Even though the preseason is ending, offensive and defensive gems who shined will continue to be a staple series on Fans First Sports Network.

In this third segment, three linebackers, one defensive back, and a defensive end top the list.

CHARGERS SAFETY TONY JEFFERSON:

Long-time NFL veteran safety Tony Jefferson stepped away from football and ultimately retired on May 25, 2023 at the youthful age of 31-years-old. After being retired for one full season, Jefferson decided it was in his best interest to return back to the game and display his dominance once again.

Since joining the Los Angeles Chargers, Jefferson has been a difference-maker in the team’s secondary this offseason, especially during the preseason. During the team’s week three matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys, Jefferson finished with 14 total tackles (11 solo, 3 assisted), one sack, one forced fumble, two pass deflections, and two interceptions. Yes, you read that stat line correctly – the now 32-year-old is hoping that his dominant play can secure him a spot on the team’s 53-man roster and help solidify the Chargers’ secondary in 2024.

STEELERS OLB NICK HERBIG: 

Just last week, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig made the defensive gems article for his dominating performance versus the Buffalo Bills. Yet again, the former Wisconsin linebacker and fourth-round draft selection from a season ago is turning heads in Pittsburgh.

Herbig finished the third and final preseason game versus the Detroit Lions on a solid note. He registered three tackles, three pressures, two sacks, and one forced fumble all while in his first five pass rushing attempts.

FALCONS LB DONAVAN MUTIN: 

Atlanta Falcons second-year linebacker Donavan Mutin gave the coaching staff and fans a real treat versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in their week three contest.

Even though the Falcons did not score a single point and were blanked in a 31-0 loss, Mutin was a standout on defense. He finished with 18 total tackles (13 solo, 5 assisted), and was a dominant force in his attempt to plug up gaps and make forceful plays on defense.

RAIDERS LB AMARI GAINER: 

Las Vegas Raiders rookie linebacker Amari Gainer gave it everything he had in the team’s final preseason game versus the San Francisco 49ers. Gainer’s total preseason statistics ended with 19 total tackles (14 solo, 5 assisted), two pass deflections, and four defensive stuffs.

While these statistics are very promising, the majority of Gainer’s preseason statistics came from the 49ers matchup. He finished with 13 total tackles (10 solo, 3 assisted), and four defensive stuffs.

JETS DE TAKK McKINLEY: 

You may feel old when you read this next part — New York Jets defensive end Takkarist “Takk” McKinley is 28-years-old and it was 2017 when he was drafted in the first-round by the Atlanta Falcons. McKinley is best known from his NFL Draft Day moment where he dropped the “F bomb” and then told reporters that they can “Fine me later”.

After bouncing around the league for many years and playing for six other NFL organizations, McKinley is now performing with the Jets and had a solid outing in the final preseason game. McKinley finished with four tackles (3 solo, 1 assist), 2.5 sacks, and two defensive stuffs; the former 26th overall pick is hoping that he can be a rotational player for the Jets and that his preseason performances were good enough to secure a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.

WRAP-UP:

These are five defensive gems who shined during week three of the NFL preseason. If you missed the second defensive segment, click here.

Make sure to look for more gems articles when the regular season begins.