University of North Carolina Athletics
NFL Update: Week 1
September 14, 2009 | Football
Sept. 14, 2009
Richard Quinn and Hakeem Nicks both played in their first career games in the NFL Sunday. Nicks caught two passes before leaving the contest early with a sprained left foot. A slew of Heels joined new teams as the NFL opened the 2009-10 season this past week.
Sam Aiken, New England- Wide receiver and special teams ace forced a key fumble in a come from behind win over the Bills 25-24.
Ethan Albright, Washington- 38-year-old deep snapper helped the Redskins convert five punts and a field goal in a 23-17 loss to the Giants Sunday.
Kentwan Balmer, San Francisco- Second year defensive tackle had one tackle in the 49ers' 20-16 win over defending NFC champion Arizona Sunday.
Dre' Bly, San Francisco- Veteran defensive back made his debut with the 49ers Sunday and recorded three tackles, one for a loss, while defending three passes in a 20-16 victory over Arizona.
Jason Brown, St Louis- Center, who had spent his first four years with Baltimore, made his Rams debut and anchored the offensive line while helping St Louis run for 77 yards in a 28-0 loss to Seattle Sunday.
Alge Crumpler, Tennessee- Ninth-year tight end had two catches for five yards in Tennessee's 13-10 overtime loss against defending champion Pittsburgh Thursday.
Greg Ellis, Oakland- Defensive end recorded three tackles and a sack in Raiders debut, Oakland falls to San Diego 24-20.
Brooks Foster, St Louis- Rookie wide receiver, who was the Rams' fifth-round pick this year, is on injured reserve after ankle surgery.
Madison Hedgecock, New York Giants- Fullback helped pave the way for the Giants' running backs to amass 103 yards rushing in a 23-17 win over Washington Sunday.
Jesse Holley, Dallas- Wide receiver is listed on the Cowboys' practice squad.
Vonnie Holliday, Denver- Veteran defensive end made his debut for the Broncos, recording one tackle and helping the Denver defense limit Cincinnati to one score in a 12-7 win Sunday.
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants- Rookie wide receiver, the Giants' first round pick, recorded the first two catches of his career for 18 yards in a 23-17 win over Washington Sunday. Nicks left the game in the fourth quarter with what was diagnosed as a sprained foot.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh- Sixth-year running back had 19 rushing yards and one catch for five yards in the Steelers' 13-10 overtime victory against Tennessee Thursday.
Julius Peppers, Carolina- Former All-America defensive end recorded four tackles, one assist, a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal in the Panthers' season-opening 38-10 loss to Philadelphia Sunday.
Richard Quinn, Denver- Tight end, who was selected by the Broncos in the second round of the 2009 draft, saw action in his first game, a 12-7 win over Cincinnati Sunday.
Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh- Veteran kicker was 2-for-2 on field goals from 32 and 33 yards, the second of which was the game-winner of a 13-10 overtime victory over Tennessee Thursday.
Garrett Reynolds, Atlanta- Rookie offensive tackle was inactive in the Falcons' 19-7 win over Miami Sunday.
Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis- Three-time Pro Bowl center anchored an offensive line that allowed the Colts enough time to throw for over 300 yards while allowing only one sack in a 14-12 win over Jacksonville Sunday.
Gerald Sensabaugh, Dallas- Safety recorded four tackles and four assists plus a blocked field goal, but left after three quarters with bruised ribs in the Cowboys' 34-21 victory over Tampa Bay Sunday.
Ryan Sims, Tampa Bay- Veteran defensive tackle had one tackle in a 34-21 loss to Dallas.
Brandon Tate, New England- Rookie wide receiver, the Patriots' third-round pick, is listed as active but is on the non-football injury list.
Hilee Taylor, Carolina- Second-year defensive end was inactive for the Panthers' 38-10 loss to Philadelphia Sunday.
David Thornton, Tennessee- Linebacker started and had two tackles and an assist as the Titans limited the Steelers' running game to 36 yards in a 13-10 overtime loss Thursday.
Greg Warren, Pittsburgh- Deep snapper helped fellow former Tar Heel convert two field goals, including the game-winner and a PAT in a 13-10 overtime victory Thursday.
Wallace Wright, New York Jets- Veteran special teams ace had one tackle for the Jets in a 24-7 win over Houston Sunday.
