Week 3 of the NFL is in the books. Here are some of the NC State alumni who made key contributions to their teams.
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, New England Patriots
The Wolfpack’s starting quarterback last season got the call for his first NFL start much sooner than expected for the Patriots. With starter Tom Brady suspended and backup Jimmy Garoppolo injured, it was Brissett’s turn against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.
Brissett helped the Patriots to a 27-0 victory over Houston at home, completing 11 of 19 pass attempts for a total of 103 yards, and rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Brissett’s first NFL touchdown was a thing of beauty. He took off for 27 yards, showing off his speed and elusiveness, particularly as he faked out a defender near the goal line to make his way into the end zone. Unfortunately for Brissett, he suffered a thumb injury in the contest, the severity of which has seen several conflicting reports that put his Week 4 status in question.
David Amerson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Amerson had a solid performance in the Raiders’ 17-10 victory at the Tennessee Titans Sunday, totaling three tackles and breaking up four passes. The former NC State corner played a key role in holding the Titans’ offense to 10 points and 212 passing yards in a one-score victory.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
The former Wolfpack signal caller started off strong but ended rough, as he completed 15 of 23 passes for a total of 243 yards and a touchdown with a 114.9 rating, before having to exit the game with a sprained knee in the third quarter of the Seattle Seahawks’ 37-18 home victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He missed snaps due to injury for the first time in his NFL career. Wilson’s one touchdown gave the Seahawks a three-score lead and pretty much put the game out of reach, as his 18-yard pass to tight end Jimmy Graham gave Seattle a 21-3 lead in the second quarter.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Seattle Seahawks
Hauschka had a perfect day in the Seahawks’ victory, connecting on 3 of 3 field goals and 4 of 4 extra points. Hauschka’s longest field goal of the day was 33 yards, which he made twice, once in the second quarter for a 24-3 lead, and once in the third to make it 27-3.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
Rivers completed 26 of 39 passes for a total of 330 yards and a 92.9 rating in the San Diego Chargers in a 26-22 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. His lack of touchdowns was particularly surprising against an exploitable Colts defense. It should be noted, however, that Rivers was without his top weapons in wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Danny Woodhead and tight end Antonio Gates due to various injuries.
