With one month remaining in the NFL regular season, there’s a much better feeling about which teams we should have our eyes on. Some teams already clinched playoff spots, some are a win or two away, while others need to win out to have a fighting chance. Let’s see how some of Oregon’s alumni fit into the mix.
Bo Nix, Quarterback, Denver Broncos
In his first season as a pro, Bo Nix has proven to be the quarterback Broncos fans have been looking for since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016. Last week, Nix became the first quarterback in Broncos history to win AFC Rookie of the Week for three consecutive weeks when they beat the Las Vegas Raiders 29-19. It was Denver’s first road win against the Raiders since 2015, which was also the last time it was in the playoffs. The future is incredibly bright, as Nix looks to finally take the Broncos over the hump.
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers
In a 17-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Chargers improved to 8-4 and currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the AFC. The fifth-year quarterback went 16/23 passing for 147 yards.
This season, Herbert has thrown for 2,551 yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception. Herbert has adjusted quite nicely to head coach Jim Harbaugh’s system. The next test for the two of them is to stand in the way of defending back-to-back Super Bowl Champions – the Kansas City Chiefs as they look to lock up their ninth-consecutive AFC West Division title.
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
After unexpectedly falling to the fourth round of the NFL Draft, the rookie wide receiver has had a slow start to his career as a pro. Franklin’s production on the field has not quite been what it was in Eugene up to this point. He has just 19 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Franklin has a lot of room for growth, but he is in a great position with a familiar quarterback and a winning team looking to make a run for the playoffs.
Bucky Irving, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Watching the Buccaneers, their usage of rookie running back Bucky Irving is unmistakable and drives incredible success. In Tampa Bay’s 26-23 overtime win over the Carolina Panthers, Irving was the leading rusher. He recorded 25 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown as well as three receptions for 33 yards. Irving has 767 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns on the season as the 6-6 Buccaneers hunt for their fourth straight NFC South Division title.
Christian Gonzalez, Defensive Back, New England Patriots
In the Patriots’ narrow, one-point loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the second-year defensive back helped keep New England in the game. Gonzalez recorded six tackles, one of which was for a loss, a pass deflection and an interception.
While the Patriots have had very little success during Gonzalez’s time in New England, he has certainly been a guy they want to hold on to when strengthening their roster for next season. Gonzalez has recorded 49 tackles this season and is continuing to show improvement every week.
DeForest Buckner, Defensive Lineman, Indianapolis Colts
While just barely surviving a 25-24 win over the New England Patriots, the ninth-year veteran held his ground on the Indianapolis defensive front. Buckner recorded seven tackles including a sack to help the Colts keep their slim playoff hopes alive and improve to 6-7.
After missing over a month in the first half of the season with a sprained ankle, Buckner has responded emphatically with 44 tackles and 5.5 sacks on the season.
