While many NFL teams with former NC State stars did not find themselves getting a win this week, a handful of former Wolfpack players put up very solid numbers in week three. With 1,034 passing yards and six touchdowns combined from members of “QBU,” it was a very good week statistically for some former Wolfpack football players.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
While the score may indicate otherwise, the Seahawks’ 33-27 loss to the Saints was not a particularly close game. The Saints may have lost Drew Brees but new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater filled in quite nicely for New Orleans. While the game was not close, Wilson still turned in a nice statline for the day.
A couple of late scores and trailing for most of the game allowed for Wilson to throw the ball 50 times despite operating in a very run-heavy Seattle offense. Wilson finished the day with 32 completions for 406 yards and two touchdowns, a stat line his fantasy owners will thank him for.
Philip Rivers, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers lost another very close game this week, this time at the hands of Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans. Despite the loss, Rivers continued to show why he is still one of the best signal callers in the league.
Rivers finished his day going 31-46 with 318 yards and two touchdowns. The Chargers are off to a slow start yet again at 1-2, but they look to rebound next week against a historically bad Miami Dolphins team.
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
This just might be the best performance of Jacoby Brissett’s career. Brissett was simply magnificent in the Colts’ 27-24 win over the Falcons on Sunday. Brissett used his hot start to carry Indianapolis to its second win as he completed his first 16 passes of the game.
Brissett would go on to pass for 310 yards and two touchdowns, a very respectable performance that could have been even greater if Indianapolis had thrown the ball more. Most Colts fans are still missing Andrew Luck, but after this 2-1 start Brissett is starting to turn some heads with his stellar play.
Nyheim Hines, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
With Marlon Mack questionable for the game, Hines was expected to get an increased role against the Falcons. Unfortunately, Hines still found himself with the same amount of touches he has had for most of his career.
Hines rushed for only three yards on two carries but did catch three passes for 26 yards. It was not a stellar day for Hines but he should be happy with a quality win against the Falcons.
A.J. Cole, Punter, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have been struggling since their week one win, but A.J. Cole put up another solid performance this week. Cole totaled four punts in the 20-point loss to the Vikings, averaging a very strong 54.3 yards per punt. Cole even had his longest punt this week that traveled 60 yards.
After winning the job in training camp this year, Cole has shown why the Raiders thought he was the best guy for the job. With the Raiders offense unable to move the ball, expect Cole to have a lot of work this year.
Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Denver Broncos
Chubb’s performance on Sunday was much like the Broncos team this year — lackluster. Chubb has struggled along with the Broncos for the first two games of the year and he continued to do so in the Broncos’ loss to the Packers.
Chubb finished the day with five solo tackles — not a terrible performance but he has simply not been the player he was last year. Chubb will look to regain his form and get his first sack of the year next week against the Jaguars.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Buffalo Bills
The Bills are 3-0. They have been doing just enough to squeak out wins against weak teams, and their 21-17 win against the Bengals is proof of that. Hauschka came into the game with only one field goal made in his only attempt of the year, but found himself with much more work on Sunday.
Hauschka went 2-for-3 on his attempts, with his only miss coming on a monstrous 62-yard attempt at the end of the first half. With field goal attempts coming few and far between in this Buffalo offense, Hauschka will have to continue to capitalize on his chances in order to keep the Bills in the playoff hunt.
