Ex TCU Stars Make NFL Week 8 Impact As Collier Sacks Cowboys

Former TCU football players experienced a little of everything during NFL Week 8, from a defensive standout helping stun the Dallas Cowboys to a former Horned Frogs receiver trying to spark a struggling Los Angeles Chargers offense.

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier delivered one of the weekend's strongest performances among former TCU players, recording three tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss, in a dramatic 33-30 overtime victory against Dallas.

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Collier, who starred at TCU before becoming a first-round NFL Draft selection in 2019, helped Arizona generate pressure during a game that eventually required overtime to determine a winner.

The Cardinals rallied in the fourth quarter before securing the victory on a field goal in the extra period.

For Collier, the performance was another opportunity to demonstrate his value in Arizona's defensive rotation. For the Cowboys, it was another frustrating afternoon.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston also contributed Sunday, although his team couldn't keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams.

Johnston caught four passes for 37 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per reception in a 24-9 defeat. His longest reception covered 21 yards.

The former TCU star, selected 21st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, continues working to establish himself as a consistent receiving option for the Chargers.

Johnston wasn't the only former Horned Frog involved in the Los Angeles matchup.

Rams offensive lineman Steve Avila remains a key member of the team's offensive front, which helped Los Angeles secure the convincing victory.

Chargers receiver and return specialist Derius Davis also appeared on the team's Week 8 statistical report, although he didn't register a reception or rushing attempt.

In Cincinnati, former TCU cornerback Josh Newton contributed to an entertaining 43-36 overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.

Newton recorded one solo tackle, defended a pass and recovered a fumble during the Bengals' third consecutive victory.

It wasn't a high-volume statistical afternoon, but the fumble recovery gave Newton a meaningful contribution in a game filled with turnovers and dramatic momentum swings.

Elsewhere, Dallas Cowboys return specialist KaVontae Turpin and linebacker Dee Winters remained part of a team searching for answers following its overtime defeat to Arizona.

Neither recorded a reception or defensive tackle, respectively, in the standard Week 8 statistical reports.

TCU's NFL presence also included veteran quarterback Andy Dalton with Atlanta, offensive lineman Brandon Coleman with Washington and several other players scattered across league rosters.

Monday Night Football provides one more opportunity for a former Horned Frog to be involved.

Chicago Bears wide receiver JP Richardson is listed on the team's practice squad entering Monday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle rookie safety Bud Clark remains on injured reserve.

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The Bears and Seahawks kick off at 7:15 p.m. CT.

For TCU fans, Collier's sack, Newton's takeaway and Johnston's receiving production highlighted another weekend in which former Horned Frogs continued making contributions at the professional level.