Former UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky heading back to Buffalo

Former UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky backed up Josh Allen in 2021. He heads back to the Buffalo Bills, signing a deal on Thursday, March 7.

Since his 4-year run as starting quarterback of the Chicago Bears came to an end, it’s safe to say the NFL hasn’t really worked out for former UNC gunslinger Mitch Trubisky.

After Marquise Williams graduated in 2016, Trubisky took over as the Tar Heels’ starter. Trubisky threw for 3,748 yards and 30 touchdowns to just six interceptions, which stands as the second-highest, single-season total in program history.

Fans wondered in Trubisky would come back to Chapel Hill, but his numbers were good enough to put him in the NFL. There were several talented quarterbacks in the 2017 NFL Draft, but was Trubisky really the best?

Chicago thought so, taking Trubisky second overall. This was ahead of current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and future Hall-of-Famer Patrick Mahomes.

Trubisky took the Bears to the NFL Playoffs in 2018 and 2020, but failed to win either game. He was a solid quarterback with just one year of starting college experience under his belt, but not playing at the level of a second overall pick.

After backing up Josh Allen in Buffalo during 2021 and a subpar, 2-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Trubisky is back in Buffalo.

Trubisky signed a 2-year deal on Thursday, March 7, providing the Bills with a significantly better insurance option than Kyle Allen.

I really want Trubisky to succeed, as he showed Tar Heel Nation his promise in just one season, but his recent track record isn’t promising. He hasn’t thrown for more touchdowns than interceptions since 2020 (16-to-8), his last season in the Windy City.

Inconsistent play last year forced Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to play quarterback carousel, going from Kenny Pickett to Trubisky, then to Mason Rudolph, who actually led Pittsburgh to the Postseason.

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Social media reacts to Julius Peppers’ HOF Induction

Julius Peppers is one of the best defensive players in UNC football and NFL history. He was rewarded for those efforts Thursday night.

In recent years, defense has been a pretty glaring weak spot for the UNC football team.

It appeared to be fixed early in the 2023 season, but that was short-lived. The Tar Heels had plenty of talent on defense, headlined by linebackers Cedric Gray and Kaimon Rucker, but former defensive coordinator Gene Chizik was never able to get the most out of them.

One of the best defensive players to come out of UNC, however, was Julius Peppers (1999-2001). He had a penchant for getting after the opposing quarterback, as Peppers ranks second all-time in program history with 30.5 sacks. Peppers also knew how to wrap up ballcarriers, recording 167 career tackles.

Peppers’ NFL career was even more impressive, as he played 10 of his 17 season with the Carolina Panthers. Peppers ranks fourth in NFL history with 159.5 sacks, totaled 716 tackles, intercepted 11 passes, scored four touchdowns and played in 266 of 272 games (sixth-most by a defensive player).

Peppers was an even more dangerous sack machine in the NFL, notching seven in every season but his final one in 2018. I still wonder if Peppers could contribute today, despite being 44.

You might be wondering – with a resumé that impressive, will Peppers find himself enshrined in Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame?

No doubt.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, Peppers was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the NFL Honors Ceremony in Las Vegas, Nev.

 

TJ Yates staying on Raheem Morris’ staff, moving to quarterbacks coach

Former star UNC quarterback TJ Yates (2007-2010) was coaching wide receivers for the Atlanta Falcons last year. He’s now coaching QBs.

Before the UNC football team had Sam Howell and Drake Maye, it had another talented quarterback in TJ Yates.

If you remember Yates, he played at North Carolina from 2007-2010.

Despite the Tar Heels finishing below .500 his freshman year, Yates finished third among ACC passers in yards per game. UNC made bowl games in Yates’ final three seasons, winning a 30-27, double-overtime thriller against Tennessee in his Senior year, but had all wins vacated in his Sophomore and Junior seasons.

Yates went on to enjoyed limited success in the NFL, but he did help the Houston Texans make the playoffs and win a playoff game for the first time in franchise history. After his playing days, he transitioned into assistant coaching roles with the Texans and Atlanta Falcons, who he also played with in 2014.

With the Falcons recently hiring Raheem Morris as head coach, would Yates join former Tar Heel Arthur Smith in searching for new employment?

Nope.

Yates, who worked with the likes of former USC standout Drake London as Atlanta’s wide receivers coach last year, is moving to quarterbacks coach this year.

I’m ecstatic for Yates, as he actually played quarterback for his entire playing career. He’ll get the opportunity to work with former University of Cincinnati standout Demond Ridder, with hopes of turning him into the Falcons’ franchise quarterback, plus former Carolina Panthers gunslinger Taylor Heinicke.

My one question with the move is – why in the world would you have a former quarterback coaching wide receivers?

I can only imagine it was to help show them where quarterbacks like to place the ball, but it was also one of many decisions Smith was scrutinized for.

