Sunday was the final day of NFL regular season. The last round of games usually is a little wonky, as different teams have different priorities in their final matchup. Some are resting their starters as they
eye the postseason; other teams are rotating in younger guys or depth pieces to see what they have going into next year. Either way, players that haven’t gotten as much run during the season often get the chance to prove their mettle in the final week.
When it comes to former Tar Heels in the NFL, Drake Maye has gotten the majority of the press. It’s all been deserved; Maye is a legit MVP candidate in only his second season of play, and his first as a full-time starter. He deserves every accolade and article written about him. That being said, several other former UNC players had big days on Sunday. Here are a few of the highlights:
Mitchell Trubisky (Buffalo Bills)
Trubisky never quite panned out as the starting QB after being drafted by the Bears in 2017. In fairness, almost every QB the Bears draft seems to suffer the same fate (although Caleb Williams may finally break this trend). Since then, Trubisky has carved out a role as a solid backup in Buffalo. He’s served as the backup to All-Star QB Josh Allen for three of the past five years and seems comfortable in that role.
On Sunday, Trubisky reminded everyone why he was a first rounder coming out UNC. Trubisky completed 22 of 29 passes for 259 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. It was arguably his best game as a pro as he led the Bills to a dominating 35-8 win over an admittedly terrible Jets team. Trubisky may not get another chance at being a full-time starter, but he showed he’s one of the best backups in the league.
Alijah Huzzie (Houston Texans)
The rookie Huzzie was inactive for most of the season thanks to an ACL tear that robbed him of most of his first season. He was activated in the Texans penultimate game against the Raiders, but got to start full time in Houston’s season finale against the Colts. Huzzie made the most of his opportunity, making three tackles and recording an interception. In a lovely bit of rivalry comeuppance, the pick was thrown by former Duke QB Riley Leonard.
British Brooks (Houston Texans)
Brooks also missed most of his rookie season to injury. Despite being listed as a running back, Brooks has functioned as a fullback for most of his time with the Texans. He is usually employed as a blocker or spends time on special teams.
On Sunday, Brooks was given the opportunity to get some time at running back as the Texans opted to rest starter Woody Marks in the second half for the playoffs. Brooks acquitted himself well, turning 13 carries into 63 yards rushing, including breaking off a nice 20-yard run. It’s doubtful he will push for more playing time, but this outing should solidify his inclusion on the Texans roster as a versatile player capable of helping out in multiple ways.
Devontez Walker (Baltimore Ravens)
Walker has been buried on the Ravens depth chart at wide receiver in an offense that revolves around the running abilities of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. While his overall stat line on Sunday night wasn’t overly impressive (2 catches for 46 yards), it was a season high for the second year wideout. He also scored his fourth TD of the season as the Ravens fought in vain to make the playoffs. Despite only recording six catches this year, Walker somehow managed to finish with three scores.
