Category: Tar Heels in NFL

Sam Howell leads entire NFL in these two categories

Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell is playing a lot like his old UNC self. He’s one of the best NFL quarterbacks so far in 2023.

Move over, Tua Tagovailoa – there’s a new NFL leader in passing yards.

Is it Patrick Mahomes? No. Josh Allen? No. Dak Prescott, who’s been on a tear recently? Also no.

The current NFL passing yardage leader is none other than former UNC standout Sam Howell, a young man in his first full year as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback.

When Washington decided to move on from former second overall pick Carson Wentz in the offseason, it was left with two choices at quarterback – proven veteran Jacoby Brissett, or the second-year gunslinger who holds 27 school records at Carolina.

The Commanders chose Howell, which made many fans questions head coach Ron Rivera’s decision at first, but also proved to pay off in the long run.

Howell is currently leading the NFL with 2,783 passing yards and 264 completions. He’s currently 157 yards ahead of MVP contender C.J. Stroud, plus 31 completions ahead of Joe Cool (Burrow).

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Just yesterday in a near-upset of the Seattle Seahawks, Howell threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns, including one to former UNC teammate Dyami Brown that set up the game-tying, fourth-quarter extra point.

With such strong quarterback play, it’s surprising Washington isn’t holding onto a playoff spot right now. The Commanders are two whole games behind the red-hot Minnesota Vikings, who are being led by another young QB in former Tennessee standout Josh Dobbs.

This is no longer the NFL with veteran, Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks.

It’s the NFL with a new patch of stars like Howell.

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Sam Howell currently ranks among NFL best in passing yards

Sam Howell set 29 school records as UNC’s quarterback from 2018-2021. Now in the nation’s captial, he’s second in the NFL in passing yards.

Outside of blowout losses to the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears, the Washington Commanders have been in every game, including a near-upset of the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles (38-31 loss) on Sunday, Oct. 29.

A major part of this is due to the exciting play of former UNC standout Sam Howell, who holds 27 school records.

Howell has thrown for over 300 yards three times this season, including in each of the past two weeks. On Sunday, Nov. 5, Howell led Washington to a crucial victory with a 20-17 win at the New England Patriots, throwing for 325 yards and a touchdown.

Howell’s yardage total in his first full season as an NFL starter is impressive, but not surprising to fans who watched him tear the ACC up at UNC.

Ahead of the Commanders’ Week 10 matchup on Sunday, Nov. 12 at the Seattle Seahawks, Howell ranks second among NFL quarterbacks with 2,471 passing yards.

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Sam Howell – just a kid from North Carolina – is up on this list with four quarterbacks who are widely considered to be the game’s best active gunslingers.

Patrick Mahomes is argued as the current GOAT (Tom Brady will always hold that title). Jalen Hurts nearly won a Super Bowl and MVP Award last year, Josh Allen still remains a top dual-threat quarterback despite his 2023 regression, while Tua Tagovailoa orchestrates the NFL’s top offense.

If Howell keeps up his current play, which has Washington sitting just a half-game behind the Minnesota Vikings for an NFC Wild Card spot, he could be in the conversation among the league’s best with Mahomes, Hurts, Allen and Tua.

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Former Tar Heel tight end Alge Crumpler named to ACC Football Honors Class

Alge Crumpler was part of the 1997 UNC Football team that record the school’s best season. He’s now part of the ACC Football Honors Class.

One of the best players to come from the 1997 UNC Football team, which went 11-1 and finished the season sixth in the AP Poll, was tight end Alge Crumpler.

A Wilmington, N.C. native, Crumpler enjoyed his best statistical year in 1997, catching 24 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns. His quarterback that year was Chris Keldorf.

Crumpler went on to enjoy a successful NFL career, making the Pro Bowl each year from 2003-2006, He spent his first seven professional season with the Atlanta Falcons, next two (2008-2009) as a Tennessee Titan, then his last (2010) as a New England Patriot.

All in all, the former Tar Heel finished with 4,743 NFL receiving yards and 39 touchdowns.

10+ years removed from playing pro football, Crumpler is still earning honors.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Crumpler was named to the ACC’s 2023 Football Honors Class.

Crumpler finds himself on this list with a couple of former ACC standouts you might recognize – Charlie Ward (Florida State) and Rondé Barber (Virginia Tech).

“We are thrilled to announce this year’s ACC Honors Class and we look forward to the opportunity to recognize these amazing individuals who have made incredible contributions to their respective institutions,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. “The ACC Football Honors event is a meaningful part of our ACC Football Championship Game weekend, and we are proud to celebrate another extraordinary class of former student-athletes and coaches.”

Crumpler and the other 13 honorees will be recognized on Friday, Dec. 1 at the Belk Theater in Uptown Charlotte, plus the ACC Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. inside Bank of America Stadium.

