UNC in NFL: Tracking Tar Heels in Week Five
By Grant Hughes
Offensive struggles
Eric Ebron:
The former 10th overall pick has been labeled many things throughout his short career, but the word “bust” is one that has been frequently tossed around this week.
After his worst game of the season, Ebron is facing heat from the fan base and some within the team.
Ebron dropped multiple balls and only hauled in a single catch for six yards. After the game he once took again to Twitter to vent his frustration:
Wouldn’t be the man I am today without times like this. I’m up early and I’m going to get it by any means. #P4K
— Ebron85.eth (@Ebron85) October 9, 2017
The Lions are still waiting for Ebron to be consistent in the passing game. If Matthew Stafford is hurt moving forward, Ebron’s production could drop even more.
Brandon Tate:
After being inactive for several games and not getting much run on offense, return man Brandon Tate enjoyed his first score in nearly two years.
The Bills were forced to give Tate some run because injuries have decimated an already weak receiving corps. Tate hauled in two passes for 25 yards and the Bills lone touchdown.
Tate also returned one kickoff for 17 yards and took back two punts for 20 yards.
Giovanni Bernard
After an 0-3 start to the season, the Cincinnati Bengals have won two-straight and are now 2-3 getting back into the AFC North race.
Despite finding their way on offense, running back Giovanni Bernard was silent in Sunday’s win over Buffalo.
Bernard carried the ball just two times and finished with two rushing yards in the win. He did have two receptions for 30 yards and his role moving forward will primarily be in the passing game.
With the emergence of rookie Joe Mixon plus Jeremy Hill on the roster, Bernard will have to make the most of what playing time he gets this season.