta pass rush, and Clemson fans should be proud of that.

Pittsburgh 43, San Francisco 18

SFO: Bradley Pinion—4 punts, 42.8 avg

Pinion should get plenty of chances with a below-average 49ers offense on the field before him. One of Pinion’s four punts was planted inside the 20-yard line, and he has not disappointed the team that made him the only punter selected in this year’s draft.

Washington 24, St. Louis 10

WAS: Bashaud Breeland—1 solo tackle

Breeland didn’t have much of a challenge, as the Rams’ passing game is still a work in progress. The second-year player is quickly earning a reputation around the league as a force to be reckoned with.

Carolina 24, Houston 17

HOU: DeAndre Hopkins—11 tgts, 5 rec, 53 yds

Ryan Mallett was largely dreadful in this game, and Hopkins was the negative beneficiary of his sorry play. Less than half of Mallett’s passes in Nuk’s direction were caught, although he was second on the team in times targeted. Teams will begin to bracket Hopkins if more consistent alternative sources do not present themselves, which could lower his productivity.

Dallas 20, Philadelphia 10

PHI: Byron Maxwell—4 tackles (3 solo), PBU

Maxwell struggled for the second consecutive week to thwart an opposing passing game, even one missing critical pieces. Six of the nine targets against Maxwell resulted in catches, including one for a touchdown. He was signed to a large contract to be a stopper, but so far, things have trended in the opposite direction for Maxwell and the Eagles’ pass defense.

NY Jets 20, Indianapolis 7

NYJ: Marcus Gilchrist—4 tackles (2 solo), INT, PBU

Gilchrist was among the most effective players on a dominant defensive unit that ruined the Colts’ home opener. Among his in-game accomplishments, Gilchrist clinched the game with a late interception while tiptoeing along the sideline. The free agent signee is acclimating well to Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme and should continue to shine.

Also on Rosters: Dwayne Allen (IND), Chris Clemons (ARI), Kavell Conner (SDG), Chris Hairston (SDG), Adam Humphries (TB), Grady Jarrett (ATL), Tyler Shatley (JAC), Brandon Thomas (SFO).

Inactives: Tavaris Barnes (NO), Andre Branch (JAC), Andre Ellington (ARI), Malliciah Goodman (ATL), Tony Steward (BUF), Brandon Thompson (CIN), Charlie Whitehurst (TEN).