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The West Virginia Mountaineers are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2018. Couple that with the NFL kicking off its regular season last week, and we are truly in the best time of the year.

Let’s take our weekly look around at how former Mountaineers are performing in the NFL.

Geno Smith, New York Jets

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Smith was incredibly efficient, leading the Jets to a 23-10 upset victory over the Titans in Week 1. Smith went 19/24 passing for 215 yards in the game, good for a 79.2% completion percentage. It was the Jets' ground game scoring the touchdowns and doing the work. But Smith made consistently good decisions with the football. Pro Football Focus gave Smith an 84.6 overall grade for his performance, the third-highest grade among all quarterbacks in Week 1.

Zach Frazier, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers did just enough offensively to escape the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and their star center was a big reason why. Frazier boasted the 10th-best overall grade among all centers in Week 1 with a 62.7 grade. Aaron Rodgers attempted 40 passes, and Frazier’s 76.9 pass block grade was the 6th-best among all centers. The 42-year-old had plenty of time in the pocket on Sunday, and we can thank Frazier for a good part of that. The Steelers have a star on their offensive line in the former Mountaineer.

Colton McKivitz, San Francisco 49ers

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McKivitz and the 49ers went to Melbourne, Australia, a full week before their game against the preseason Super Bowl favorites, the Los Angeles Rams. In stark contrast, the Rams flew out to Australia the day before their contest. It was clear who played the travel plan game better, as the Niners mauled the Rams in the land down under. McKivitz is one of San Francisco’s longest-tenured players, and enters his seventh year in the league looking as strong as ever.

McKivitz was tasked with blocking one of the best edge rushers the game of football has ever seen in Myles Garrett, but you would think it was a breeze for McKivitz. Garrett was held without a sack in Week 1 after crushing the all-time single-season sack record last season. The Niners right tackle was ranked 9th among 62 tackles in week one per PFF, with a 75.1 overall grade.

Dante Stills, Arizona Cardinals

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Stills and the Cardinals stunned the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 on Sunday. Stills' best moment of the game came late in the first half when the defensive tackle recorded his first sack since the 2024 season. Stills continues to be a consistent contributor on the Cardinals' defensive line.

Rasul Douglas, Washington Commanders

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Douglas entered the season with an opportunity to grow into a bigger role on a shaky defense in Washington. The veteran corner played just 17 snaps in Week 1, but recorded a pass breakup in his limited role. It may only be a matter of time before Douglas is trusted with a larger role in the Commanders' defense.


This article first appeared on West Virginia Mountaineers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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