New York Jets (1-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-1-1)
Final Score: Browns 21, Jets 17
Recap: Misery. Sheer misery. After Isaiah Crowell, former Cleveland Browns’ running back, rushed for his second touchdown of the night, I felt the all too common feeling of misery that comes with being a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan. Tyrod Taylor couldn’t move the offense, and the Jets were using the Browns’ aggressiveness on defense to make them pay with a short-screen passing game. I could literally feel the tension in the stadium each time Taylor failed to complete a pass, and he went 4-14 through the air in the first half. As Tyrod crumpled to the ground with just over 4 minutes left to play in the second quarter, it felt like the Browns were destined for yet another devastating loss. Then, magic happened. After trotting out to the field to a standing ovation, Baker Mayfield gripped and ripped his first official pro pass to Jarvis Landry. The ball just looked different coming off of his hand from the moment he released it.
From that point on, it was the Baker Mayfield show. He completely changed the dynamic of the offense as he continuously drove the ball down the field in tight windows. His throw to Jarvis Landry up the seam of the defense was a beautiful pass and an even better catch. Momentum continued picking up as Baker caught the 2 point conversion pass to tie the game at 14 after Carlos Hyde rushed for his first touchdown. As the offense picked up their intensity, the Browns’ defense picked theirs up as well. Myles Garrett had 2 sacks, and the defensive backs were constantly in the hip pocket of Jets’ receivers. As Baker led the Browns down the field for what would be the game’s deciding touchdown, it felt like it was just meant to be.
Even after Hyde scored the last touchdown of the night, Browns fans were still nervous because the Jets still had about 2 minutes to drive down the field and score. After Joe Schobert’s interception, the Browns quickly went three-and-out. With 15 seconds to play, Darnold dropped back and floated a deep pass towards the Jets’ sideline. First year Cleveland cornerback Terrance Mitchell high pointed the pass and ultimately intercepted the ball. He raced about 60 yards down the field and jumped in the Dawg Pound where he celebrated the game clinching interception with the fans that love the Browns so much. As Baker Mayfield and the rest of the Cleveland Browns finally trotted off the field to a standing ovation, the feeling of pure euphoria was felt amongst Browns nation. Sheer euphoria.
Notable Performances:
New York Jets
Sam Darnold, QB: 15/31, 169 yds, 2 INT
Isaiah Crowell, RB: 16 rush, 34 yds, 2 TDs; 2 rec, 17 yds
Avery Williamson, LB: 14 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1.5 TFL
Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield, QB: 17/23, 201 yds; 2pt conversion reception
Carlos Hyde, RB: 23 carries, 98 yds, 2 TD; 2 rec, 5 yds
Jarvis Landry, WR: 8 rec, 103 yds, 12.9 ypc
Written by: Jake Leicht
New Orleans Saints (2-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Final Score: New Orleans 43, Atlanta 37 (OT)
Recap: In yet another demonstration of the NFC South’s dominance, the New Orleans Saints barely outlasted the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both quarterbacks were on fire, as the teams combined for a staggering 941 yards of offense and 56 first downs, and neither Drew Brees nor Matt Ryan threw any interceptions. Falcons rookie Calvin Ridley made franchise history as the first wide receiver to have a three touchdown performance as a rookie. On the Saints’ side, Michael Thomas broke Julio Jones’ record of 35 catches to start a season, tallying 10 more in this game to bring his season total to 38 catches. Drew Brees set the career completions record with 6,326, surpassing Brett Favre for most in NFL history, and now sits 417 yards away from surpassing Peyton Manning for the most passing yards in history.
