Pack in the Pros Week 2

It was a big week for NC State players in the NFL last week. Week 2 featured a showdown between two of the most recognizable players to ever wear the Red & White, Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson. Here is a breakdown of each player:

Philip Rivers QB San Diego Chargers 28-37 284 Yds, 3 TD’s, Passer Rating 124.2

I was lucky enough to tune into this game, that feature a showdown between the San Diego Chargers versus the Seattle Seahawks. I must admit that I was extremely surprise at the performance that Rivers put together in the process of absolutely dismantling a formidable foe in the Seattle Seahawks. Why was I surprised though? Philip has been a stud since his days in Raleigh and has been the corner stone of the Chargers franchise for the past 8 seasons.

I guess just the facts that Rivers was so extraordinaire against a defense that has been an absolute nightmare for so many quarterbacks, that it was refreshing to see Philip light them up. The whole game Rivers made big play after big play, his pocket presence was uncanny, his vision never faltered despite constant pressure. He stood tough in the pocket and delivered accurate strikes to his receivers. His go to option was Tight End Antonio Gates, who has been with the Chargers ever since Philip arrived in 2004. The Rivers to Gates connection was right on time, especially on 3rd down. Rivers found Gates for 3 TD’s all on 3rd down.

On many occasions Philip simply would not go down, even though he had defenders draped all over him. One thing that I admire about Rivers game is the fact that he is so good inside the pocket. He has a great ability of stepping up, side shuffling, and maneuvering to give his receivers an extra second to get open before hitting them with darts. Rivers was the main reason the Chargers were able to pull the upset of the defending champs the Seattle Seahawks.

Russell Wilson QB Seattle Seahawks 17-25 202 Yds, 2 TD’s, Passer Rating 119.1

Russell was good against the Chargers this past Sunday. He just simply didn’t have enough opportunities in the game, in large part to the brilliance of Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense. The Seahawks were only in possession of the ball for 17 minutes versus a whopping 42 for the Chargers. Its hard to win a game when you get beat so handily in the time of possession battle.

When the Seahawks did have the ball Russell was accurate and capable of moving the ball down the field. However the offensive line was plagued with a variety of blitzes that did not allow Wilson much time. Russell had one fumble, not lost, and was sacked twice. Unofficially he was under pressure the whole game and without the run game playing in their favor, the Seahawks were forced to pass. This only lead to even more pressure as a result of obvious passing downs.

All in all Russell played a great game. His numbers were efficient and respectable. Look for the Seahawks to establish the run game early and often this coming week in order to set up the big play with the play action pass. You can really see how much work Wilson has put in on the play action fake, next game you watch pay attention to how much detail he puts into each fake. It’s difficult to tell the difference between a hand off and a play action, mostly due to Wilson’s great ball handling ability.

Mario Williams DE Buffalo Bills, 1 Tackle, 1 Sack, 1 QB Hit

The Buffalo Bills marched onward to a 2 and 0 start as they beat the Miami Dolphins 29 to 10. The Bills defense was magnificent in pressuring Ryan Tannehill, who was sacked a total of 4 times and held to only 4.9 yards a completion. Mario and his defensive line unit did a great job of containing the pocket and did not allow Tannehill to roll out of the pocket to extend plays.

Manny Lawson OLB Buffalo Bills, 3 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection

Manny was flying all over the field this past weekend. He was used in a variety of ways as he lined up on both sides of the field and used in coverage a couple of times. He made a great play on the ball in order to deflect it from being completed. Lawson is used a lot in situational 3rd downs and is a great utility player for the Bills

Nate Irving ILB Denver Broncos, 11 Tackles, 7 SOLO

Nate Irving has been a pleasant surprise for Denver. Many were expecting more out of him after a lack luster training camp and preseason. However Nate has been playing lights out to start the season. This past week he complied a total of 11 tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs. Nate is second on the team in tackles with a total of 16 for the season and 1 sack. Look for more of the same this week as the Broncos look for a victory in the Pacific Northwest against the Seahawks.

David Amerson CB Washington Redskins, 4 Tackles, 2 Pass Deflections

Amerson was very solid in coverage as the Redskins dismantled the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. Chad Henne quarterback for the Jaguars was held to a passer rating of 69.5 and was sacked 10 times. A big reason why Henne was sacked a total of 10 times was a result of the coverage downfield which forced him to hold on to the ball. Amerson and the Skins secondary will be tested against the highflying Philadelphia Eagles this week.

Stephen Tulloch ILB Detroit Lions, 10 Tackles, 7 Solo, 1 sack, 3 Tackles for Loss, 1 QB Hit

Tulloch was one of the few bright spots for the Detroit Lions this past weekend. In his return to the State of North Carolina, Tulloch was very impressive in his ability to fly around the field and make plays sideline to sideline. The Lions depend heavily on Tulloch to make plays and for his outstanding leadership. His presence will be important this weekend as they face division rival Green Bay.