Week 3 of the NFL season brought about significant developments, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling year of football. Key storylines included impressive performances from quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Malik Willis, as well as dominant displays from running backs, notably Saquon Barkley.
Seahawks and Steelers Lead Their Divisions
At the end of Week 3, the Seattle Seahawks have established a commanding two-game lead over the NFC West, showcasing strong consistency early in the season. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled ahead in the AFC North with a two-game lead, setting the pace in their division.
Sam Darnold Shines for the Vikings
Sam Darnold's move to the Minnesota Vikings has been nothing short of spectacular. Leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold has electrified fans with his strong performances. He ranks second in passer rating at 117.3 and fourth in yards per attempt with 8.4. Darnold's remarkable start includes being only the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games for a new team. Additionally, he is 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
Wide receiver Malik Nabers is making waves in his rookie season. In Week 3, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. His 37.8% target share is the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade, and his 271 yards are the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the first three games.
Barkley Dominates on the Ground
Running back Saquon Barkley continues to be a formidable force, leading the NFL in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3 alone, Barkley carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for both of the Eagles' touchdowns in their victory over the Saints. Impressively, Barkley has topped 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season, underlining his importance to the Eagles' offense.
The Saints Struggle
Despite their explosive start to the season, the New Orleans Saints witnessed a sharp drop in offensive productivity against the Philadelphia Eagles, managing just 12 points. The Saints entered Week 3 averaging 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, but those numbers have now dropped to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over the three games. Following the game, C.J. Gardner-Johnson remarked, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play.”
Willis Impresses for the Packers
Quarterback Malik Willis has taken his opportunities with both hands, posting a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. He has also added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown to his stat line. In his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes with a 126.3 passer rating. Willis is now the fourth different Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a game.
Dalton Leads Panthers to Victory
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton had a standout performance in Week 3, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Carolina Panthers to their first win of the season. The Panthers tallied an impressive 36 points, a significant improvement after scoring just 13 points combined in the first two weeks.
Cowboys Struggling at Home
Despite showing flashes of potential, the Dallas Cowboys continue to struggle, being outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. However, their ability to score 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens in Week 3 indicates they may be on the verge of turning things around.
As the NFL season progresses, these early games serve as a barometer for the months ahead. With standout performances across the league, fans eagerly await to see how these narratives will evolve and who will emerge as the true contenders.