Sunday, August 15, 2010

Marques Murrell adds to big-play collection

Marques Murrell is beginning his fourth season trying to make a name for himself in the NFL.

He and other former Appalachian State players seem to have a knack for coming up with big plays against some of the NFL’s biggest names.

Last season, Jason Hunter sacked and Corey Lynch intercepted Brett Favre, and Murrell sacked and stripped the ball from Michael Vick.

On Thursday, Murrell, playing in his first preseason game with the New England Patriots, sacked Drew Brees for a nine-yard loss on the opening series.

“I just knew I needed to get on the edge to get to the quarterback as fast as I could,” Murrell told the Boston Herald. “I just hit him with a move up front and tried to cut the corner. And there was Brees.”

Here’s how former ASU players fared this weekend in their first NFL preseason games of the season:

Matt Dodge (P, Giants) –  Dodge, who punted for ASU in 2005 before transferring to East Carolina, will make his NFL debut Monday night against the Jets.

Armanti Edwards (WR, Panthers) – Two catches for 13 yards, one kickoff return for 17 yards and a 7-yard average on four punt returns in a 17-12 loss to the Ravens.

Jason Hunter (DE, Lions) – One tackle and one assist in a 23-7 loss to the Steelers.

Dexter Jackson (WR, Panthers) – Two catches for 35 yards, including a 25-yard reception, in a 17-12 loss to the Ravens.

Corey Lynch (FS, Bengals) – Four tackles and a blocked punt in a 10-7 loss to the Dolphins.

Marques Murrell (OLB, Patriots) – Two tackles and a sack in a 27-24 victory over the Saints.