Former UNC football standouts off to fast start in the NFL

The NFL season is now through its first two weeks of the season. See how your favorite former UNC Football players have performed.

Javonte Williams (Broncos) – Returning off a torn ACL injury last season, Javonte Williams has 25 carries for 96 yards this season for the Broncos under new head coach Sean Payton. He also has seen nine targets out of the backfield, catching six passes for 19 yards. While Denver hasn’t been able to get Williams in the endzone yet, and he’s only averaging 3.8 yards per carry, he is still the lead back for the Broncos as his backup, Samaje Perine, has only seen 9 opportunities this season.

Sam Howell (Commanders) – Sam Howell has made a splash in the NFL as QB1 for the Washington Commanders. Going back to his rookie season, Howell is now 3-0 as a starter (1-0 in 2022 and 2-0 in 2023). This season, Howell is completing 65.7% of his passes, throwing for three touchdowns and only one interception. In week two, Howell helped the Commanders erase a 21-3 deficit and comeback to beat Denver, 35-33. He threw for 299 yards in that game and two touchdowns and had a special moment postgame with former teammates.

Dyami Brown (Commanders) – Dyami Brown didn’t see any targets from his former college quarterback in week one against the Cardinals, but in week two against the Broncos, Howell and Brown connected on a few passes. Brown was targeted three times, catching all three passes for a total of 25 yards.

Josh Downs (Colts) – The Indianapolis Colts are looking to get Josh Downs involved as early as possible as a rookie in their offensive system. Through two games, he has seen 12 targets, second most on the team behind four-year veteran Michael Pittman Jr. He’s also second on the team in receptions and yards, with seven catches and 67 yards. As Downs gets more comfortable, look for the Colts to go to him even more frequently.

Mack Hollins (Falcons) One of the current longest-tenured former Tar Heels in the NFL, Mack Hollins is leading the run-heavy Atlanta Falcons offense in receiving yards through the first two weeks of the season with 91 yards, including making this insane grab in the Falcons comeback, 25-24 win over the Green Bay Packers.

Michael Carter (Jets) – Michael Carter has seen limited touches in the New York Jets backfield after the signing of Dalvin Cook and the return of Breece Hall. Carter has only seen three carries for 14 yards this season. However, in week two against the Dallas Cowboys, the Jets gave all three running backs (Cook, Carter, and Breece Hall) an equal snap share at 33%. Carter does have the same number of targets, four, out of the backfield as the other two backs, but less receiving yardage with only 15 yards.

Joshua Ezeudu (Giants) – Former UNC Football offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu has played in both games for the New York Giants through two weeks, including getting to start in week two. Ezeudu received his first start in the NFL due to an injury to all-pro Andrew Thomas. According to Pro Football Focus, in 2023, Ezeudu has played 82 total snaps, only allowing one sack.

Marcus McKethan (Giants) – Marcus McKethan received his first start along the offensive line for the Giants as well. McKethan played 68 snaps in the Giants game versus the Arizona Cardinals in week two and only allowed one sack as well.

Cole Holcomb (Steelers) – New to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cole Holcomb has been a shining point for his new team. He is third on the team in tackles with 13 while also making a huge impact in forcing turnovers with two forced fumbles during the first two weeks of the season. While the Steelers’ offense is still trying to find its rhythm, the defense is shining, and Holcomb is a huge contributor to that.

MJ Stewart (Texans) – While the Houston Texans have begun the 2023 season 0-2, MJ Stewart has been making plays on defense. He has 15 total tackles, second on the team. He also came up with a fumble recovery in week one against the Baltimore Ravens and forced a fumble in week two against the Indianapolis Colts.

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