The road to Super Bowl 51 begins with the Wild Card round. While some NC State football alumni failed to make the playoffs, many are making a push for the Lombardi trophy. Here are how the Pack Pros are rounding out the 2016 season.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
Rivers and the Chargers finished with a disappointing 5-11 record on the season. San Diego finished the season on a five game losing streak. The Chargers competed in almost all of their games this year, but seemed to always end up on the short end of the stick, finishing 1-8 in games decided by seven points or less.
This was a season to forget for Rivers individually as well. The 13-year pro finished with his second best year in terms of touchdowns with 33, but threw the most interceptions in a season in his career with 21. Turnovers and bad decisions plagued Rivers throughout the season, as he recorded a below average 87.9 quarterback rating.
Mario Williams, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2008 when they won the AFC East. As the season progressed, Miami became a dark horse in the race for the AFC Wild Card spot. It was until quarterback Ryan Tannehill went down with knee injury that the Dolphins had a chance to true chance to contend in the AFC. The Dolphins played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, falling 30-12 in Pittsburgh. This was the first time Williams appeared in a playoff game in his 11-year career.
While Miami had one of its best seasons in over eight years, Williams had the worst statistical season of his entire career. Williams recorded only 13 tackles, just two more than his last season with the Houston Texans, in which he only played five games due to injury. The former No. 1 pick tacked on only 1.5 sacks on the season, a career low. Williams’ role with Miami could come into question in the offseason due to his age (31) and regrettable stats. The seasoned veteran shouldn’t be close to retirement, but his production as of late says otherwise.
David Amerson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders finished the season with an impressive 12-4 record, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2002, which resulted in a Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite their memorable season, Oakland fell to the Texans 27-14. Losing their MVP-caliber quarterback David Carr to a broken fibula forced them to start rookie Connor Cook against Houston, giving them a slight chance at victory.
Though the Raiders’ season ended in an unlucky manner, the outlook is bright, especially on defense. David Amerson was a bright spot for the Raiders all season long. In his second stint with Oakland, Amerson recorded a respectable two interceptions and a career high in tackles with 64. The Honolulu, Hawaii native’s performance this season should more than assert himself as a defensive back on the Raiders’ roster in the offseason.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson and the Seahawks won the NFC West for the third time in the past four years with a 10-5-1 record this year. They defeated the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round 26-6 and will travel on the road face off against the No. 2 seed Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional round.
Wilson had an impressive outing against Detroit, completing 76 percent of his passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The five-year vet had a career-low quarterback rating of 92.6, yet he recorded a career-high in passing yards with 4,219. This can be attributed to the running game lacking for the majority of the season. Wilson will be asked to carry the load at least once more against the high-powered offense of the Falcons next week.
Willie Young, Linebacker, Chicago Bears
The Bears had a forgettable 2016 season, finishing with a lackluster 3-13 record, securing the third pick in the upcoming draft. Chicago have a variety of needs, but quarterback seems to be the most pressing.
On the other side of the ball, Willie Young had a quiet yet productive 2016 season. The outside linebacker recorded 7.5 sacks this season, the second-best total of his career. He also forced a fumble and had 38 tackles. Since joining Chicago in 2014, Young has flourished as a pass rusher, with 24 of his 30 sacks occurring with the Bears. Next year could be a true test of skill for Young since outside linebacker coach Clint Hurtt is not set to return to the Windy City in 2017.
Joe Thuney, Guard, New England Patriots
Thuney had a stellar rookie season with the Patriots, becoming one of only three Patriots to start all 16 games in their rookie season under head coach Bill Belichick. He was part of an offensive line that allowed 24 sacks (only 1.5 per game) and paved the way for running back Legarrette Blount to lead the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. After a first-round bye, the Patriots play the Houston Texans in the Divisional round of the AFC playoffs.
Philip Rivers plays for the San Diego Chargers.
