It was rough for a few Tar Heels…
As Mack Brown continues to establish North Carolina as a fringe-powerhouse program in College Football, more players who once donned white and baby blue are making their way into the NFL. While that brings plenty of good days, naturally, there will be some bad ones as well. Sunday, September 24, 2023 will go down as one of those bad days for North Carolina alumni. Let’s dive in…
Javonte Williams Finding His Footing
After a strong rookie season, Javonte Williams was considered a breakout candidate in 2022. Despite struggling in his first three games, Williams was showing enough on tape to keep his proponents confident. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse in week 4 when Williams tore his ACL and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Williams rehabbed for over a year and was deemed a breakout candidate once again. Some even had him in Comeback Player of the Year discussions. But the first three weeks of 2023 have eerily mirrored his start of 2022. Once again, Williams has failed to score a touchdown and he is averaging only 60 yards from scrimmage a game.
Williams’ Broncos aren’t fairing much better, as they are one of only four winless teams in the entire NFL. Williams turned just 23 in April, there is still plenty of time for him to recover. Denver travels to Chicago next Sunday.
Sam Howell Hits Rock Bottom
22-year-old Sam Howell had arguably the worst performance of his young career on Sunday. Facing a Buffalo Bills team that has Super Bowl aspirations, Howell looked to continue his strong start after leading his Commanders to a surprising 2-0 start. Howell completed his first three pass attempts setting his team up in scoring range…and that was as good as it got.
Howell threw four interceptions and took nine sacks the rest of the way. While there was a slight rain and some wind, Howell looked shaky under the pressure of the Bills’ defensive line. He struggled with footwork and decision-making as the Commanders were thrashed 37-3 on their home turf. Things won’t get any easier for Howell as Washington travels to Philadelphia next Sunday.
Michael Carter Gets in a Fight!?
Last, but certainly not least, running back Michael Carter got into a heated exchange with New York Jets’ running back coach Taylor Embree. There has not been any report as to what had Carter so angry, but it’s reasonable to assume his playing time (or lackthereof) is a big part of it.
North Carolina fans will remember Carter as one half of the two-headed-monster backfield he shared with Javonte Williams. Carter has performed admirably in New York but circumstances have reduced his role. Last season the Jets brought in rookie Breece Hall who looks to be a star. After trading for Aaron Rodgers, the Jets decided to also acquire veteran Dalvin Cook, creating a crowded running back room.
Cook has struggled immensely, and the film has not been kind. Could Carter get a chance to earn more reps in coming weeks? Absolutely. But fighting with your running backs coach isn’t going to help matters. Neither will the Jets’ brutal schedule. They visit Kansas City next week for a date with the defending Super Bowl Champs on Sunday Night Football. Hey, maybe they’ll see Taylor Swift!
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