Another week in the NFL has come and passed, and with it another week of outings from former Maryland players. This weekly column has gotten shorter recently due to injuries and suspensions, but that doesn’t prevent the healthy players from performing well.
Nick Novak, K, Houston Texans
Despite dealing with chronic back pain, Novak was perfect Sunday, hitting four field goals and an extra point in a 21-20 win over the Jaguars. The nine-year veteran has not missed a field goal in five games and has made his last 14 extra point attempts.
Sean Davis, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Davis recorded six tackles in a 24-20 win over the Bengals. The rookie continues to have a tremendous impact on the Steelers defense, as shown in this tweet.
Since being inserted into starting lineup, rookie S Sean Davis played 299 of 299 snaps and the Steelers are 5-0. Also played 43 ST snaps
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 19, 2016
Vernon Davis, TE, Washington Redskins
Davis had four catches for 23 yards on a season-high nine targets in a 26-15 loss to the Panthers. He was targeted four times after Jordan Reed was ejected in the third quarter, and Jamison Crowder fumbled on the Redskins final drive after Davis’s first down reception was called back because of holding.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Diggs had a rough performance Sunday, catching just two passes for 13 yards in a 34-6 loss to the Colts. He was only targeted five times for the second straight week, which ties his lowest amount of targets in a game this season. The Vikings are now 7-7 after starting 5-0, and are becoming an afterthought in the NFC playoff race.
Nolan Carroll, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Carroll struggled again this week, recording only one tackle in a 27-26 loss to the Ravens. The Eagles secondary has struggled this season, and according to NJ.com Carroll is fighting for his job, which is not a good sign for a player in a contract year.
Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ngakoue struggled again this week, recording just one tackle and a quarterback hit in a 21-20 loss to the Texans. After Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler was benched with 10:09 remaining in the second quarter, Jacksonville struggled against backup Tom Savage. It was another unfortunate turn for the Jaguars, who dropped to 2-12 and fired head coach Gus Bradley after the game.
Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers
After suffering a concussion last Sunday, Smith sat out this weekend’s game. He was still having post-concussion symptoms this week, and said he doesn’t remember what happened after he got the concussion in the third quarter.
Jon Condo, LS, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders clinched a playoff berth after escaping from San Diego with a 19-16 win. After 10 years in the NFL, Condo is going to the playoffs for the first time.