NFL Hokies: Week 2 recap

BLACKSBURG – Week 2 of the NFL season is now behind us, and former Virginia Tech players continue to show why they’re valued assets on their respective teams. In this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we highlight standout performances from the past week and preview key matchups Hokie fans should keep an eye on heading into Week 3. 

DB Chamarri Conner 
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner stepped into significant playing time on Sunday, making momentum-changing plays in the second half that contributed to the Chiefs' comeback victory, 26-25, over the Cincinnati Bengals. Conner recovered a fumble and returned it for his first NFL touchdown, briefly giving the Chiefs the lead in the fourth quarter. However, the former Virginia Tech standout wasn’t done making an impact—he later sacked quarterback Joe Burrow, stalling a crucial Bengals drive in the fourth quarter. 

T Christian Darrisaw  
The Minnesota Vikings faced off against the reigning NFC champions 49ers last Sunday, securing a 23-17 victory. Tackle Christian Darrisaw played a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Sam Darnold, allowing him to throw for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Darrisaw’s strong performance earned him high marks from PFF for the second consecutive week, receiving an 83.7 run-blocking grade and a 78.1 overall offensive rating. As the NFL's highest-paid left tackle, Darrisaw continues to be a cornerstone of the Vikings' offensive line. 

RB Khalil Herbert 
The Chicago Bears found themselves needing a score before the end of the first half against the Houston Texans, and they turned to running back Khalil Herbert to deliver. Facing a crucial third-and-goal, Herbert powered through to secure the Bears' first touchdown of the night on a 2-yard rush. 

CB Kendall Fuller  
Despite the Dolphins' loss to the Bills, cornerback Kendall Fuller delivered a standout defensive performance on Thursday night. Fuller recorded six tackles and defended a key pass from quarterback Josh Allen. The nine-year veteran’s all-around impact on defense earned him solid grades from PFF, including a 77.3 tackling grade, a 73.0 run defense grade and an overall defensive rating of 71.1. 

LB Tremaine Edmunds 
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has started the NFL season with back-to-back standout performances. In Week 2, he recorded 11 tackles, including 8 solo stops, along with a tackle for loss and a sack on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud that forced a crucial punt. Edmunds' dominant effort earned him an 84.7 run defense grade and an 82.9 tackle grade from PFF, underscoring his early-season impact as a key player on defense.

Notable Week 3 Matchups 

New England Patriots at New York Jets: Thursday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video 
The New York Jets will host the New England Patriots to kick off Week 3 in the Thursday night primetime matchup. Former Hokie quarterback Tyrod Taylor, now with the Jets, saw action in Week 1 against the 49ers, where he threw for a touchdown. This Hokie-on-Hokie showdown also features Patriots kicker Joey Slye, who had a flawless Week 1, nailing all three of his field-goal attempts and converting his lone extra-point try. Fans can look forward to this exciting clash of Virginia Tech alumni under the lights. 

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings: Sunday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS 
Up next is a cross-conference matchup between the Texans and Vikings in Minnesota. Both teams are off to strong 2-0 starts, but one will leave with their first loss of the season. This game will also feature a Hokie alumni showdown, as Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle lines up against Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw, who has had an impressive start to the season. This battle in the trenches will be one to watch as both players aim to continue their standout performances.