Three former Oregon quarterbacks are already making headlines early in the NFL season. In Week 2, the Ducks’ presence from rookie debuts to veteran consistency, showed promising performances as the season is underway.
GABRIEL SHOWS PROMISE AS BROWNS EVALUATE FUTURE
In his professional debut on Sunday, quarterback Dillon Gabriel took the field late in the fourth quarter for the Cleveland Browns in a 41-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the score, Gabriel made the most of his opportunity, completing all three of his passes for 19 yards.
He entered the game in relief of 18-season veteran Joe Flacco, who struggled to execute throughout the game. With just under two minutes to play, Gabriel led the Browns’ final possession, with a 8-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.
Though his debut was brief, Gabriel’s poise in the pocket and completion accuracy could boost his chances of a starting appearance for Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers, especially with the Browns still searching for their first win.
NIX FLASHES BIG PLAY POTENTIAL DESPITE LATE GAME STRUGGLES
In his second season with the Denver Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix delivered a promising performance in a narrow 29-28 loss on Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts. Nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. He also added 20 rushing yards on three carries.
The Broncos stormed out of the gate, with Nix leading three touchdown drives in the first half. His scoring passes included a 23-yard reception to Marvin Mims, a short 3-yard touchdown to fellow Duck Troy Franklin, and a final 2-yard connection to tight end Adam Trautman.
Nix’s most electric play came early in the second quarter. A scramble and deep shot to Franklin for a 42-yard gain which set up a scoring drive. However, his momentum slowed in the second half. A critical fourth-quarter interception by the Colts’ defense prevented what more than likely would have been some kind of scoring drive for the Broncos.
This opened the door for the Colts’ comeback win when a Broncos penalty moved a 60-yard field goal attempt to a 45-yard field goal, moving the Broncos to 1-1.
Despite the loss, Nix’s playmaking and chemistry with former Oregon teammate Franklin are promising heading into Week 3 as they look to go head-to-head with former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers.
HERBERT LEADS CHARGERS TO SECOND SEASON SUCCESS
In his sixth season with the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert led his team to a 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, showcasing his ability to execute on his feet and in the air.
The game started with a strike as the Chargers’ defense intercepted the Raiders on the very first play, setting the tone early. However, they were only able to convert the turnover into a field goal to which the Raiders responded with a field goal of their own.
Herbert was a weapon throughout the game, frequently scrambling out of the pocket, extending plays and picking up first downs. Despite multiple penalties stalling momentum, Herbert connected with veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 10 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
The game highlight was a 60-yard touchdown reception — caught by Quentin Johnson — marking the longest reception scoring play for the Chargers this season. They then added a field goal to extend their lead and stamp the win.
With nine carries and 32 yards rushing, Herbert’s ability to make plays on his feet and while maintaining composure in the pocket proved instrumental. A total of 242 passing yards with two touchdowns, pushed the Chargers in the race for the AFC division title with a 2-0 start.
