With Week 2 of the NFL in the books, let’s take another look at how some former USC Trojans are performing.
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. had no problem establishing a connection with quarterback Carson Wentz in their second game together. In a narrow 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Pittman had eight receptions on 12 targets, finishing the game with 123 receiving yards. Pittman led all Colts receivers in targets, receptions and yards, all of which were career-highs for Pittman. His highlight of the day was a 42-yard bomb from Wentz. Pittman has seemingly become Wentz’s favorite target, although he may be without his QB in next week’s divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans as Wentz deals with two sprained ankles.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
While it was Diontae Johnson who led the Steelers’ receivers on Sunday, JuJu Smith-Schuster was able to rack up six catches for 41 yards on seven targets. Additionally, he found the endzone this week on a three-yard jet sweep. Smith-Schuster averaged just 6.8 yards per catch but continues to see plenty of volume in this offense. With Johnson’s Week 3 status up in the air due to a knee injury sustained in their loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith-Schuster has the potential to see an increased amount of usage against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams
Robert Woods had five catches on nine targets and 70 total yards. Yet again, it was fellow receiver Cooper Kupp who stole the show with nine catches, 163 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Over the past two weeks it has become clear that Kupp is Matthew Stafford’s favorite weapon. However, Woods received only two fewer targets than Kupp on Sunday and continues to be a focal point of the Rams’ offense. Next Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should see plenty of scoring opportunities for Woods in a high-powered offensive showdown.
Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers
Off to a hot 2-0 start, Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards, recording two touchdowns and an interception in an impressive 26-7 divisional win against the New Orleans Saints. Darnold once again completed around 68% of his passes, leaning on wide receiver D.J. Moore, whom he targeted 11 times for eight catches and 79 yards. The duo connected on a short two-yard touchdown to give the team a commanding 17-0 lead at halftime. Darnold’s interception was a result of the pocket collapsing and an attempt to quickly get rid of the football. Nevertheless, Darnold appears to be getting more comfortable in the Carolina offense. Darnold and the Panthers will have a good chance to improve to 3-0 as they take on the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football later this week.
Ronald Jones II, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Despite getting the start on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons, Ronald Jones II once again saw fewer touches than fellow running back Leonard Fournette. Jones finished the game with six rushes for 27 yards with nine additional receiving yards. It appears that Tampa Bay will continue trusting Fournette over Jones throughout the season.
Nelson Agholor, New England Patriots
Nelson Agholor finished Sunday’s contest against the New York Jets with just three catches for 21 yards. After leading the team in receiving in Week 1, Agholor ended the day fifth in both targets and receiving yards for the Patriots. It may take some time to see if rookie quarterback Mac Jones develops a primary wide receiver to target or if he will continue to share the wealth.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s second NFL game was as quiet as his first. In Monday’s 35-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers, St. Brown caught three catches for 18 yards. He was targeted five times and tied for fifth in receiving yards for Detroit. When the Lions offense is not running through the tight end or the backfield, it is second-year wide receiver Quintez Cephus who has become quarterback Jared Goff’s go-to option, leaving St. Brown in the shadows for the time being.