Terps in the NFL: Still and Cross come up with interceptions

Here’s how former Maryland football players performed in the NFL this past week.

As the NFL season hit its halfway point this weekend, former Maryland football players shined defensively.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still had the best game of his young career at the Cleveland Browns.

Contributing in the Chargers’ 27-10 win, Still tied his career-high with five tackles (three solo). But it was his work creating turnovers that really helped the Chargers on the road.

Early into the fourth quarter, as Cleveland inched into Chargers’ territory, Still shadowed Browns receiver Elijah Moore on a post route. Moore was targeted by quarterback Jameis Winston, but the throw was undercut by Still, who positioned himself in front for his first career interception.

A 2023 fifth-round draft pick, Still had six career interceptions at Maryland, including five his senior season.

Still’s takeaway came after his huge third-quarter pass breakup led to a pick. As Winston lobbed a ball for Jerry Jeudy in the back right corner of the end zone, Still tipped it to teammate Elijah Molden for Los Angeles’ first of three interceptions on Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross also wreaked havoc defensively this week, coming down with a crucial fourth-quarter interception on Sunday Night Football.

In what was a 21-13 loss at the Minnesota Vikings, Cross’ turnover gave Indianapolis a shot to stay in it.

Down by seven points, the 2021 Maryland graduate bodied Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson, coming up with the interception and returning it a career-long 20 yards into Minnesota territory.

The Colts then set up at the Vikings’ 25-yard line, gain just two yards on three plays and settle for a Matt Gay 42-yard field goal.

Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland was again automatic on Sunday for Arizona. In his first game since earning the NFC Player of the Month for September, Ryland went 2 for 2 with a 55-yard make in Arizona’s 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears.

Ryland’s gone 2 for 2 with a 50-yard make in each of the last two weeks.

Other players

• Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs was inactive after being placed on IR with a torn ACL.
• Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore caught four of his nine targets for 33 yards.
• Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson ran the ball three times for 23 yards, including a 17-yard gain.
• Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett made six tackles for the second consecutive week.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Rakim Jarrett made a 9-yard catch on his lone target against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
• Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage Jr. tallied four total tackles.
• Las Vegas Raiders right tackle D.J. Glaze started his sixth straight game.
• Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue assisted on a tackle.
• Chicago Bears defensive tackle Byron Cowart made two solo tackles.
• San Francisco 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu made a solo tackle.
• Cleveland Browns guard Michael Dunn and defensive back Alvin Hill played against the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Spencer Anderson had a bye week.
• Baltimore Ravens rookie safety Beau Brade was active and played in his second career game.
• Seattle Seahawks tight end Tyler Mabry did not play.