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Charlie Heck comes in as injury replacement, helps Texans to blowout win

Former UNC offensive tackle Charlie Heck was supposed to start an NFL Playoff game yesterday. He instead came on in injury relief.

The Cleveland Browns, with all the injuries they faced and quarterbacks they rotated through this year, weren’t even supposed to be in the playoffs.

The Houston Texans, who drafted rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, were hoping to see better on-field results this year. Playoffs were a dream, but not something that seemed entirely possible.

Both teams faced off in an AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday, with Stroud and rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans overwhelming Cleveland in a 45-14 blowout.

We talked about former Tar Heel Charlie Heck starting this game at right tackle, but it was instead George Fant who did so. Heck actually came on in the first half as an injury replacement, with Texans All-Pro starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil leaving due to a knee injury.

Heck helped block for a Houston team that hung 356 yards of offense on the NFL’s top-ranked defense, which limited Houston to just 250 yards on Christmas Eve. Stroud threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns, while Texans running back Devin Singletary ran for 66 yards and a score.

Good news for UNC fans – Heck isn’t the only former Tar Heel in the  NFL postseason. Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards and Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green play this evening, with both hoping to help their respective teams to Wild Card victories.

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Charlie Heck part of Houston Texans squad in playoffs for first time since 2019

Charlie Heck, a former standout offensive tackle at UNC, is preparing for his NFL playoff debut on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns.

If you’re a professional football fan, the most exciting time of year is finally here – playoffs.

There’s several postseason constants – the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. There’s also a couple of party crashers – did someone say the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans?

The Texans are in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, largely behind the play of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He appears to have finally broken the Ohio State quarterback curse, though Justin Fields made a case for that distinction, too.

Houston’s offensive line has largely stayed healthy, something several teams have been able to avoid.

One of the Texans’ constants has been starting right tackle Charlie Heck, the mammoth lineman who played his college ball at UNC.

Heck’s been a crucial part of blocking for a Texans’ offense among the league’s top half, filled with young playmakers like Stroud, Nico Collins, Noah Brown and Dameon Pierce. Houston averages 342.4 yards per game, 12th overall and tops in the AFC South.

Heck started 34 out of his final 35 games as a Tar Heel, splitting them between right and left tackle. His best campaign came in 2019, earning second-team All-ACC honors in a year when Carolina smacked Temple in the Military Bowl.

Heck’s next task might be his toughest, at least since being selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

On Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Houston, he’ll be dealing with a top-ranked Cleveland defense. This includes Za’Darius Smith and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett on the defensive line,

You can watch Heck and the Texans on NBC.

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Several former Tar Heels set to play in NFL Playoffs

There are six former UNC football players on NFL postseason rosters. Houston Texans right tackle Charlie Heck will be the only one starting.

Starting in just two days, there’ll be a lot of smiles and broken hearts.

No, we’re not talking about weddings and breakups. We’re talking about the NFL Playoffs.

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to win their first Super Bowl since 1994, with 2024 their best chance to do so, thanks to a pair of MVP candidates in Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.

The Cleveland Browns have defied all injury odds, winning four December games to put themselves in the AFC’s top Wild Card spot, by playing top-notch defense and bringing in Joe Flacco behind a banged-up offensive line.

UNC football fans should also be excited about the NFL postseason, with six former Tar Heels set to take the field. This should offer the Carolina faithful some much-needed relief, with the college campaign not ending so well.

You might want to know – which Tar Heels will be suiting up in pursuit of a Super Bowl? There’s one name you might be able to guess (former second overall pick), but you’ll have to read the full list below for more names.

Could Drake Maye replace Sam Howell in Washington?

Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell had a personal season similar to UNC’s – hot start, cold finish. Another Tar Heel could join him in 2024.

One of the greatest quarterbacks to come out of the UNC football program is Sam Howell, the second-year NFL quarterback who holds 27 school records.

Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera gave Howell a vote of confidence before the regular season kicked off, naming him the starter over proven NFL journeyman Jacoby Brissett. This was a move that shocked several people – yes, Howell played extremely well at UNC, but only had a Week 18 win against the Dallas Cowboys under his belt.

Howell started off “Sophomore Year” really well, at one point leading the NFL in passing yards. He had Washington at 3-3 in a tough NFC East, one which will see the Cowboys and Phildelphia Eagles represent in the NFL Postseason.

Then Howell fell into a super-rough stretch to end the year, with an interception in each of his final seven appearances. Four of those seven games saw Howell toss multiple picks.

According to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid and his latest Mock Draft, another former Tar Heel could be taking the reigns from Howell.

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Drake Maye? You read that right.

A homegrown Carolina kid, just like Howell, Maye had the Tar Heels off to a 6-0 start this year. UNC was ranked 10th at one point, putting itself on the fringe of College Football Playoff contention, ahead of 2024 CFP team and college football mainstay Alabama.

