Tar Heels in NFL: ‘Grateful’ Brown has big day, catches TD pass in Washington win; 4 other UNC alums advance

Dyami Brown picked an ideal time to have his best game of the season with a career-high reception total. The fourth-year wide receiver caught a career-high five passes for a season-best 89 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown reception, as his Washington Commanders beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night 23–20 in an NFC wild-card game in Tampa, Fla.

Tar Heels in NFL: Maye’s career day not enough; Downs, Williams have big days

Drake Maye had the best game of his rookie NFL season, but his late interception prevented it from coming in a victory. But that didn’t prevent the NFL and New England Patriots fans from concluding that he’s one of the top rookie quarterbacks in the league and has a bright future on a day that two former UNC teammates — Josh Downs and Javonte Williams — had big days.

Maye reportedly will start Sunday for the reeling Patriots

It’s finally time for the New England Patriots to start rookie Drake Maye at quarterback. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that, according to a source, Maye would start Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans. The team hasn’t made an official announcement.