After falling behind early 7-0, Atlanta’s second drive ended with Ridley scoring from 18 yards out, faking out PJ Williams on a stutter step. Three drives later, Ridley got Williams again, this time for a 75-yard score. A costly, unnecessary roughness penalty on David Onyemata nullified a Matt Bryant field goal midway through the fourth quarter, and Atlanta responded by hitting Sanu in the endzone from five yards out. Needing a touchdown to tie, Brees led an 11-play, 81-yard drive that he capped with a seven-yard rushing touchdown, aided by missed tackles by Brian Poole and Robert Alford. And in overtime, after winning the coin toss, Brees led a 15-play, 80-yard drive that Brees capped with a one-yard sneak to send the Saints out of Atlanta with a critical divisional win.
Notable Performances:
New Orleans
Drew Brees, QB: 39/49, 396 yds, 3 TD; 3 rush, 7 yds, 2 TD
Alvin Kamara, RB: 16 rush, 66 yds, 4.1 ypc; 15 rec, 124 yds
Michael Thomas, WR: 10 rec, 129 yds
Benjamin Watson, TE: 5 rec, 71 yds
Atlanta
Matt Ryan, QB: 26/35, 374 yds, 5 TD
Tevin Coleman, RB: 15 rush, 33 yds, 2.2 ypc; 2 rec, 14 yds, TD
Julio Jones, WR: 5 rec, 96 yds
Calvin Ridley, WR: 7 rec, 146 yds, 3 TD’s, 1 rush, 9 yds
Written by: Joe Carlino
Green Bay Packers (1-1-1) vs. Washington Redskins (2-1)
Final Score: Redskins 31, Packers 17
Recap: Adrian Peterson must have found a fountain of youth on Sunday as he ran with speed and toughness all day, rushing for over 100 yds and 2 touchdowns. The Packers had no answer to stop Peterson and the Redskins took advantage. Alex Smith was vintage Alex Smith, as he didn't do anything to hurt his team and he managed the game well, making just enough plays to keep the clock rolling and the ball away from Aaron Rodgers. While credit, deservedly, should go to this Redskins defense, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will look back on this game and wish they could have some plays back, given the multiple missed opportunities to make this a much closer game.
The Redskins came out full throttle, putting up a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Packers defense stuck in there, as they held the Redskins to only a FG in the 2nd half. However, the Green Bay offense could not take advantage, with key drops from Randall Cobb and Lance Kendricks stalling drives and stopping any momentum from starting a comeback.
Notable Performances:
Washington Redskins
Alex Smith, QB: 12/20, 220 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 7 rush, 20 yds
Adrian Peterson, RB: 19 rush, 120 yds, 2 TD, 6.3 ypc
Jamison Crowder, WR: 4 rec, 39 yds, 1 TD
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers, QB: 27/44, 265 yds, 2 TD
Aaron Jones, RB: 6 rush, 42 yds, 7.0 ypc
Davante Adams, WR: 7 rec, 52 yds, 1 TD
Written by: James Davis
Indianapolis Colts (1-2) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Final Score: Eagles 20, Colts 16
Recap: The Colts and Eagles battled it out on a rainy day in Philadelphia. Carson Wentz found a way to lead his team to victory in his first action since tearing his ACL. He did have some mistakes, but he also showed flashes of the player we saw in 2017. The Colts’ young defense played the best they could, but the offense just couldn’t capitalize off any of the turnovers, save for some field goals. Indianapolis has to walk away knowing that they almost beat the Super Bowl champs, but they need need to address some of the concerns on their offense. Philadelphia will hope to get some of their skill players back to help improve their offense.
This game came down to time of possession. The Eagles held the ball for 40:20 compared to the Colts, who only had the ball for 19:40. The biggest drive came in the 4th quarter when Philadelphia had an 11:18 touchdown drive to take the lead. Indianapolis shot themselves in the foot with penalties to help keep the drive alive multiple times. Had the Colts gotten rid of the mistakes and taken advantage of great field position, then this could of been a different outcome. Give it up for Wentz and company, as they found a way to get the job done and win it for the home crowd.
