Broncos’ linebacker Bradley Chubb did not play this week while on bye, but more and more NC State alumni are joining NFL teams, as they are either being implemented more in games or being signed to new teams. The Pack now has 18 players on NFL rosters, not including reserve lists or practice squads.
Phillip Rivers, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
Rivers is leading one of the most underrated offenses in the league to a hopeful playoff run, with weapons at his disposal such as wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. Rivers finished the game passing for over 200 yards once again and two touchdowns to Allen and Gordon. Rivers always plays at a consistently great level, but this year his hard work is finally starting to pay off.
Final Stats: 223 passing yards on 69 percent completion, two passing touchdowns and one interception, 1 rushing yard on one attempt
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson tried with all of his might to lead his team over the championship-contending Los Angeles Rams, but the Seahawks collapsed in the final minutes of the game in a heartbreaking 36-31 loss.
The Seahawks are not a bad team, but will struggle to make the playoffs in a deep NFC. Wilson had zero interceptions Sunday along with three touchdowns and 268 all-purpose yards, with 92 of those yards being on the ground for an impressive 10.2 yards per carry, but it was not enough to complete the upset.
Final Stats: 176 passing yards on 65 percent completion, three passing touchdowns, 92 rushing yards on nine attempts, 10.2 yards per carry
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Buffalo Bills
In a less notorious battle of New York, the Bills were victorious in a 41-10 battering over the New York Jets. Hauschka had a perfect game, going 2 for 2 on field goals and 5 for 5 on extra points, accounting for 11 total points, with an impressive long of 54 yards.
Nyheim Hines, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Hines had a quiet game in an impressive win for the Colts over division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Hines finished the game with 22 all-purpose yards on only three carries and three receptions. Hines will continue to carry a smaller workload this season, but will likely be groomed to carry a much larger role in future years as he has been impressive in limited action.
Final Stats: 3 rushing yards on three carries, 19 receiving yards on three receptions
Jaylen Samuels, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Samuels’ patience finally paid off for him this week. Samuels did not see much action in the first few games of the season for the Steelers, having battled placement on the gameday inactive list, or just seeing one or two snaps a game.
However in the 52-21 beatdown the Steelers gave the Carolina Panthers Thursday night, Samuels scored his first touchdown. While most of his stats came late in the game, where many starters were seeing limited snaps, this is still an encouraging display of talent. Samuels finished the game with 29 all-purpose yards and a receiving touchdown
Final Stats: 7 rushing yards on five attempts, 22 receiving yards on three receptions and one receiving touchdown
T.Y. McGill, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
McGill had the opportunity to be on this list earlier in the season, but failed his physical the first time he attempted to join the Eagles. His perseverance paid off and he was able to join the 53-man roster last week, on a team that is struggling with defensive line depth due to injuries throughout the season to key players such as Derek Barnett and Timmy Jernigan. McGill finished the 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with one quarterback hit.
Josh Jones, Safety, Green Bay Packers
Josh Jones was tied for the second-most tackles on the Packers, recording five in a 31-12 win over the Miami Dolphins. The Packers young secondary is growing together, and Jones along with Joshua Jackson and Jaire Alexander are going to be integral if the Packers want to make a playoff push.
Final Stats: Five tackles
Justin Jones, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jones had a small workload in a 20-6 win over the Oakland Raiders, but recorded two tackles and a half sack. Jones has shown growth over the year, and is slowly being forced into more action.
Final Stats: Two tackles, .5 sacks
Note: Chubb and the Denver Broncos were on a bye this week, but Chubb had his jersey retired at the NC State game against Wake Forest. Offensive lineman Will Richardson was placed on injured reserve for the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a knee injury in late October, and will not suit up this season. Tight end David Grinnage of the Jaguars and cornerback Juston Burris, who was recently signed to the Cleveland Browns, did not play Sunday. Running back Matthew Dayes was promoted from the San Francisco 49ers practice squad to their active roster Monday afternoon.
