Week four of the NFL regular season marked another strong showing for former NC State players. The pick of the Pack was former State quarterback Mike Glennon’s game-winning performance over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but other players, like former QB Phillip Rivers, also had big weeks. Since many NC State alum had bye weeks, the Technician will summarize a few of the top performers’ seasons so far.
Mike Glennon: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback started his first game this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers and helped the Bucs come from behind to win the game in the final seconds with an impressive touchdown pass with :07 remaining. After being brought in against the Atlanta Falcons and getting the start against the Steelers, Glennon has thrown for 423 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns and an impressive 85.6 passer rating. The former Wolfpack signal caller will look to continue his impressive start to the season as a starter as he leads Tampa Bay in its week five matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
David Amerson: The Washingston Redskins’ David Amerson is beginning to make a name for himself as one of the best up-and-coming cornerbacks that the National Football League has to offer. The former NC State star recorded eight tackles against Washington’s divisional rival New York. Despite his strong play, however, the ‘Skins lost to the Giants 45-14 in last Thursday’s game.
J.R. Sweezy: Sweezy has started every game for the world champion Seattle Seahawks this season at left guard. The athletic offensive lineman has led the Seahawks to have one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the National Football League and has been a very reliable offensive lineman. The Seahawks are currently 2-1 on the season, and this is in no small part due to the push Sweezy is giving up front.
Nate Irving: Irving has started the season off strong for the Denver Broncos recording 29 tackles and two sacks on the season. Irving has solidified himself as a key cog of the Bronco defense in his first year with the team, providing speed and veteran leadership. Irving has helped the Broncos get to a two-and-one record this year and helps provide a strong defense to their already dominant offense.
Phillip Rivers: Former NC State quarterback Phillip Rivers has put himself in Most Valuable Player [MVP] contention with his play early on this season. The San Diego Chargers signal-caller has currently thrown for 1,155 yards already, along with nine touchdowns, only one interception and a 114.5 quarterback rating. Rivers threw 29 completions for 377 yards and three touchdowns in the Chargers’ 33-14 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Stephen Hauschka: Hauschka has been a reliable and clutch kicker for the Seahawks and has been a threat from all distances this season. Hauschka has gone four-for-five on his field goal attempts this season and has been 100 percent on his extra points. The NC State fan favorite continues to propel himself to the top of the kicker ranks and looks to continue to be a huge threat for the Seahawks.
