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UNC in the NFL: A look at Tar Heels in Week 5

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Keeping It Heel keeps you updated on former Tar Heels who are playing the in the NFL, week-by-week in 2016

Another week in the NFL is completed.

And with that, former Tar Heels in the NFL continue to be contributors on their respective teams.

Some of these Tar Heels were winners and some were losers this past weekend. One of them joined a new team. A few of these Tar Heels rank amongst the best at their positions and in certain categories.

Now, let’s take a look at how these Tar Heels fared on the biggest stage in sports.

Zach Brown, Buffalo Bills, linebacker

Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) celebrates with inside linebacker Zach Brown (53) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Bills defeated the Rams 30-19. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Brown finished the game with six tackles (five solo tackles and one assisted). Six tackles is an off-game for Brown whereas these statistics would be great for another player.

Last week, Brown tallied 18 tackles.

Brown continues to lead the NFL in tackles with 57. Currently, he’s tied with Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Luke Kuechley for the lead.The Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams 30-19.

Jonathan Cooper, Cleveland Browns, guard

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Cooper was the No. 7 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2013 NFL Draft. During the offseason, Cooper was involved in a trade for New England’s defensive end Chandler Jones and a second round draft pick.

Last Saturday, New England released Cooper. On Monday, Cooper was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Cooper could not crack the starting lineup in New England and struggled to find playing time with the 4-1 Patriots.

Hopefully, he can do so in Cleveland.

Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals, running back

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs with the ball against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Benson Mayowa (93) and safety Byron Jones (31) at AT&T Stadium. Cowboys beat the Bengals 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Giovani Bernard has had a quiet season thus far as he’s splitting time with former LSU back Jeremy Hill. Bernard has rushed 34 times for 118 yards and no touchdowns.

However, as a receiver out of the backfield Bernard has 25 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. He ranks second in receptions for the Bengals behind star wide receiver A.J. Green.

On Sunday, Bernard rushed nine times for 50 yards and caught six passes for 46 yards. Although he did not find the end zone, Bernard was a big part of the offense.

The Bengals lost to the Dallas Cowboys 28-14.

Connor Barth, Chicago Bears, kicker

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Indianapolis Colts line up against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Chicago 29-23. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Barth had a big role for the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Week 5. Barth connected on three of his four field goals this past weekend. He nailed field goals from 24 yards and 35 yards. Barth’s longest field goal was 49 yards.

But it was his miss that really hurt the Bears in the second half.

Barth scored 11 of the Bears’ 23 points. Chicago lost to the Indianapolis Colts 29-23.

Tre’ Boston, Carolina Panthers, Safety

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) tries to make a catch in the end zone as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have started the 2016 NFL season with a 1-4 record. Tre’ Boston had two tackles in the Monday night game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of his tackles was a sack on Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston.

The other tackles were assisted.

The Bucs defeated the Panthers 17-14. Next, Boston and company will face the New Orlean Saints. Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton did not play Monday night. Newton’s availability for Sunday’s game is unknown at the moment.

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