Maye finished his redshirt Sophomore campaign with 3,608 passing yards (12th in the FBS), 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He threw for 400 yards twice – in wins against Minnesota and Syracuse.

Not only does Maye have a cannon for an arm, he has a speedy set of legs. Maye ran for a career-high 698 yards last year, leading the Tar Heels in rushing yards, then a career-high nine touchdowns on the ground this season.

I’m not saying Maye should replace Howell, but it could be good for both of them to be on the same team again.

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What does Ron Rivera’s firing mean for Sam Howell?

Former UNC football standout Sam Howell looked like one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks early in 2023. Will he leave with Ron Rivera?

At one point during the 2023-2024 NFL season, former UNC quarterback Sam Howell looked like the Washington Commanders’ clear-cut answer at franchise quarterback.

In mid-November, Sam Howell led the NFL in passing yards. He was ahead of a former MVP contender, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Howell had a young, talented receiving corps that included former college teammate Dyami Brown.

Things were looking up in the nation’s capital, with Washington hoping to making postseason play for the first time since 2020.

After beating the New England Patriots in Foxborough on Sunday, Nov. 5, the Commanders endured an ultimate collapse.

They ended the season on an 8-game losing streak, not winning a single game in December or January. Howell hit a low point, too, being benched for Jacoby Brissett in Week 16 at the New York Jets.

All of this led to Washington head coach Ron Rivera being fired on Monday morning.

While the immediate question is “who will be the next head coach,” there’s another one that comes to mind for UNC fans: what does this mean for Sam Howell?

In the preseason, Rivera named Howell his starting quarterback. There was a possibility he backed up Brissett to begin the year, learning from one of the NFL’s most well-liked veteran quarterbacks, but Howell shot to the top of Washington’s depth chart after a strong preseason.

Howell’s sophomore NFL campaign was a microcosm of his Commanders team – hot start, cold finish. He threw an interception in each of his last seven games, including multiple picks in four of those contests.

Whoever is Washington’s next head coach has to do a deep evaluation of Howell. Despite Howell’s late-season struggles, that coach also has to look at the fact he was one of the NFL’s best before the collapse.

Sure, the Commanders could go and draft a quarterback or sign a free-agent.

There’s no need to do that with a veteran leader in Brissett and a young buck in Howell, who hopefully can turn back the clock to his Tar Heel days.

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Atlanta Falcons can Arthur Smith, former UNC football player, from head coaching spot

Arthur Smith, who played football at UNC from 2001-2005, was recently fired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Where does he land next?

The Atlanta Falcons had high hopes for former UNC football player Arthur Smith when they hired him to be their head coach – ahead of the 2021 NFL season.

Atlanta’s main reason for bringing Smith in from the Tennessee Titans, was his ability to lead high-scoring offenses. Behind the trio of Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill and Jonnu Smith, Tennessee upset the New England Patriots and Falcons en route to the AFC Championship.

Just three seasons after coaching in Atlanta, Smith is now looking for another head coach job.

The Falcons fired Smith on Monday, Jan. 8 after their third-consecutive 7-10 season, which extended their playoff drought to six seasons.

Smith’s tenure in the ATL was highlighted by his inability to properly utilize an offense that included several, highlight-reel playmakers. Cordarelle Patterson went from the NFL’s most versatile player to an afterthought in the Falcons offense, while Kyle Pitts went from stardom in his rookie year to more average performances in Years Two and Three.

There were also concerns about former Texas running back Bijan Robinson, whom Atlanta made a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, not playing in a featured role.

Smith’s playing career as a Tar Heel, which spanned from 2001-2005, was largely defined by injuries.

Hopefully Smith will be able to find another NFL coaching gig, but it doesn’t look too promising at the moment. Good news for him – teams are ALWAYS looking for coaches.

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Josh Downs breaks Indianapolis Colts Rookie record

Former UNC Wide Receiver Josh Downs breaks an Indianapolis Colts Franchise record Saturday night.

Former UNC Wide Receiver [autotag]Josh Downs[/autotag] has broken the Indianapolis Colts rookie record after grabbing his 66 recepition, surpassing NFL Hall of Fame WR Marvin Harrison (64) and Bill Brooks (65).

Downs broke the franchise record for receptions by a rookie in the Colt’s win and you’re in the playoffs game against the Houston Texans, where the speedy receiver finished with three receptions for 48 yards. The Colts weren’t able to secure the victory, losing in heartbreak fashion to officially end Down’s rookie campaign.

Downs this season have been special for Indianapolis, finishing with 68 receptions, 771 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He made a year of big splash plays, averaging 11.3 yards per catch.

The Colt’s investment has paid off already, pulling in these numbers while playing with a backup Quarterback. Downs should only improve next season with the return of Colt’s dynamic QB Anthony Richardson, making Downs a player to watch next year.

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