Ohio State Buckeyes ball out in NFL’s opening week, especially Chase Young, Ezekiel Elliott

With 50 former Ohio State football players in the NFL, there was no shortage of Buckeyes balling out in the opening weekend of NFL action.

Only Alabama (53) has more former players on NFL rosters as the season got underway this week than the Ohio State Buckeyes (50). With former Buckeyes like Chase Young, J.K. Dobbins and Joe Burrow, who transferred from Ohio State to LSU, there were no shortages of former Columbus standouts worth watching in the NFL this weekend.

While there was no Ohio State football to watch on Saturday, at least there was an opportunity to watch the 50 Buckeye alumni across the 32 NFL teams.

Dwayne Haskins, Chase Young lead comeback for Washington vs. Philadelphia

Let’s start with Dwayne Haskins and Terry McLaurin help lead a big comeback for the Washington Football Team against the reigning NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles. Expectations are high for Haskins after a bumpy rookie season but after some intense offseason training and a year to acclimate to the NFL game as well as a new coaching staff. Haskins completed 17-of-31 attempts for 178 yards and a touchdown so the stats weren’t eye-popping but he delivered the most important stat: a big win against a division foe at that.

Haskins’ former college teammate and now current teammate on Washington, Chase Young, had a marvelous NFL debut as the No. 2 pick in the draft made a strong early case to be Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Young had four tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The spin move inside, grabbing Carson Wentz at the ankle and forcing the fumble is one of the most athletic plays you’ll see from a defensive end. Wentz must have had a nightmare of Young chasing him in his sleep.

Young outdoes Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa in NFL debut

After being compared to past Buckeye greats, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa, Young had the best performance in Week 1. Joey had five solo tackles with a sack and two tackles for loss in a Chargers win while Nick had six total tackles and a forced fumble in a 49ers loss. I hope there’s a friendly wager between the trio to see who has more sacks this year. Expect all of them to be near the top of the sack leaders this fall.

J.K. Dobbins made the most of his limited opportunities in his pro debut

J.K. Dobbins entered a crowded backfield with the Baltimore Ravens so he may not have gaudy stats on a weekly basis as he did with the Buckeyes, but he made the most of his limited opportunities in his NFL debut. Despite being buried on the depth chart, Dobbins scored two touchdowns to help pace the robust Baltimore rushing attack in their win vs. the Cleveland Browns. Dobbins finished with 22 yards on seven carries and the two scores.

https://twitter.com/OhioStateFB/status/1305230695963525121

The Cowboys fed Zeke on Sunday night but it wasn’t enough for a win

Ezekiel Elliott didn’t get a win on Sunday Night Football as the Dallas Cowboys suffered another painful one-possession loss as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams, but he reminded everyone why he’s arguably the top running back in the NFL. Elliott finished with 96 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown and added three receptions for 31 yards and another score.

Michael Thomas limited to injury but avoids serious damage

The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Michael Thomas, was hobbled by a high-ankle sprain in the New Orleans Saints win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it sounds like he avoided a serious injury. He was held to three receptions and 17 yards. When he’s healthy, you normally expect to see 10 receptions and over the century mark in yards on a weekly basis. High-ankle sprains can linger, but hopefully, Thomas will be a quick-healer and return to posting the monster numbers he’s known for.

Joe Burrow runs for a score but is shutout in the passing column

And while he didn’t finish as a Buckeye, Burrow began his college career at Ohio State, but the No. 1 overall pick found out life with the Cincinnati Bengals is a little different than it was last year at LSU. Burrow had a rushing touchdown vs. the Chargers but was 23-of-36 passing for 193  yards and an interception. No. 1 overall picks at quarterback haven’t won on Week 1 since David Carr in 2002. He’ll look to get a win in Week 2.

For a complete look back on the performances of Ohio State football alums in Week 1, you can check out the stat roundup here.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.