Arizona fans have plenty to celebrate after Week 3 of the NFL season, as several former Wildcats demonstrated their impact at the professional level. The most headline‑grabbing moment came from Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, who redeemed himself with a 56‑yard field goal that secured a 34‑31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Tyler Loop’s game‑winner
Loop entered the season under pressure after missing a crucial field goal in the Ravens’ 2025 season finale, a miss that would have sent the team to the playoffs. The 25‑year‑old retained the starting role through fall camp and proved his worth on Sunday night. His 56‑yard kick not only clinched the win but also gave Ravens fans a reason to cheer, especially given the opponent’s Texas roots.
Carson Smith’s defensive breakout
Rookie safety Carson Smith provided a bright spot for the Chargers, recording two interceptions against Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen in a 24‑16 Bills victory. The second pick came after Smith turned his body mid‑air to secure the ball, a play that earned him the highest defensive grade among all safeties this week, according to Pro Football Focus.
Mixed results for other Wildcats alumni
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan struggled in the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Cleveland Browns, managing only two receptions for 17 yards on five targets. The Panthers’ 21‑18 win highlighted McMillan’s ongoing difficulty in creating separation, a skill he displayed at Arizona but has yet to translate consistently to the NFL.
On the Packers’ offensive line, left tackle J.J. Morgan earned a 71.5 grade from PFF, the third‑best rating on the unit, despite Green Bay’s 35‑14 defeat to Atlanta. Morgan’s performance helped solidify the line’s protection, even as the offense faltered overall.
Falcons kicker Daniel Folk contributed two field goals, including a 44‑yard effort, in the team’s win over the Packers. Folk’s success moved him into a tie for tenth all‑time in made field goals, matching legends Jason Elam and Sebastian Janikowski at 436.
San Francisco wide receiver Jalen Cowing saw limited action in the 36‑30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, catching two passes and returning a punt for seven yards. His primary value to the 49ers remains on special teams.
Defensive end Jalen Lopez appeared in 34 snaps for the Cardinals in their loss to the 49ers, earning a 65.7 PFF grade, the fifth‑best among the Cardinals’ defenders.
Running back Jalen Croskey‑Merritt struggled to find rhythm for Washington, rushing for 36 yards on 19 carries in a 33‑31 win over Seattle and adding a seven‑yard reception.
Offensive lineman Jonah Big played all 73 snaps for the Dolphins in a 24‑10 loss to Kansas City, receiving a 56.2 grade from PFF.
Raiders tight end J.J. Stukes missed the Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints due to a concussion but is expected to return as the Raiders host the Chiefs in Las Vegas. The team has yet to utilize former Arizona teammate Dalton Johnson.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, Arizona alumni will continue to seek consistency and impact across the league. Fans can follow their favorite former Wildcats as they aim to turn early flashes of talent into sustained professional success.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
