Before looking at how former offensive stars for the Trojans performed in Week 3, we can’t forget to show love for the defensive side of the ball too. Defensive ends Leonard Williams (New York Giants) and Everson Griffen (Minnesota Vikings) each recorded a sack in their respective games this past weekend. Williams, who ranked seventh in sacks last season with 11.5, and Griffen, who totaled six, look to remain key parts of their defenses as the season progresses.
Without further ado, let’s dive into Week 3 of the Trojans in the NFL.
Sam Darnold
Darnold continues to impress with the Carolina Panthers, leading them to a 24-9 victory over the Houston Texans last Thursday. Despite losing superstar Christian McCaffrey early in the second quarter to a hamstring injury, Darnold finished the contest with 304 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Darnold completed 68% of his passes. His connection with wide receiver D.J. Moore thrived, with Moore reaching 100 receiving yards before the half and finishing the game with 126 yards on eight receptions. Darnold did fumble twice due to his lack of awareness in the pocket, though both fumbles were recovered by the offense.
Darnold has now thrown for over 300 yards in two consecutive games, a feat he never accomplished with the New York Jets. The Darnold led Panthers remain just one of five teams with a perfect 3-0 record. They travel to Dallas next week to take on the Cowboys, whose defense has totaled seven interceptions through the first three weeks.
Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. led the Colts in receiving with six receptions and 68 yards in a 25-16 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Though scoreless, Pittman once again led the team in targets with 12. The clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver on the team, Pittman faces a tough matchup next week against a Miami Dolphins secondary that includes All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard and former Pro Bowler Byron Jones.
Robert Woods
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That is what we can assume quarterback Matthew Stafford’s motto was when he entered Sunday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stafford connected with wide receiver Cooper Kupp nine times for 96 yards and two touchdowns, once again leaving Robert Woods with little coming his way. Woods was targeted just six times to Kupp’s 12, finishing the game with three catches for 33 yards. Woods finished fifth in receiving yards amongst the Rams. Despite the upgrade at quarterback, Woods continues to see his production decrease this season.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
In what was a brutal game for the Pittsburgh Steelers and their offense, JuJu Smith-Schuster finished with just three catches for 25 yards. It was rookie running back Najee Harris who led the team with 102 receiving yards. Smith-Schuster was forced to exit the game in the third quarter after sustaining a rib injury. With his injury considered to be day-to-day, Smith-Schuster’s Week 4 status is currently up in the air.
Nelson Agholor
In Sunday’s 28-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Nelson Agholor had just two catches for 17 yards. While Agholor was targeted eight times, it was wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers who led the Patriots receiving corps with both totaling over 90 receiving yards. This marks the second week in a row that Agholor has finished with under 25 receiving yards. Agholor and the Patriots will look to bounce back next week as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a highly anticipated Sunday Night Football match.