As we approach the halfway point of the season, we take a look at how these four familiar names fared in Week 8′s slate of games.
Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. finished with 10 catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-31 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The contest marked Pittman’s first multiple touchdown game in his career. He led all Colts receivers with career-highs in targets (15), receptions and touchdowns. Pittman’s first touchdown was a two-yarder that came on fourth-and-goal. Thanks to an Indianapolis interception, Pittman again found the end zone on a seven-yard catch less than a minute removed from his first touchdown reception. His longest play of the game was a 38-yard catch with under a minute to spare in regulation that helped send the game into overtime. Pittman has now recorded over 80 yards and a touchdown in three of his past four games.
Robert Woods
Robert Woods had three catches for 35 yards, with 22 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns in Sunday’s 38-22 win over the Houston Texans. Woods got it done both in the air and on the ground with one of his scores being a catch and the other a run. His first touchdown was a two-yard reception in the second quarter to give the Los Angeles Rams a 17-0 lead. Woods’ second score of the game was a 16-yard sweep that increased the Los Angeles lead to 38. He tied fellow receiver Cooper Kupp with nine targets, but totaled 70 less receiving yards than him, catching just three of those targets. Woods has now scored in four of eight games for the Rams and averages over 57 yards a game.
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold finished with 129 passing yards and a 54% completion rate in the Carolina Panthers’ 19-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Darnold looked much better than in previous weeks and rushed for 66 yards on eight carries before exiting the game in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the head. After throwing seven interceptions over his past four games, Darnold did not throw an interception on Sunday and made smarter decisions with the football. Darnold did just enough to lead the Panthers to victory despite exiting the game. His final run in the fourth quarter helped set up a touchdown for running back Chuba Hubbard, securing a two-possession lead for Carolina.
It is unclear whether Darnold will be able to clear concussion protocol in time for next week’s matchup against the New England Patriots.
Nelson Agholor
Nelson Agholor recorded three catches for 60 yards on six targets in a 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Agholor led the team in receiving for the first time since Week 1, and his 60 yards were his second highest all season. He was out-targeted by fellow receivers Jakobi Meyers (nine) and Kendrick Bourne (seven) but managed to come away with more yards. His biggest play of the game was a 44-yard deep ball on New England’s first drive that ultimately set up a touchdown for running back Damien Harris. Through eight games, Agholor is averaging just over 41 receiving yards per game.