The third week of the NFL season brought excitement and pivotal movements across both conferences, with certain players and teams cementing their dominance, while others faced significant setbacks.
Seahawks and Steelers Take Commanding Leads
In the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks have surged ahead with a two-game lead, showing a strong early-season performance that sets them apart from their division rivals. Similarly, in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have carved out a substantial two-game lead, showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball.
Vikings Shine with Darnold at Helm
A remarkable narrative is developing in Minnesota. The Vikings stand as one of the few unbeaten teams at 3-0, thanks in large part to the stellar play of their new quarterback, Sam Darnold. Leading the league with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold's impact cannot be overstated. His performance extends beyond just scoring; he boasts an impressive passer rating of 117.3, placing him second in this metric, and ranks fourth in yards per attempt at 8.4.
In NFL history, Darnold is now the fifth quarterback in the past quarter-century to start with a new team and achieve a 3-0 start while throwing eight or more touchdowns in those games. Additionally, he is the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his first three games of the season, throwing multiple touchdowns in each.
Rookie Sensation Malik Nabers
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is making waves with his electrifying play. In Week 3, he caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Over the season, Nabers has amassed 23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His target share of 37.8% is the fourth-highest for any player in the first three games over the past decade, highlighting his role as a primary offensive weapon. The 271 yards he has collected is also the second-most by a rookie in franchise history over the first three games.
Saquon Barkley’s Dominance
Saquon Barkley continues to be a workhorse for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the league in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. Week 3 was a showcase of his abilities, as he rushed 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. Barkley’s relentless effort led the Eagles to victory, accounting for both of their touchdowns. Impressively, he has surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
Saints' Offense Stalls
The New Orleans Saints, who entered Week 3 with a prolific average of 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, faced a stark contrast in their performance against the Eagles, scoring only 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play. This drop has brought their season averages down to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play. Reflecting on their struggles, C.J. Gardner-Johnson stated, “The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play.”
Proud Packers and Promising Panthers
Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers has been a revelation, completing 73.5% of his passes, with a remarkable 9.5 yards per attempt, two passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. Adding a rushing dimension to his game, Willis has also accumulated 114 rushing yards and a touchdown. In just two starts, his completion rate has soared to 75.8%, complemented by a passer rating of 126.3. Furthermore, Willis has joined an exclusive club of Packers players to tally over 200 passing yards and 50 rushing yards along with both a passing and rushing touchdown in a single game.
The Carolina Panthers, led by veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, secured their first win of the season thanks to his impressive 319-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 3. The Panthers' offense finally came alive, putting up 36 points after a dismal combined 13 points over the first two weeks.
Dallas Cowboys’ Roller Coaster
The Dallas Cowboys have experienced significant struggles. Over their last two home games, they have been outscored 56-22. However, they showed resilience by scoring 22 straight points in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, indicating potential for a turnaround.
As the NFL season progresses, the blend of standout performances and team dynamics continues to shape the landscape. Each week, new storylines emerge, promising fans thrilling developments and unforgettable moments.