Alabama Football: Henry Ruggs scores game-winning TD vs. Jets

Alabama football saw Henry Ruggs score a game-winner this Sunday.

There are plenty of Alabama football players shining in the NFL. While he might not have the best stats, Henry Ruggs III had the greatest moment of this week. The former Tide receiver caught a game-winning touchdown for the Las Vegas Raiders against the New York Jets.

The Raiders were losing to the winless Jets, and they needed a miracle. With 46 yards to go and less than 20 seconds on the clock, Derek Carr threw it down the left sideline for Henry Ruggs. Ruggs smoked the defender in single coverage and caught the game-winning touchdown.

This route was not identical to the one that DeVonta Smith ran on 2nd and 26, but it had the same result. Ruggs got behind the defense and made the open catch as he walked into the end zone.

This came just a day after Ruggs was tweeting about DeVonta Smith’s dominant performance against the LSU Tigers. It appears that Ruggs was inspired to make some highlights of his own.

With this win, the Las Vegas Raiders remain in the middle of the NFL Playoff hunt. While they will not win their division, they are competing with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and the loser of the AFC South to make it to the postseason. With plays like this from Ruggs, you have to line their chances.

Ruggs was the first wide receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft. While he has tons of potential, he has not lived up to the hype so far in his rookie season. Justin Jefferson, Chase Claypool and CeeDee Lamb are having better seasons. However, Ruggs was drafted to do more than impact the stat sheet. With his speed, his presence on the field opens up everything underneath. This game proved that you always have to respect what Henry Ruggs can do as a deep threat. He can change the game with just one route.

Alabama football fans are happy to see Ruggs play well. He had a solid career with Alabama football, and he will always be one of the most talented players to come through Tuscaloosa. Fans will certainly hope that he keeps improving with the Las Vegas Raiders.