As week five of the NFL season comes to an end, fans have seen a variety of teams succeed across the league. Despite the season still being young, several teams have begun to separate themselves, while others are still trying to find a sense of direction. Former NC State football players across the league are experiencing varying levels of success with their respective teams.
Bradley Chubb: Miami Dolphins, LB
Through the first five weeks of the season, it’s a safe assumption that the Miami Dolphins are destined for a memorable season. With an offense that is firing on all cylinders, the defense has mostly done its part to help Miami become a contender. In Sunday’s win over the New York Giants, the defense produced a solid showing, holding New York to under 20 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Dolphins have allowed 20 or fewer points this season.
Despite being overshadowed by a few of his teammates, Bradley Chubb turned in a very solid week for the Dolphins. He recorded seven total tackles, including five solo takedowns and one tackle for a loss. This should be seen as an encouraging sign for Chubb as he has been relatively quiet in the team’s previous two contests.
Jakobi Meyers: Las Vegas Raiders, WR
So far this season, the Las Vegas Raiders have largely been unable to find sustained success. With quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell each seeing time behind center, it is safe to say that the offense has room for improvement as it currently averages just 281.2 total yards per game which is currently the fourth-worst mark in the NFL.
Despite the struggles the offense has endured so far this season, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has proven to be a bright spot for the Raiders and a key weapon for whoever lines up at quarterback. Many wondered this offseason what his role would be as he lined up beside star wide receiver Davante Adams. So far, Meyers has posted 274 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His average yards per reception is also impressive as he churns out 11.7 yards per catch.
Going into a Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers, the Raiders were looking for a much-needed win. Meyers played a big part in the win, posting 75 receiving yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. His consistency gives Raiders fans hope as he looks to continue a very promising season.
Germaine Pratt: Cincinnati Bengals, LB
The Cincinnati Bengals have surprised many with a slow start. Going into this week at a record of 1-3, the team was hungry for a win as they took on the Arizona Cardinals.
Germaine Pratt has continually impressed this season for the Bengals. During each game this season, he has made his presence felt as he has proven to be a versatile member of the defense. This week in Arizona, Pratt turned in a very solid outing with 10 total tackles, which included two tackles for a loss. He also proved his versatility by recording an interception.
Russell Wilson: Denver Broncos, QB
So far the 2023 season has been a frustrating continuation of last season for the Denver Broncos. With several humbling losses, the team has several places in which it can improve. Despite the disappointing season, the offense has quietly put forth solid numbers. Led by Russell Wilson, the unit averages 328.2 offensive yards and 24.2 points per game. Even though these may seem somewhat average, it is a welcome distraction from the defensive side of the ball, which has struggled this season. Wilson in particular has had a solid season so far. Despite not putting up large numbers every week, he has been able to limit turnovers.
Despite not walking away with a victory against the New York Jets, he completed nearly 65% of his passes for 196 yards and a pair of touchdown passes. He also added 49 yards on the ground. On the season, Russell Wilson currently boasts a very solid touchdown to interception ratio of 11-to-2.
