Pokes in the NFL Week 1: Joe Randle Stars in Lead Role

Football is well underway now with college and the NFL both in full swing. Joe Randle and Dan Bailey did their thing in Dallas’ last-second win over the New York Giants. Russell Okung did not do his thing against the St. Louis Rams. Here’s a recap of Pokes in the NFL Week 1.

Pokes on the Pokes

Odell Beckham Jr., who?

Joseph Randle made this nasty one-handed grab in the Dallas Cowboys’ matchup with New York on Sunday night football. The catch highlighted Randle’s first game as the lead running back for the Cowboys. Randle finished the day with 107 total yards (42 receiving, 65 rushing) as Dallas won in thrilling fashion, 27-26.

His performance caught the attention of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.

I see you @JRAN_1 showing off your great hands. Great job. Keep it up @SNFonNBC @dallascowboys

— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) September 14, 2015

But Randle wasn’t the only former OSU player to make an impact for Dallas Sunday night. Dan Bailey hits field goals with such accuracy, he could probably do it in his sleep.

https://twitter.com/brendon_wm/status/643268564258959360

On Sunday, things were no different. Bailey nailed both of his field goal attempts and all three of his PAT attempts, despite the new NFL rule, which moved the PAT back to the 15-yard line, making extra point attempts 33 yards.

But, after an unfortunate headshot, Bailey was victim to jokes on social media.

Even with his eyes closed, Bailey was able to hit the game-winning PAT for Dallas after an incredible drive led by Tony Romo.

Dez Bryant was having a solid game for the Cowboys when he left. Bryant finished with five catches for 48 yards in the Dallas win. But bad news came after the game that Bryant will be out for 4-6 weeks with a broken foot.

After posting 88 receptions, 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, Bryant will leave a big hole in Dallas’ passing game. But even hobbled, he found a way to celebrate the Cowboys’ win.

Dez Bryant suffers broken foot, still finds way to celebrate Cowboys' win: http://t.co/hm585bO2T4 pic.twitter.com/ZDgPLbGOAT

— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) September 14, 2015

Tyler Patmon also contributed to the Cowboys on both defense and special teams. Patmon totaled four tackles and returned two kickoffs for an average of 13 yards.

https://twitter.com/coach_steward/status/643258426978467841

Perrish Cox debuts for Titans

After signing a 3-year $15 million contract with Tennessee in the offseason, Perrish Cox played his first game for the Titans on Sunday. Jameis Winston was playing in his first NFL game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thanks in part to Cox, it was a rough first day for the former Heisman trophy winner.

Cox recorded two tackles in the Tennessee win.

Perrish Cox breaks up a pass by Winston. He's had a great day.

— TitansMCM (@TitansMCM) September 13, 2015

Other notable performances

Brandon Pettigrew played a little for the Lions before leaving with an injury.

Brandon Pettigrew grabbing at his left hamstring after that PAT. Walks slowly off the field.

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) September 13, 2015

The Seattle Seahawks had a rough time protecting quarterback Russell Wilson against the St. Louis Rams’ pass rush. Wilson was sacked six times for a total loss of 32 yards. Former Cowboy Russell Okung plays tackle for the Seahawks and was quick to take blame for the poor protection on Wilson.

#Seahawks LT Russell Okung: "I just have to play better. I’ve got to protect the quarterback better. That’s unacceptable."

— Danny O'Neil (@dannyoneil) September 13, 2015

In addition to Cox, number of former Cowboys found new homes this offseason.

Antonio Smith (Broncos), Ryan Robinson (Seahawks) and Kevin Williams (Saints) all are on new teams this year. In week one, only Williams and Smith played. Williams finished with one tackle against Arizona, while Smith had two versus Baltimore.

There's both Kevin Williams and John Jenkins stuffing Ellington right at the point of attack. #Saints will need plenty of that this year.

— David Billiot Jr (@DCBilliotJr) September 13, 2015

Here’s a list of the rest of the Pokes in the pros.