NFL Hokies: Week 3 recap

BLACKSBURG – Week 3 of the NFL season has officially concluded, and excitement is building for Week 4, especially for Hokie fans eager to see Virginia Tech alumni making their mark across the league. In this edition of NFL Hokies, presented by Coca-Cola, we spotlight standout performances from last week and highlight key matchups to watch as the action unfolds in Week 4. 

Notable Week 3 performances 

LB Tremaine Edmunds 
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds intercepted quarterback Anthony Richardson for a clutch red-zone takeaway, highlighting his standout defensive performance despite the Bears' 21-16 loss to the Colts. The Colts were threatening to score after a big play from Richardson to wide receiver Alec Pierce. Just a few plays later, with the Colts at the three-yard line, Richardson attempted a pass into the end zone. The throw was tipped by Jack Sanborn and ultimately picked off by Edmunds, marking the former Hokie's first interception of the 2024 season. 

DB Chamarri Conner  
Defensive back Chamarri Conner made a significant impact in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, securing his first interception of the season. Conner picked off a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins and returned it for three yards before lateraling it to cornerback Jaylen Watson, who added another 12 yards to the play. Conner also contributed defensively with 10 tackles and two passes defended, underscoring his ability to make crucial plays in critical moments for the reigning Super Bowl Champions. 

S Chuck Clark 
The New York Jets took on the Patriots at home, securing a 24-3 victory during Thursday Night Football. Safety Chuck Clark had a standout game, recording seven tackles—his highest total of the season—and sacking quarterback Jacoby Brissett in the second quarter. Clark continued to make an impact early in the fourth quarter by forcing a fumble and recovering it, effectively stalling a Patriots offensive drive. The seven-year veteran’s exceptional performance earned him a 93.7 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), solidifying his role as a key defensive asset for the Jets.  

DT Tim Settle  
The Houston Texans were handed their first defeat of the season, falling to the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, 34-7. This matchup showcased a Hokie-on-Hokie battle as Tim Settle went head-to-head with offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw. Settle made a big impact on the game recording two sacks against quarterback Sam Darnold. One of those sacks resulted in a nine-yard loss in the first half, while he struck again in the second half, demonstrating his ability to disrupt the Vikings' offensive rhythm. 

K Joey Slye 
In the matchup against the New York Jets, kicker Joey Slye enjoyed a successful outing, connecting on a 44-yard field goal to score the Patriots' only points of the game. Facing fellow Hokie Clark, Slye’s kick was a bright spot for New England in a challenging contest. 

Notable Week 4 Matchups 

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. ET on CBS 
The Minnesota Vikings are set to hit the road this Sunday, traveling to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. This matchup features Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw reconnecting with former Hokie guard Lecitus Smith. Darrisaw is coming off three consecutive weeks of strong performances, playing a crucial role in keeping Minnesota undefeated.  

Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders: Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS 
The Browns are set to face off against the Raiders in their first matchup since 2021, which ended in a closely contested 16-14 victory for the Raiders. The Browns’ roster features two-time Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller, who may have the opportunity to go up against fellow Hokie alumni and Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo. After missing Week 3 due to injury, Deablo has the probability to return this week, adding an exciting dynamic to the matchup between these former Virginia Tech standouts. 

New England Patriots at San Fransisco 49ers: Sunday, Sept. 29 at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX 
New England heads to the West Coast this Sunday to take on the reigning NFC Champions. This matchup features successful Virginia Tech alumni, with Slye representing the Patriots and tight end Logan Thomas suiting up for the 49ers. Both players were teammates on the Washington Commanders last season. While Thomas has yet to see action with his new team, increasing injuries among starting players may open the door for his debut. Meanwhile, Slye has consistently delivered strong performances for the Patriots, setting the stage for an intriguing clash between these two former Hokies.