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Cole Holcomb suffers gruesome injury in Steelers’ TNF victory

Cole Holcomb, the former UNC linebacker (2015-2018) who’s one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top tacklers, will likely miss the rest of 2023.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite having one of the NFL’s most anemic offenses, keep finding ways to win.

Kenny Pickett threw a late touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson last night, which proved to be the eventual game-winning score in a close, 20-16 Steelers victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Despite Pittsburgh struggling to find a strong offensive rhythm, its defense is a major reason it’s 5-3 in a crowded AFC North.

One of the top producers on that defense is former UNC linebacker Cole Holcomb, who’s second on the Steelers with 52 tackles. Holcomb shined at Carolina from 2015-2018, helping the Tar Heels win the ACC Coastal Division in 2015 and leading them in tackles from 2016-2018.

Unfortunately for Holcomb, his NFL season might be cut short.

In pursuit of Titans star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Holcomb’s left leg got bent in all wrong directions when teammate Keanu Neal was making a tackle.

If you are grossed out by sports injuries, this is one you won’t want to watch.

According to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Holcomb’s injury is serious. This is code for “Holcomb probably won’t play another down this year.”

How great of an impact will Holcomb’s injury have in the Steel City? Not as much as you might think.

Holcomb is the Steelers’ listed starter at left inside linebacker, but he has a very capable backup in Elandon Roberts. The former New England Patriot and Miami Dolphin, Roberts has 465 tackles and 12.5 sacks across 7.5 seasons.

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Josh Downs posts first 100-yard NFL outing in devastating Colts loss

The Indianapolis Colts lost a heartbreaking, 39-38 clash to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Josh Downs showed out.

When a receiver goes for over 100 yards, chances are you’re likely going to win the football game.

One of those 100-yard receivers on Sunday was Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, the former UNC standout who caught five Gardner Minshew passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Unfortunately for Downs, his career outing was ruined by a couple questionable officiating calls.

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt scored on a fourth-and-goal from the Colts’ one yard line, capping off a 39-38, comeback Browns victory.

Downs had the game’s greatest highlight play, getting Indy on the board in the opening quarter with his 59-yard catch-and-run.

With Downs’ big day, his second straight game with five catches, he now sits third among NFL rookies with 401 receiving yards. Downs trails only Baltimore rookie Zay Flowers (442) and Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua (598).

After Downs’ massive, momentum-swinging catch, it was surprising Minshew didn’t utilize him a lot more. Downs ended up with 125 yards, but only had five catches.

The outing was sweet, but I’m sure Downs would’ve much rather had a win. He and his Indy teammates have a shot at the New Orleans Saints next week, then come down to Charlotte on Sunday, Nov. 5 for a clash with the Carolina Panthers.

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WATCH: Josh Downs gets Colts on the board with long catch-and-run

Former Tar Heel Josh Downs is continuing to thrive, scoring on a long catch-and-run against the Cleveland Browns for his second NFL score.

Former UNC wide receiver Josh Downs is continuing to reward the Indianapolis Colts for their third-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft.

Entering today’s Colts-Browns matchup, Downs had 28 catches for 276 and a touchdown. He snagged his first NFL touchdown last weekend in a 37-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Today, Downs added onto his already-impressive start and looks like one of Indy’s best draft selections in recent history.

In just the first half alone, Downs has three receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. His score against Cleveland came via a 59-yard catch-and-run just under four minutes into the opening quarter, helping the Colts tie things up at seven.

Cleveland star defense end Myles Garrett just strip-sacked Gardner Minshew near the two-minute warning, helping the Browns re-take the lead at 24-21. Indianapolis’ offense has looked great at times, but also has struggled against Cleveland’s deadly pass rush.

If the Colts want to comeback and pick up a solid win against one of the NFL’s premier defenses, they should look more to Downs. After all, he gave Indy its first six of 21 points.

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Josh Downs nearly hits century mark in receiving yards during Colts’ victory

Former UNC wide receiver Josh Downs enjoyed another impressive outing Sunday, catching six passes for 97 yards in an Indianapolis Colts win.

Former UNC wide receiver Josh Downs continues to show why he is one of the NFL’s most talented rookies.

Downs currently ranks fifth among rookies with 255 receiving yards, trailing only Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell and Los Angeles Rams rookie Puka Nacua.

Downs’ most impressive outing just came on Sunday, Oct. 8, as he led the Colts with an NFL career-high 97 receiving yards. Adding on to Downs’ stellar outing was the fact he caught all six of his passes.

Catching a pass with defenders bearing down on you is difficult. In the above clip, however, Downs catches a bomb from fellow rookie Anthony Richardson. Downs then braces for contact and holds onto the ball, putting his team in great field position.

Opposing defenders feared guarding Downs in college, as the Georgia native ended his UNC career with 2,483 receiving yards (fourth-most in school history) and 22 touchdowns (second). Downs ended his time in Chapel Hill with three 100-yard outings in his final five games, including a 100-yard performance in the ACC championship against Clemson.

