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Maryland in the NFL: Heyward-Bey, Smith have big days receiving

Catch up with the former Terrapins who are playing on Sundays.

By Carson Kenney
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Week two of the NFL season is in the rearview and it still seems like there are more questions than answers about certain players and teams (looking at you Philadelphia). With that, NFL Terps as a collective unit had a great weekend. Check out who did well and who is still looking to get something going as we move on to week three.

Nolan Carroll, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Last week's stats: Three tackles (three solo)

Carroll had three solo tackles in the Eagles 20-10 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon. He had five solo tackles if you count the one in the above video. Tackling fans aside, the Eagles defense has not played great in their first two games of the year and a lot of it is due to their struggling offense being unable to remain on the field for long periods of time, giving their defense any sort of rest. Carroll didn't get burned like he did week one against Atlanta, but will need to step up if the Eagles want to start winning.

Jon Condo, LS, Oakland Raiders

Last week's stats: None

Oakland surprised most NFL fans (as well as the betting public) by beating Baltimore 37-33 after getting throttled week one by the Bengals. Condo didn't record a tackle on special teams but started the chain of three Janikowski field goals and two punts by Marquette King.

Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil, OLB, Tennesee Titans (Injured Reserve)

Last week's stats: N / A

We probably won't see Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil this year as he's been on the IR and will remain there until further notice. If you're a Titans fan, they lost to the Browns as Mariota struggled a bit after a stellar opening day performance.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Last week's stats: Five catches, 62 yards (43 yard long)

Davis was at the top of the 49ers receiving stats (right below fellow Terp alum, Torrey Smith) as he had five catches for 62 yards. Davis looks a lot better than he did last year but the 49ers are still struggling to get their legs under them. They are 1-1 but look far from the offensive power house that they once were a few years ago. If they end up being successful this year, Davis will have a big hand in it however as Kaepernick seems to like throwing the ball to him.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Last week's stats: DNP (Inactive)

Well this sucks, huh? Looks like we will have to wait a bit longer to see Diggs in action for Minnesota. The Vikings beat Detroit 26-16 however not due to any help from the receiving core. Adrian Peterson was the Vikings leading receiver with two catches for 58 yards... Maybe Minnesota should think about getting Diggs some pads on him for next weekend.

AJ Francis, DT, Miami Dolphins

Last week's stats: DNP (Inactive)

Francis was inactive for the second straight week as the Dolphins lost to the Jaguars 23-20. Miami's defense had a tough day containing Bortle Combat, allowing him to throw for 273 yards and two TD's. Francis will have to wait at least another week before making his regular season NFL debut.

Erin Henderson, LB, New York Jets

Last week's stats: One tackle (one solo)

Henderson got in on the action Monday night against the Colts by recording a tackle for the J-E-T-S. The green New York team's defense looks to be legit this year. Hopefully Henderson's role will expand as he is still coming off of a knee sprain in training camp.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week's stats: Four catches, 77 yards (41 yard long), one touchdown

This one is cool indeed. DHB is proving that he can still play at a high level despite having a career to date that has failed to meet expectations that come with being selected 7th overall. The Steelers had a field day against the 49ers defense on Sunday as Antonio Brown had nine catches for 195 yards and a touchdown of his own. With Martavis Bryant still suspended for the next two games and Sammy Coates out of the lineup as well, DHB will remain the number two option for Big Ben.

Shaun Hill, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Last week's stats: None

Teddy Bridgewater went 14/18 for 153 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings victory over the Lions. Hill didn't see any action as Bridgewater played solid and did a good job handing the ball to Adrian Peterson who rushed to the tune of 134 yards on top of 58 receiving yards.

D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Last week's stats: Nine tackles (six solo)

Jackson was second on the team in total tackles on Monday night but that didn't help much in the Colts chances of winning since Andrew Luck and the offense couldn't get anything going against the Jets. Jackson continues to be one of the leaders on this Indianapolis defense and will need to help try and get the Colts ship back on course. Jackson got banged up at the end of the game after a collision with the Jets fullback, but was able to walk off the field under his own power. No word yet on what the injury was/is, if any.

Darius Kilgo, NT, Denver Broncos

Last week's stats: Two tackles (two solo)

Denver's defense won them their Thursday night matchup against the Chiefs, literally. Kilgo recorded two solo tackles in the effort. He only got in on four snaps in the first half but that should increase as the season goes on. The Broncos' defense is very good this year. Kilgo should continue to contribute.

Dexter McDougle, CB, New York Jets

Last week's stats: One tackle (one solo)

Despite it being early in the season, the Jets defense looks pretty good so far and a large part of that is their secondary. However, it seems that McDougle is on the outside looking in when it comes to depth chart order which means he will have to impress when he's on the field, and not get burnt by receivers.

Nick Novak, K, Free Agent

Last week's stats: N / A

Novak is still a free agent but after this weekend, he will probably be getting a few calls. A twitter search of his name shows plenty of Chargers fans pleading for Novak to come back after Chargers rookie Josh Lambo missed his first 40+ yarder of the season (47 yards).

Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Last week's stats: Six catches, 120 yards (75 yard long), one touchdown

The 49ers did not play well on Sunday. However, Torrey Smith played pretty well, leading the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards thanks to this 75 yard pass he housed, following that play up with a 2-point conversion catch. This play is the epitome of why Smith is so dangerous in the passing game. He has that big play, homerun potential anytime he gets the ball because of his speed. Kaepernick will probably be looking his way more often next week.

Randy Starks, DL, Cleveland Browns

Last week's stats: Two tackles (one solo), one fumble recovery

The Browns defensive line took turns hammering Mariota on Sunday and Starks got involved on the action himself, stripping the rookie of the football and picking the fumble recovery. The Browns will need more of these type of performances from their defense and less of the week one performances if they want to stick around and compete this year.

Josh Wilson, CB, Detroit Lions

Last week's stats: Four (three solo), one fumble recovery

Wilson turned in a recovered fumble and four tackles in the Lions loss to Minnesota, however he got banged up a bit on one play, jamming his shoulder while trying to tackle Adrian Peterson. He walked off under his own power and didn't seem to be hurt too bad.

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