Following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL regular season, the playoffs have kicked off as the best teams battle it out for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Even with all eyes on the playoffs, there are many regular performances from former NC State athletes that deserve recognition.
Russell Wilson: Denver Broncos, QB
In his second season in the Mile High City, Russell Wilson quietly put together a solid performance after perhaps the most disappointing season of his career last year. Before being benched in Week 17, Wilson accumulated 3,070 passing yards to go with 26 touchdowns.
Currently, Wilson’s future in Denver is unknown. His benching brings forth many questions about the nine-time pro-bowlers spot in the locker room. Despite the uncertainty, Wilson proved he still can compete at a high level as he approaches his mid-30s.
He was instrumental in helping turn Denver’s fortunes around after a 1-5 start. In the ensuing weeks, the Broncos won six out of seven games to put them in the race for an AFC West crown. Even though the team lost steam at the end, Wilson’s efforts to help resurrect his squad’s playoff hopes should not go unnoticed.
Jakobi Meyers: Las Vegas Raiders, WR
Jakobi Meyers continued to impress throughout the 2023 season. In his first season with the Raiders, he put up 807 receiving yards for his third season with over 800 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns.
The former undrafted free agent proved to be a mainstay in the Raiders’ offense despite quarterback changes during the season. Many wondered how Meyers would perform in an offense that already included the likes of perennial pro-bowler Davante Adams. However, Meyers picked up well on his role as he has established himself as a strong WR2.
Much like it was for Wilson, the 2023 season was one of ups and downs for Meyers and the Raiders. After getting off to a 3-5 start and experiencing a coaching change, Las Vegas experienced an impressive turnaround and closed out the back half of the season with a 5-4 record. Even though Meyers does not necessarily put forth flashy stats, his consistency proved to play dividends this season.
Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins, DE
In his first full season with the Miami Dolphins, Bradley Chubb put forth one of the best seasons of his career. Despite being sidelined with a torn ACL before week 18, he tallied many career-highs. This included a career-high 73 total tackles, which included 11 for a loss, 11 sacks and a career-high six forced fumbles. Perhaps his best performance of the season came against the New York Jets — he posted seven total tackles, three sacks and forced two fumbles, one of which he recovered.
Even though most of the media’s attention was diverted to Miami’s offense, the efforts of its defense should not be overlooked. Despite a few rough games, the defense proved to be effective during the majority of the season and ranked in the top ten in terms of total yards allowed. Chubb’s presence proved vital as he served as a veteran leader and gave the defense direction.
Germaine Pratt: Cincinnati Bengals, LB
In the last five seasons, Germaine Pratt has proven to be one of the most underrated forces in the NFL. The 2023 season was no different — he posted career-highs of 118 total tackles and two sacks in addition to multiple interceptions for the second consecutive season. Over the course of the season, he tallied double-digit tackles in six different games.
Pratt was a bright spot for a Bengals defense that struggled in many aspects of the game. His efforts helped his team battle in a highly competitive AFC North that ultimately sent three of its four teams to the playoffs. Even though the Bengals finished with a 9-8 record, it ultimately fell just short of the playoffs despite having to overcome lots of adversity. Coming off of one of the best seasons of his career, Pratt has a bright future ahead in Cincinnati as a main feature in the Bengal’s defense.
