Trojans in the NFL: Eagles stumble in Sanchez's second start

Trojans in the NFL: Eagles stumble in Sanchez’s second start

Green Bay's Clay Matthews sacks Philadelphia's Mark Sanchez on Sunday.

By Lindsey Thiry

Nov. 17, 2014 2:18 PM PT

After a standout performance Nov. 10, it was back to reality for former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez, making his second start for the Philadelphia Eagles, passed for two touchdowns but had two passes intercepted Sunday in a 53-20 defeat by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

“We did not look as sharp as we should have,” Sanchez told reporters after the game. “They played outstanding and we played pretty poorly.”

Sanchez completed 26 of 44 passes for 346 yards.

He was sacked three times – once by former USC linebacker Clay Matthews, who also deflected a pass.

McDonald makes impact

Former USC safety T.J. McDonald made five tackles and broke up three passes in the St. Louis Rams’ 22-7 victory over the Denver Broncos at the Edward Jones Dome.

McDonald’s biggest hit was against Broncos receiver Andre Caldwell.

“That’s our goal every week, to be physical,” McDonald told FoxSports.com after the game. “When the ball was in the air, we were going after it.”

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning completed 34 of 54 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions.

Former teammates clash in New Jersey

New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard and San Francisco 49ers center Marcus Martin, teammates last season at USC, lined up against each other on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The 49ers defeated the Giants, 16-10.

“Great playing against and seeing my dog @TheRealDoubleMs today keep balling bro!!” Kennard tweeted after the game.

Kennard made seven solo tackles, one for a loss.

Kennard and Martin exchanged jerseys after the game.

Redd rushes in Redskins’ defeat

Former USC tailback Silas Redd can do more than backflips.

The Washington Redskins’ rookie rushed for 16 yards in four carries in a 27-7 defeat by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field.

Redd has rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown in 13 carries.

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.