While there were not any jaw-dropping performances like Nyheim Hines gave a week ago, week 17 of the NFL included some significant games for some former Wolfpack stars. While the season has ended for some players, a fortunate few will continue their seasons in the playoffs next week. But before the playoffs begin, let’s look at how some former members of the Pack performed in the last week of the regular season.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
In what was his likely final game for the Bolts, Rivers gave a valiant effort against a very talented Kansas City Chiefs team.
Rivers finished his day with 287 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted with a ridiculous dart thrown to wide receiver Keenan Allen in the back of the end zone. Rivers also threw two picks in the 31-21 loss.
With the win, the Chiefs advance with the second seed clinched, while the Chargers finish the season with a very disappointing 6-10 record. The 2019 season was one of Rivers’ worst, although a particularly weak offensive line did not do him any favors.
While Rivers may be looking for a new team in the offseason, he may get a chance to get an upgraded roster on a team that has a better chance at making a championship run.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
In what was the final game of the regular season, the Seahawks and 49ers gave NFL fans one of the best games of the entire year. The stakes of the game were huge, with the winner taking home the NFC West divisional crown.
After a shaky first half, Wilson finally started playing at his typical MVP caliber level. Although the Seahawks literally fell an inch short from winning the game on the last play, Wilson still had a performance he can be proud of.
Wilson finished the game with 233 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 4,110 yards and 31 touchdowns. If not for Lamar Jackson’s electric season, Wilson would most likely have won MVP this year.
Because of the loss, the Seahawks will be taking on the Eagles in Philadelphia next week. With a win, the Hawks could have another shot to avenge this loss in San Francisco in the Divisional round.
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
It was an up-and-down season for Brissett but he did impress most by stepping in and trying to fill the hole Andrew Luck left when he unexpectedly retired.
Sadly, Brissett finished his year with his worst performance of the season. On Sunday, the Colts lost 38-20 against a severely struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team. Brissett played horrible throughout the entire game, with his completion percentage being below 50 and only throwing for 162 yards with zero touchdowns.
While it was a tough game, Brissett can still look back at his 2019 campaign with pride as he finished the year 18 touchdowns and almost 3,000 yards passing. While there is room for significant improvement, the good news for the Colts is that they have a starter in place for next season.
Nyheim Hines, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
After the best performance of his career last week with two special team touchdowns, it was going to be hard for Hines to match that historic performance.
While it was nowhere close to the numbers Hines had last week, the running back still had a decent day. In the loss to Jacksonville, Hines racked up 34 yards on 7 carries accompanied with 22 yards on 3 catches.
It was a good way to finish out the regular season as Hines will look to further increase his role in the Indianapolis offense heading into next year.
Germaine Pratt, Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals
While the Bengals struggled for most of 2019, they finished their season on a high note with a 33-23 win over the Browns.
While not a season high, Pratt finished the game with five tackles against Cleveland. It was a good way to finish out a season where Cincinnati was outmatched in talent by every team in the league. Pratt was a bright spot for the Bengals this year, finishing his rookie season 76 total tackles.
With the Bengals getting the honor to draft quarterback phenom Joe Burrow out of LSU this summer, Pratt will most likely get to enjoy a significant role on a much better team next year.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Buffalo Bills
In a game that did not have any playoff implications, the Bills chose to rest most of their starters in their final game of the season. It showed on paper as the Bills lost 13-6 to the Jets.
Hauschka delivered the only points for the Bills on Sunday as the kicker went 2 for 2 on field goals, both being under 30 yards.
Hauschka finishes the regular season going 22-28 on field goals. He will have an opportunity to continue his season in the wild card round against the Texans on Saturday.
