Hokie ClubAs the NFL heads into Week 17 of the regular season, teams are fiercely competing for their spots in the playoffs. Week 16 was pivotal, leaving five playoff spots open in the AFC and three in the NFC.
Former Virginia Tech Hokies, honing their skills from Blacksburg, continue to impress, giving Hokie fans a reason to follow their favorite players in the final two weeks of the regular season.
Read below for standout performances from Week 16 and featured matchups in Week 17 in this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola.
Notable Week 16 Performances
RB Khalil Herbert
In Chicago's game against Arizona, running back Khalil Herbert delivered a dominant performance, slicing through the Cardinals' defense with 20 carries for 112 rushing yards. He scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Bears' lead to 13-0, and added a nine-yard reception. For his performance, Herbert was named the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week, marking his second time receiving this award.
TE Logan Thomas
In a head-to-head matchup against the New York Jets on Christmas Eve, tight end Logan Thomas caught five of six targets for a total of 36 yards. His longest reception, a 15-yard touchdown, was Washington's only touchdown of the day. The touchdown marked his fourth of the season and his first since late October.
QB Tyrod Taylor
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor kicked off the second half of the Giants matchup against the Eagles, completing seven passes, including a 69-yard touchdown to receiver Darius Slayton. Taylor showcased his versatility with two carries totaling 21 yards, including a 15-yard run. His performance secured him the starting quarterback role for the Week 17 matchupagainst the Los Angeles Rams.
CB Kendall Fuller
Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller demonstrated his defensive prowess against the Jets, accumulating four total tackles. Fuller added three pass deflections to disrupt the Jets' offense, earning an overall defensive grade of 78 and a coverage grade of 81 from Pro Football Focus (PFF).
DB Terrell Edmunds
Safety Terrell Edmunds delivered a solid performance for the Tennessee Titans, sharing a sack with defensive back Denico Autry and forcing the Seahawks to punt. Additionally, Edmunds defended a crucial pass from Seattle's quarterback, Geno Smith, marking his first pass deflection of the season. These influential plays earned Edmunds his highest PFF defensive grade since joining the Titans, a 74.5, along with a coverage grade of 74.7.
Gallery: (12-28-2023) NFL Hokies (Regular Season Week 17) Week 17 Matchup
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Sunday, Dec. 31 at 8:20 p.m. ET – NBC
In a crucial NFC North showdown, former Virginia Tech offensive tackles Yosh Nijman and Luke Tenuta will see Christian Darrisaw in Minnesota. Tenuta and Darrisaw shared the 2019 Virginia Tech football roster, adding intrigue to this Sunday's contest. With both the Packers and the Vikings vying for a playoff spot, it's an exciting prospect for Virginia Tech fans.