While head coach Mack Brown has brought the excitement back to UNC football, there are also some former Tar Heels in the NFL who’ve had noteworthy performances lately. Check out the Week 7 showings for Indianapolis Colts tight end Eric Ebron and Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
Mitchell Trubisky
After suffering a dislocated left shoulder and a slight labrum tear against the Minnesota Vikings in late September, Trubisky’s season seemed to be derailed in a make-or-break year for the Bears. But in Week 7, Trubisky returned against the New Orleans Saints.
With the third-year pro under center, the Bears offense never seemed to establish a much-needed rhythm against a strong Saints defense. Trubisky finished 34 of 54 with 251 yards and two touchdowns, with most of his numbers coming after the game had already been decided. At the end of three quarters, Trubisky had totaled just 76 passing yards and Chicago trailed 29-10.
Down 26 late in the game, Trubisky hit Allen Robinson II for a touchdown and converted on a 2-point attempt before the Bears recovered an onside kick. Trubisky threw another touchdown, but it was a case of too little, too late as the Saints held on for a 36-25 victory.
Much to Bears fans' dismay, two other quarterbacks drafted after Trubisky in the 2017 — Deshaun Watson of the Texans and Patrick Mahomes II of the Chiefs — have continued to shine on their respective teams. Watson has posted 1,952 yards and 13 touchdowns to five interceptions this season, while Mahomes has totaled 2,180 yards and 15 touchdowns to one interception.
Trubisky, meanwhile, has posted 839 yards in five games along with 5 touchdowns and two interceptions.
Eric Ebron
Meanwhile, Ebron had arguably his best game of the season so far with four catches for 70 yards and one touchdown. His performance helped the Colts defeat the Houston Texans 30-23 and move into first place in the AFC South.
