Maryland in the NFL Week 4: Yannick Ngakoue turns in another strong performance

After Maryland football beat Purdue, head coach DJ Durkin told reporters that since it was homecoming week, he talked with each position group about the players who came before them, and that they need to live up to the legacy they created. While Durkin didn’t mention anyone specifically, he probably talked about of these guys:

Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Through four weeks, Ngakoue has made a name for himself in Jacksonville. The rookie has been a playmaker on defense, intercepting Andrew Luck this week after having strip sacks the past two weeks.

Ngakoue also had four tackles (including two for a loss) and a sack. According to Josh Stirn, Ngakoue is an early defensive rookie of the year candidate.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Diggs had five catches for 47 yards in the Vikings 24-10 win over the Giants Monday night. He was tied with Kyle Rudolph for the most targets, so Bradford is looking his way.

D’Qwell Jackson, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Jackson had a team-high six tackles, including one for a loss, in the Colts' 30-27 loss to the Jaguars. He’s improved since his two-tackle performance in Week 1, but his defense hasn’t. This week the Colts failed to stop Blake Bortles, who has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL this year according to ESPN’s Total QBR.

Nick Novak, K, Houston Texans

Novak tied his career high with a 53-yard field goal in the Texans 27-20 win over the Titans. He also hit one from 47 yards, but missed one from 48 yards. He went 3-for-3 in extra points as well to remain perfect on PATs for the season.

Erin Henderson, LB, New York Jets

Henderson had his best game of the season Sunday, recording four tackles in a 27-17 loss to the Seahawks. The Jets defense held Seattle to just 2.5 yards a carry on the ground, but surrendered 309 through the air.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR; Sean Davis, S, Pittsburgh Steelers

Heyward-Bey caught only one pass Sunday, but it was a 31-yard touchdown with 7:27 left in the first quarter to get the Steelers on the board. If he wants to see the field more, he’s going to have to continue to be a deep threat.

Meanwhile, Davis didn’t play Sunday after suffering a lower back injury against the Eagles. He tried to play through it last week, but missed practice three days of practice this week. The rookie was also fined for an undisclosed reason.

Vernon Davis, TE, Washington Redskins

Davis caught just one pass for eight yards in a 31-20 win over the Browns. If Jordan Reed continues to perform like he did Sunday (nine catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns), it’s unlikely Davis will be on the field in passing situations going forward.

Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Smith had another disappointing outing Sunday, catching just one pass for three yards. He was only targeted one other time, a deep ball that Blaine Gabbert underthrew and was intercepted by Morris Claiborne. He was frustrated on the sidelines Sunday, and has just nine receptions for 106 yards through the first four games.

Jon Condo, LS, Oakland Raiders

Condo was on the field a lot Sunday, but this week it was both good and bad. The Raiders punted eight times, but Derek Carr threw four touchdowns, so Condo was also on the field for four extra points in a 28-27 win over the Ravens.

Darius Kilgo, DT, Denver Broncos

Kilgo did not make a tackle in the Broncos' 27-7 win over the Buccaneers. He has struggled to see the field this season.

Quinton Jefferson, DT, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced that Jefferson will have hand surgery to repair a bone in his hand and he will be out two to three weeks. We wish him a quick recovery.