Texas Tech NFL Week 7: Douglas Explodes As Mahomes Struggles

Former Texas Tech Red Raiders made their presence felt across the NFL in Week 7, but the biggest surprise wasn't Patrick Mahomes. It was rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas, who delivered the best game of his young professional career.

Douglas caught two passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, helping the Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Jets 28-25 for their first victory of the season.

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The former Texas Tech standout opened Miami's scoring with a 7-yard touchdown reception from Malik Willis before delivering the decisive offensive blow on a 63-yard scoring connection in the fourth quarter.

Both of Douglas' receptions ended in the end zone.

It was an impressive breakthrough for a rookie who entered the weekend with seven catches for 113 yards through his first two appearances.

Across the field, another former Red Raider continued making a strong case for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

New York Jets defensive end David Bailey recorded four tackles, including one for loss, and shared a sack against Miami.

The second overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft now has 5.5 sacks through seven career games.

According to the Jets, Bailey joins Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher as the only players this century to produce at least 35 tackles and 5.5 sacks in their first seven NFL appearances.

Miami linebacker Jordyn Brooks also enjoyed a productive afternoon, leading the Dolphins with nine tackles, including two for loss.

Fellow Texas Tech product Jacob Rodriguez added four tackles in the victory.

Although Rodriguez wasn't as statistically dominant as he had been earlier in the season, his continued involvement reflects the trust Miami has placed in the rookie linebacker.

The weekend wasn't nearly as enjoyable for Mahomes.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback endured his toughest performance of the season in a stunning 20-3 loss to Seattle.

Mahomes completed 19 of 33 passes for 165 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. His 58.3 passer rating reflected an unusually ineffective performance for the former Texas Tech superstar.

Kansas City managed only 11 first downs and failed to score a touchdown, suffering its first defeat after opening the season 5-0.

Mahomes also rushed twice for 14 yards but couldn't find a solution against Seattle's defense.

Elsewhere, former Red Raiders defensive lineman Lee Hunter was part of a Carolina Panthers defense overwhelmed in a 43-13 loss to Tampa Bay.

Texas Tech will have another representative in action Monday night when Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele faces the Philadelphia Eagles.

For Red Raiders fans, Week 7 offered a striking contrast.

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Mahomes struggled on one of football's biggest stages, while Douglas and Bailey demonstrated why Texas Tech's latest wave of NFL talent deserves increasing attention.

And with several young former Red Raiders already earning significant playing time, the program's professional pipeline continues to grow.