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UNC in the NFL: 2016 NFL season week 12 updates
Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers (56) rushes around Detroit Lions guard Larry Warford (75) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
How did North Carolina football alums perform in week 12 of the NFL season?
During the month of November, North Carolina alums in the NFL had one player join a list of legendary players while another player’s season ended.
Although there are 23 total former Tar Heels in the NFL, the ones that made this week’s update were the cream of the crop during November.
Take a look at what these four UNC standouts did in week 12 of the NFL season.
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) is tackled by Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) and defensive end Leger Douzable (bottom) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Brown, Buffalo Bills, linebacker, #53
Zach Brown continues to be one of the top defensive players in the NFL. For several weeks, he was the league’s leading tackler. He’s currently sitting in third place with 107 tackles.
During the month of November, Brown played against the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars. He managed two assisted tackles against the Seahawks, 12 tackles against the Bengals and six tackles against the Jaguars.
Brown is the heart and soul of the Bills’ defense. Pictured above, Brown tackled fellow Tar Heel alum, Giovani Bernard.
Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs with the ball during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals, running back, #25
Giovani Bernard played only two games this month; against the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills. Both games resulted in Bengals losses. Bernard netted minimal statistics in each game.
Unfortunately, the veteran running back has been shut down for the rest of the 2016 NFL season. He tore the ACL in his left knee against the Bills. To add insult to injury, it took place during one of the last plays of the game.
In 10 games this season, Bernard rushed 91 times for 337 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded 39 receptions for 336 yards and a touchdown.
Nov 28, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is sacked by Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) as offensive guard Allen Barbre (76) attempts to block in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Julius Peppers, Green Bay Packers, linebacker, #56
Julius Peppers continues to defy time and age by playing in his 15th NFL season. Even after all the time, he’s somehow able to maintain a high level of play as well.
Peppers recorded sacks in games versus the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. He currently has 12 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
The two sacks during the month of November moved Peppers to fifth all-time in sacks in the NFL. Currently, he’s tied with retired New York Giant Michael Strahan (141.5 sacks).
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) smiles after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Lions won 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions, tight end, #85
Eric Ebron had a great month of football in November. The Detroit Lions won all three of their games and Ebron was a big reason why they won two of them.
Ebron caught seven passes for 92 yards in a 22-16 overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings. In a 26-19 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he caught three passes for 70 yards and rushed the ball once for a one-yard touchdown.
Imagine that; A tight end rushing for a touchdown. But Ebron has the agility, quickness and athleticism to do it.
For the season, Ebron has 49 catches for 451 yards and a touchdown.
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