The NFL kicked off its season this past week. Here are some of the top performances from NC State alumni in the league.
Philip Rivers
Rivers had a great day for the San Diego Chargers, leading them to a 33-28 victory over the Detroit Lions. He completed 35-of-42 passing attempts for 404 yards, with two touchdowns, two interceptions and a passer rating of 102.8. Rivers spearheaded the team’s comeback in the second half, as San Diego trailed Detroit 21-10 at halftime. Rivers had both of his touchdowns in the second half.
In the third quarter, with San Diego trailing 21-13, Rivers threw a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Stevie Johnson to bring the game within one at 21-20. He then threw the go-ahead touchdown pass 13 yards to tight end Ladarius Green in the fourth quarter to put the team ahead 26-21.
Russell Wilson
The former Wolfpack quarterback had a solid performance on Sunday, completing 32-of-41 passing attempts and throwing for 251 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a passer rating of 90.1. Wilson also rushed for 31 yards on eight carries as his Seattle Seahawks fell 34-31 to the St. Louis Rams in overtime.
Wilson had the first scoring play of a wild fourth quarter. With Seattle trailing 24-13, Wilson threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jimmy Graham to pull Seattle within three after a two-point conversion.
Stephen Hauschka
NC State’s former kicker had a perfect day for the Seahawks, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points against the Rams. Like Wilson, Hauschka also played a key role in the final quarter of the game, making his longest field goal of the day, a 35-yarder that tied the game at 24. Hauschka also tied the game at 10 with a 25-yard field goal with one second left in the first half, and he put Seattle up 13-10 with a 27-yarder to open the scoring in the second half.
Jerricho Cotchery
The former NC State wide receiver played a big role in the Carolina Panthers’ 20-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday. He had four catches for 45 yards and came up clutch in the second quarter for Carolina. With the teams tied 3-3, Cotchery caught a 7-yard pass from quarterback Cam Newton, giving the Panthers their only offensive touchdown of the day to put them up 10-3, a lead they would not relinquish.