The long wait for football is over, as Week 1 of the NFL kicked off Thursday. Here is how some of the Wolfpack alumni performed for their respective teams.
David Amerson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Drew Brees and the Saints aired it out against the Oakland secondary, which is without Canton-bound cornerback/safety Charles Woodson this season after he retired. Amerson finished with four tackles on the day. Brees completed 28 of 42 passes for a total of 423 yards and four touchdowns. The Raiders prevailed, however, on a gutsy 2-point conversion to win 35-34. Look for Amerson and the Raiders’ secondary to bounce back against the Falcons next week.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks squeaked by the Miami Dolphins by a score of 12-10. Wilson and the Seahawks did not look like their normal selves on Sunday. Despite the lackluster performance, in classic fashion, Wilson led the Seahawks to a drive ending with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Doug Baldwin with a minute left in the game. The Seahawks would go on to win the game. Wilson’s final stats were 27 completions out of 43 attempts for 258 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Seattle Seahawks
Hauschka made two field goals from 38 and 39 yards, respectively. His lone extra point attempt was blocked. He accounted for half of his team’s total points as he continues to be one of the most consistent kickers in the NFL.
Mario Williams, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins
Mario Williams and Ndamukong Suh teamed up this offseason and are on one of the most talented defensive lines in the league. The Dolphins defense inflicted constant pressure on Russell Wilson with three sacks for a loss of 18 yards and one interception. Williams recorded two tackles and one sack for the game. Although this game goes in as a loss for the Dolphins, the defense definitely kept Miami in this one all day long.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers jumped out to a surprising 18-point lead in the first half, but fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime 33-27. The usually shaky San Diego offensive line protected Rivers most of the day, only allowing one sack and three quarterback hits. Rivers completed 25 of his 36 pass attempts for 243 yards and a touchdown to Danny Woodhead. Unfortunately, Rivers lost his primary target, wide receiver Keenan Allen, to a season-ending ACL tear. With second-year running back Melvin Gordon running for two touchdowns on the day, Rivers will look to him to help carry the load with Allen out for the remainder of the season.
Joe Thuney, Guard, New England Patriots
The rookie third-round pick started at left guard for the New England Patriots Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Thuney was ranked fourth among NCAA offensive linemen by Pro Football Focus last season. Thuney held his own against a formidable defensive front that blitzes often, as the offensive line as a whole allowed just two sacks. New England defeated Arizona by a score of 23-21.
