A number of former NC State football players were in action throughout the NFL Playoffs. Here is a recap of how they did:
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, New England Patriots
In his rookie season with the Patriots, third-string quarterback Brissett also became a Super Bowl champion. Although he did not play a single snap in the playoffs, Brissett was still a member of the team and will get a championship ring. Thuney and Brissett are now the 16th and 17th former State players to win a Super Bowl as a player.
Joe Thuney, Guard, New England Patriots
Also in his rookie season, Thuney became a Super Bowl champion. Thuney started every game at left guard for New England throughout the regular season and the playoffs. He also led the team in offensive snaps played during the entire season.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson and the Seahawks won their Wild Card matchup against the Detroit Lions 26-6 before losing to the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round. In the win over the Lions, Wilson went 23 of 30 passing the ball with 224 yards through the air. He also threw two touchdowns in the game and no interceptions.
The following week, a loss to the Falcons, Wilson went 17 of 30 for 225 yards. Wilson again had two passing touchdowns, but he struggled to keep the ball, throwing two interceptions. Wilson was also sacked three times.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Seattle Seahawks
In the win over the Lions, Hauschka went 2 for 2 on field goals, including one from 43 yards out. He did however miss an extra point, going 2 for 3 on point after attempts.
Hauschka was perfect in the loss to the Falcons, kicking 2 for 2 on field goals and 2 of 2 for extra points. His longest field goal of the Divisional Round was 33 yards.
David Amerson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
Amerson’s season came to an end in the Wild Card round of this year’s NFL Playoffs, as the Oakland Raiders fell short against the Houston Texans, 27-14. Amerson recorded two tackles in the loss.
The playoff loss wrapped up a solid season for Amerson, in which he totaled 56 tackles and two interceptions. He was a major piece of the Raider’s defense, helping lead the team to a surprising 12-4 season.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers failed to make the playoffs this season; however, Rivers did participate for the AFC in the Pro Bowl. Rivers played during the second half for the champion AFC team, which won the game 20-13.
Rivers went 7 for 11 passing the ball for 59 yards during the game, and did not record any touchdowns. It was Rivers sixth Pro Bowl appearance. He also won the Pro Bowl Precision Passing Challenge at the newly founded Pro Bowl skills challenge.