Notable Performances:
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck QB: 25/40, 164 yds, 1 TD; 1 rush, 33 yds
T.Y. Hilton, WR: 5 rec, 50 yds
Darius Leonard, LB: 13 total tackles (9 solo), 5 TFL, 2 sacks
Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz, QB: 25/37, 255 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Wendell Smallwood, RB: 10 rush, 56 yds, 1 TD, 5.6 ypc
Dallas Goedert, TE: 7 rec, 73 yds, 1 TD
Zach Ertz, TE: 5 rec, 73 yards
Written by: Cody Manning
Buffalo Bills (1-2) vs. Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1)
Final Score: Bills 27, Vikings 6
Recap: According to Vegas odds, the 17-point underdog Buffalo Bills pulled of the biggest upset since the 1995 Redskins, who were 17.5 point underdogs, beat the Cowboys by a touchdown in Texas Stadium. The Bills looked like a completely new team on Sunday. They were blocking, moving the chains, scoring, getting first downs, sacking the quarterback, and even forcing turnovers. They looked like the Jim Kelly-lead Bills of the 90’s! The Vikings also managed to look exactly unlike themselves at home in Minnesota. They failed to score until late into the fourth quarter, turned the ball over 3 times after only turning it over twice in their first two games, and made mistake after mistake on defense. If someone told me this game was played in the twilight zone, I would not be surprised.
Rookie Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns, and his day was highlighted by a 3rd and 10 hurdle of Anthony Barr for a 1st down. Allen looked like a poised and ready professional all day. He got protection from his O-line, which allowed him to spread the ball out to all of his skill position players. On the other hand, the Vikings’ heavily compensated free agent acquisition Kirk Cousins looked like a rookie. He turned the ball over 3 times and missed wide open receivers left and right. He was hammered all day by a surprising Bills D-line that pressured him constantly, matching their season total of 4 sacks on the day. This win makes the bizarre AFC East even murkier and throws a wrench in the NFC North as well. Stay tuned.
Notable Performances:
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, QB: 15/22, 196 yds, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
Chris Ivory, RB: 20 car, 56 yds, 3 rec, 70 yards
Matt Milano, LB: 8 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 Sack
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins, QB: 40/55, 296 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Adam Thielen, WR: 14 rec, 105 yds
Latavius Murray, RB: 2 rush, 1 yard
Written by: George Haraktsis
Oakland Raiders (0-3) vs. Miami Dolphins (3-0)
Final Score: Dolphins 28, Raiders 20
Recap: This matchup was a very close one between the Dolphins and Raiders. These two teams came in on different sides of the spectrum, with the Dolphins entering undefeated and the Raiders winless. Unfortunately for the Raiders, it stayed that way. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill led the way with 289 passing yards and three touchdowns, two of which were thrown to Jakeem Grant. Derek Carr was the losing quarterback in this one, throwing for 345 yards and one touchdown. His main target was Jordy Nelson, who finished with 173 yards and a touchdown.
The Raiders came out of the gate strong in this one, scoring the first points of the game with a touchdown pass from Carr to Nelson. They went into the half leading 10-7 and increased that lead to 17-7 with a third quarter touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch. Unfortunately for them, the Dolphins came back strong. Tannehill threw three straight passing touchdowns, two to Grant and one to Albert Wilson, to take a 28-17 lead. The Raiders answered with a late field goal by Mike Nugent, but it was too little too late as the Dolphins held on to win 28-20.
