Former Vols QBs See Their First NFL Action

Written By Tucker Harlin

By Clayton Kilgore

Last night felt like a proud parent moment for Vols fans.

Kicking off Week 2 of the preseason, the Lions played the Giants and the Patriots played the Panthers for early tune-ups.

Even if you’re not a fan of preseason football, Vols fans had two good reasons to watch: each of the last two starting quarterbacks for the Vols were out to prove a point.

HENDON HOOKER

Hendon Hooker seemed fresh in limited action, but there was some left to be desired. He didn’t get a high volume of reps and his night was cut short due to a concussion, a mildly disappointing outcome. He finished 5/9 passing for 36 yards.

Meanwhile, Nate Sudfeld got the start and handled most of the work completing 13 of 24 passes for 96 yards and an interception.

There were some positives to takeaway.

For a man that’s spent the better part of the last calendar year strengthening the destroyed/surgically repaired ligaments in his knee, his mobility is intact. He looked spry on the ground and finished with 4 carries for 34 yards.

The highlight of his night was when he used the R3 truck stick on a defensive back:

JOE MILTON

We all know Drake Maye is the prize hen first-rounder in Foxborough, but the raw talent of Joe Milton has made him impossible to ignore. Maye played just one series, so that opened the door for backups Bailey Zappe and Joe Milton to show what they can do.

Milton finished 4/6 passing for 54 yards and a TD pass while adding 25 rushing yards on 2 carries.

Milton is hard not to like when he’s always having the time of his life, doing backflips and showing off his arm strength. You can even see him smiling ear to ear after this wild scramble:

He capitalized on last night’s opportunity and had a strong showing.

Consistency and development for Milton are paramount as he continues to make the leap into an NFL quarterback. It remains to be seen what quarterbacks the Patriots keep, but one thing was clear tonight: Joe Milton can do more than just throw an orange a long way.

Overall, it was satisfying to see these two get on the field in NFL uniforms. It was a solid night for the former Vols signal callers and fans should be proud. 

Tucker Harlin
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