Week 15 of the NFL was an important week for many of the former NC State football players such as Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, who needed a win to move into first place in the NFC standings, and Stephen Hauschka of the Buffalo Bills, who was looking to help his team secure a playoff spot. For other players such as Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett, it was a chance to turn around a season in which they have struggled.
Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson and the Seahawks traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to take on the Carolina Panthers in a game where a win could see them take first place and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Seahawks, who normally have a pass-heavy offense, relied more on clock management and running the ball in this game with their leading running back, Chris Carson, having 24 carries for 133 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Wilson still made the most of his limited opportunities in this game though, as he went 20 for 26 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. With this win in the 1 p.m. game, the Seahawks would take first place after an upset loss from the 49ers against the Falcons in San Francisco. On the last play of the game, quarterback Matt Ryan helped pull off the upset by completing a pass to Julio Jones who just crossed the goal line before being tackled to win 29-22.
Philip Rivers, quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
While the Chargers had already been eliminated from the playoffs, quarterback Rivers still had something to prove in this game as this season has been one his worst to date. Coming into the game, Rivers had thrown five interceptions in his last three games and a total of 15 in the season which was three more than all last season. Rivers, however, had the same problem with turning the ball over in this game that has plagued him all season. He finished the game with only one touchdown to three interceptions as the Chargers got destroyed by the Vikings for a final score of 39-10.
Jacoby Brissett, quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts offense struggled to move the ball in a 7-34 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Brissett did not do anything to get the offense moving for the Colts as he completed only 53 percent of his passes and failed to throw a single touchdown pass. The Colts have now lost six of their last seven games, and in a season where they started 5-7, the Colts are now just 6-8 and have been eliminated from the playoffs. Brissett’s 18-for-34 passing was a stark contrast to Drew Brees’ excellent night in which he went 29-30 with four touchdowns.
Stephen Hauschka, kicker, Buffalo Bills
While Hauschka was only called on to kick the ball one time in the game on Sunday, he delivered when it mattered. With under 13 minutes in the game, the Steelers led the Bills 10-7, and Hauschka was called on to take a 36-yard field goal to tie the game which he nailed. Josh Allen went on to deliver the game-winning touchdown pass to Tyler Kroft less than five minutes later to give the Bills a 17-10 win over the Steelers.
Redshirt junior quarterback Russell Wilson runs the ball against Boston College in Carter-Finely Stadium on Oct. 9, 2010. Wilson had total of 45 rushing yards during the game. NC State won against Boston College, 44-17.
