Week 3 of the NFL season brought a whirlwind of excitement and pivotal moments, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling year ahead.
Seahawks and Steelers Lead Their Divisions
The Seattle Seahawks have surged ahead in the NFC West, securing a commanding two-game lead. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are also asserting dominance in the AFC North, extending their advantage to two games courtesy of their strong performances.
Sam Darnold's Impressive Start with the Vikings
Quarterback Sam Darnold has been nothing short of spectacular. Leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold boasts a second-place passer rating of 117.3 and is fourth in yards per attempt with an average of 8.4. This remarkable start makes him the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to begin a season 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns for a new team. Historically, Darnold is also the first quarterback in Vikings 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 has been turning heads with his performances. In Week 3, Nabers racked up eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His impressive 37.8% target share is the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the past decade. Moreover, Nabers' 271 yards are the second-most by a rookie in franchise history through the same span.
Standout Performances Around the League
Marvin Harrison Jr. has also been noteworthy, with 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games. On the ground, running back Saquon Barkley is leading the NFL in rushing, accumulating 351 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3 alone, Barkley carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, scoring both of the Philadelphia Eagles' touchdowns in their win over the New Orleans Saints. Barkley has achieved over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints struggled offensively, managing just 12 points against the Eagles. This stark contrast comes after the Saints entered Week 3 averaging 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, now falling to averages of 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over three games. C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn't hold back in his critique, stating, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play."
Quarterback Excellence
Malik Willis has showcased remarkable efficiency for the Green Bay Packers. With a completion rate of 73.5%, Willis has thrown for 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and maintains a passer rating of 122.6. He has also added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown to his stats. Over his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes with a 126.3 passer rating. Remarkably, he is the fourth different Packers player to exceed 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a game.
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback Andy Dalton made headlines in Week 3, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to their first win of the season. The team scored an impressive 36 points, a significant improvement from their combined 13 points over the first two weeks.
Dallas Cowboys' Roller Coaster
Lastly, the Dallas Cowboys have had a turbulent run at home, being outscored 56-22 in their last two games. Despite this, the Cowboys displayed a spirited comeback, scoring 22 consecutive points in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens.
As Week 3 concludes, the landscape of the NFL is shaping up with unexpected leaders, impressive rookie performances, and star players making history. The coming weeks promise to be just as electrifying as teams continue to vie for dominance and fans remain on the edge of their seats.