Cover Photo: WVU Athletics
Just like that, the 2022 season has come to an end. This NFL season has been an absolute doozy. With roster changes, new teams rising to the top, and many veteran QBs struggling, it has been an interesting season to say the least. However, it has been a great year for several former Mountaineers in the league. Obviously, the success of WVU Sports Hall of Famer Geno Smith comes to mind, but who else has rose to the top this season?
Geno Smith: Geno took his game to another level this season. In his first season starting for the Seahawks, he had a lot on his plate to take over for Russell Wilson. Not only did he fill Russell’s shoes, he put up historically great numbers in the process. He led the Seahawks to the playoffs, a feat most people doubted at the beginning of the season. He also made the NFC roster for the Pro Bowl, as well as becoming a favorite to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Geno threw for a Seattle franchise record of 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing a league-leading 69.8% of his passes and posting a 100.9 rating.
Bruce Irvin: Sticking with the Seahawks theme, Bruce Irvin made a proper comeback this year. Over the course of the season, Irvin made 28 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in his 11 games played. Entering into the playoffs, he is eyeing a third trip to the Super Bowl and a second ring.
Rasul Douglas: While the Green Bay Packers failed to clench their spot in the playoffs, Rasul Douglas made his second year his best season to date. Douglas played in every game of the season, making 85 tackles and 69 of them were on his own. He also picked off 4 passes, often being game stealing interceptions at the end of games.
David Sills V: Sills started to gain a lot more attention this season, fighting for opportunities throughout his NFL career. He caught 11 passes for 106 yards in the nine games he played this season. This is way more than getting 4 last season. With the track that he’s been on recently, Sills could potentially see playtime during the playoffs.
Tony Fields II: Despite the Cleveland Browns’ disappointing 2022 season, Tony Fields II really had the chance to show what he can do on the field. Over the course of the season, Fields made 48 tackles, 29 as solo, picked off a pass, and forced a fumble.
Kyzir White: White had a lot to prove with his first season in Philadelphia after spending his whole career with the Chargers. He proved to be a key piece to the Eagles winning the NFC East, in arguably the best Eagles season in years. White made 110 tackles with 1.5 sacks in the 2022 season.