Joined by former USC Trojan Michael Pittman and Cincinnati Bearcat Alec Pierce, Downs helps give the Colts one of the league’s best young wide receiver trios.

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Sam Howell nearly leads Commanders to upset win over Eagles

Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell nearly led the Washington Commanders to a comeback over the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles survived a scare from a fellow divisional rival Sunday afternoon, squeaking past the Washington Commanders in overtime, 34-31, thanks to a Jake Elliott field goal and rock-solid defense.

It appeared the Eagles were going to lock this game up in regulation, as wide receiver A.J. Brown caught a go-ahead touchdown with just under two minutes remaining in the game.

Then came a young man named Sam Howell, the former UNC quarterback who’s now slinging the rock in Washington.

After last week’s 4-interception performance against the Buffalo Bills, how would Howell respond against an equally-tough Eagles defense?

The exact way his team needed him to.

With the Commanders down 31-24 in the waning moments of Sunday’s AFC East clash, Howell marched them right down the field. He capped off a 10-play, 64-yard, game-tying drive by hitting Jahan Dotson in the end zone as time expired. Former ACC kicker Joey Slye (Virginia Tech) sent things into overtime by nailing the extra point.

Washington won the opening coin toss in overtime and elected to receive, but couldn’t muster much offense against the stout Eagles defense.

Howell looked a lot more like the guy Washington drafted to be its franchise quarterback on Sunday. He showed poise in the pocket, didn’t get happy feet when facing pressure and found open receivers, even in tight windows.

The final stat line? 29 completed passes, 290 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers, a far cry from last week’s 4-interception dud.

Philadelphia rules the NFC East and the Dallas Cowboys are right behind them, but if Howell keeps playing like he did Sunday, Washington has a chance to beat anyone. That includes the defending NFC Champions.

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Javonte Williams survives scare with hip injury

Former UNC 1,000-year rusher Javonte Williams injured his hip in Sunday NFL action for the Denver Broncos. He isn’t expected to miss time.

The Denver Broncos nearly became something Sunday no NFL team ever wants to be through four weeks of a season – winless.

Sean Payton was brought in to try and lead Denver to new heights. Russell Wilson was expected to look a lot more like his Pro Bowl self in Seattle. The young receiving corps was expected to take a huge leap, the running game was expected to give Wilson’s arm some relief and the defense, headlined by Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory, was expected to keep the Broncos in games.

Denver barely nabbed its first win of the season on Sunday, erasing a 21-point deficit and earning a 31-28 victory against the lowly Chicago Bears, but it came at a cost.

The Broncos lost starting running back Javonte Williams to a hip injury. sending fear through a fanbase that’s been one of the most unfortunate in recent memory. They luckily have Samaje Perine backing up the former UNC star, but Perine has mainly been utilized as a backup in his career.

According to ESPN, Williams is not expected to miss much time. We won’t know how much yet, but he underwent an MRI on Monday, Oct. 2.

Williams made up half of the Tar Heels’ best running back tandem in recent memory, as he and current New York Jets backup Michael Carter both reached the 1,000-yard mark in 2020. UNC finished 8-4 that year, ending its season with a loss to Texas A&M in the Rose Bowl.

Williams has been the Broncos leading rusher so far in 2023, generating 138 yards on 38 carries across four games. That’s a disappointing start for him, considering what we saw him do in Chapel Hill.

Regardless of when Williams returns, he’ll have several tough tests in a row. After Denver hosts the 1-3 New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 8, it has a clash against the Green Bay Packers sandwiched by two matchups with Taylor Swift – oh wait – I meant the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Cole Holcomb continues to shine for Steelers in win over Raiders

Cole Holcomb was a tackling machine at UNC from 2015-2018. He now starts at inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is performing.

Former UNC linebacker Cole Holcomb started his football career at the beach and is currently playing in Steel City.

At Carolina, Holcomb led his team in tackles twice and generated a 100-tackle campaign his final year, one in which he also was named Second Team All-ACC. Holcomb spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Washington Football Team, then signed a 3-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason.

Holcomb made a crucial play in the Steelers’ Week 2 victory over the Cleveland Browns, stripping tight end David Njoku of the football just before his knee hit the ground.

On Sunday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders, Holcomb continued his impressive start as a Steeler, registering a tackle for loss, pass deflection and five solo tackles. In a game the Raiders should’ve won, Holcomb and the Pittsburgh defense did just enough to move atop the AFC North.

Holcomb gets to play alongside one of the league’s top linebacking corps – Kwon Alexander, Elandon Roberts, Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, arguably the sport’s best edge rusher. The Steelers haven’t wowed on offense, with underwhelming quarterback play from Kenny Pickett and a virtually non-existent running game headlined by Najee Harris, but they haven’t needed to in order to win.

If Holcomb continues playing like this, he could carve out a long career in the Steel City.

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