The NFL season is through week eight already, and there’s been much to unpack and discuss. Let’s check in on some former Terps to see how they’ve fared.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills: Highly regarded as one of the league’s best receivers, Diggs has lived up to his expectations and then some. Diggs’ seven receiving touchdowns has him and Travis Kelce tied for most in the league. Diggs has scored in three straight games, including a touchdown catch on Packers’ corner Jaire Alexander, who Diggs engaged in trash talk with before the game. Safe to say Diggs got the last word in. Diggs and the Bills will travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, for a divisional matchup against the Jets on Sunday.
D.J. Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers: In a divisional battle against the somehow first-place Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers appeared dead. With under 25 seconds to go, Panthers’ QB P.J Walker uncorked a desperation 62-yard heave towards the end zone that Moore miraculously brought in to tie the game. While celebrating, Moore removed his helmet, inducing a 15-yard penalty, albeit a controversial one. The penalty was tacked onto the extra point attempt, making it a 48-yard kick. Panthers’ kicker Eddy Piñeiro missed the extra point and Carolina proceeded to lose in overtime.
Jake Funk, RB, New Orleans Saints: Since signing with the Saints’ practice squad three weeks ago, Funk hasn’t made the jump to the active roster. New Orleans has a talented running back room featuring veterans Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram II and Dwayne Washington.
Jared Bernhardt, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Bernhardt’s incredible journey to the league is a story for the ages. Unfortunately for Bernhardt, the page hasn’t turned for him since the season’s start. Still deep on the depth chart of receivers, Bernhardt isn’t seeing the field. To make matters worse, Bernhardt was placed on the injured reserve due to a groin injury that kept him inactive for four-straight games. This week, Atlanta hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in what should be a fun interconference matchup.
Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts’ defensive end started slow, and he’s continued to perform in an underwhelming manner. Through eight games, Ngakoue has recorded only four sacks. He recorded just a half-sack against Washington. Ngakoue and the Colts will battle with another struggling AFC squad this Sunday in the Patriots.
Nick Cross, Safety, Indianapolis Colts: After starting the first two weeks for Indianapolis, the rookie safety is serving as a backup in the defense. His snap count is down drastically and he’s only seen the field in two games since Sep. 18. Cross saw action for two straight games, in which he recorded one tackle. Unfortunately for Cross, he sat on the bench against his hometown team, the Commanders.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans: Okonkwo certainly isn’t getting the kind of targets he got when he was at Maryland, but the rookie has earned his spot, playing in the Titans’ last four games. Against the Colts, Okonkwo broke out for three catches and his only touchdown this year. Since then, Okonkwo has only caught two more passes, but he’s seen the field as a solid backup who can block. Okonkwo certainly can be a guy that will improve over the years and see his role increase.
