Week 3 of the NFL season brought a whirlwind of action, with several teams and players making significant statements.
Seahawks and Steelers Dominate
The Seattle Seahawks surged ahead to take a commanding two-game lead in the NFC West. Mirroring their dominance, the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a two-game lead atop the AFC North, proving formidable against their division rivals.
Vikings and Darnold Shine
The Minnesota Vikings are among the few undefeated teams at 3-0, and much of their success can be attributed to quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold leads the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, boasting an impressive passer rating of 117.3 and averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He stands as the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Darnold's immediate impact is historic for the Vikings, as he became the first quarterback in franchise history to win his first three games of the season while throwing multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
Rookie Sensation: Malik Nabers
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers made a significant impact in Week 3, hauling in eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers' season totals thus far include 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His 37.8% target share ranks fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade, and his 271 receiving yards are the second-most by a rookie in franchise history over this span.
Other Notable Performances
Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to impress with 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games. On the ground, running back Saquon Barkley leads the NFL with 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Barkley delivered a standout performance in Week 3, rushing 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, driving the Eagles to victory over the Saints. In every game this season, Barkley has amassed over 100 yards from scrimmage, underscoring his crucial role in the Eagles' offensive efficiency.
Saints Stumble
The New Orleans Saints encountered major offensive struggles in Week 3, managing just 12 points against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints' performance was a stark contrast to their earlier form, having entered the week averaging 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play. Their season averages have now dipped to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play. Reflecting on their disappointing showing, C.J. Gardner-Johnson remarked that the Saints were “pretenders” after scoring merely 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play.
Meanwhile, Malik Willis has shown versatility for the Packers, completing 73.5% of his passes for 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. He also added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown. In his two starts, Willis completed 75.8% of his passes, achieving a passer rating of 126.3. Willis became the fourth Packers player to reach over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
Packed Week for Panthers and Cowboys
The Carolina Panthers finally found their rhythm in Week 3, with quarterback Andy Dalton throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns to secure their first win of the season. The Panthers, who had scored a combined 13 points in the first two weeks, exploded for 36 points in their latest outing.
The Dallas Cowboys experienced mixed fortunes, having been outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. However, they exhibited some resilience by scoring 22 unanswered points in the second half against the Ravens, indicating potential for future turnarounds.
The ups and downs of Week 3 have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable continuation of the NFL season. As teams and individual players continue to battle for dominance, fans can expect more thrilling performances and unforeseen twists in the weeks to come.