Notable Performances:
Raiders
Derek Carr, QB: 27/39, 345 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Marshawn Lynch, RB: 19 rush, 64 yds, 1 TD, 3.4 ypc
Jordy Nelson, WR: 6 rec, 173 yds, 1 TD
Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill, QB: 17/23, 289 yds, 3 TD
Frank Gore, RB: 6 rush, 12 yds, 2 ypc
Jakeem Grant, WR: 2 rec, 70 yds, 2 TD
Written by: Ryan Lippert
Denver Broncos (2-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Final Score: Ravens 27, Broncos 14
Recap: This game was a pretty close one for the most part. The Broncos came into this game undefeated, but the Ravens quickly made a change to that. Quarterback Joe Flacco led the Ravens to victory with 277 passing yards and a touchdown. His leading receiver was John Brown, who finished with five receptions for 86 yards. For the Broncos, they did most of their damage on the ground. Their leading rusher was rookie running back, Royce Freeman, who finished with 53 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos came out strong to start the game, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a run by Freeman. Baltimore answered with a 6 yard touchdown run by Alex Collins, which was followed by a 36 yard touchdown run by wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders for the Broncos. Justin Tucker connected on a field goal to end the first quarter and the Broncos went into the half leading 14-10. The second half was all Ravens, as running back Javorius Allen scored two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing, and Tucker added on another field goal to give the Ravens the 27-14 victory.
Notable Performances:
Broncos
Case Keenum, QB: 22/34, 192 yds, 1 INT
Royce Freeman, RB: 13 rush, 53 yds, 1 TD, 4.1 ypc
Demaryius Thomas, WR: 5 rec, 63 yds,
Ravens
Joe Flacco, QB: 25/40, 277 yds, 1 TD
Alex Collins, RB: 18 rush, 68 yds, 1 TD, 3.8 ypc
John Brown, WR: 5 rec, 86 yds
Written by: Ryan Lippert
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-1)
Final Score: Panthers 31, Bengals 21
Recap: Coming into the game, the major question mark that I had about the Bengals was whether or not they could continue their offensive efficiency. For the most part, they were able to move the ball the whole game. Andy Dalton looked great on a couple of drives, but once A.J. Green left the game he started forcing some throws into tighter windows. Ultimately, Dalton ended up throwing 4 interceptions on the day, and the Panthers did not turn it over one time. The turnover differential was simply too much for the Bengals to overcome.
Shockingly, the versatile Christian McCaffrey only had 2 receptions on the day. He made up for it in the run game by taking on 28 carries for 184 yards. Cam Newton continued to look like Superman. Cincinnati simply had no answer for Newton’s ability to create plays outside of the pocket. Several times, Bengals defensive backs came up to make plays on Newton outside the pocket. He was able to find receivers in wide open zones because of those breakdowns in coverage. I came away from the game thinking very highly of the Panthers’ offense. The Bengals need to continue to improve, and they will need A.J. Green to come back healthy in a hurry.
Notable Performances:
Cincinnati Bengals
Andy Dalton, QB: 29/46, 352 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT
Gio Bernard, RB: 12 rush, 61 yds; 5 rec, 25 yds
Tyler Boyd, WR: 6 rec, 132 yds, 1 TD
Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton, QB: 15/24, 150 yds, 2 TD; 10 carries, 36 yds, 2 TD
Christian McCaffrey, RB: 28 rush, 184 yds; 2 rec, 10 yds
Devin Funchess, WR: 4 rec, 67 yds, 1 TD
Written by: Jake Leicht
New York Giants (1-2) vs. Houston Texans (0-3)
Final Score: Giants 27, Texans 22
Recap: Both of these teams entered this game desperate to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole, but the Giants clearly looked like the more comfortable, complete team. New York’s offensive line, despite allowing four sacks, looked much more in sync this week, with Chad Wheeler replacing Ereck Flowers at right tackle. Their defense looked extremely strong throughout, completely blanketing Lamar Miller and holding Deshaun Watson to a 60% completion percentage. The Texans defense had no answer for the Giants in the first half, but made adjustments and contained them in the second.
The game was never as close as the final score indicates, as the Giants jumped out to a 20-6 lead before halftime. Deshaun Watson often had plenty of time to throw, but either his receivers couldn’t get open or he just flat out missed them. He looked nothing like the QB we saw last year, and it’s clear that there is still much work to be done before he can become a consistent, top-flight QB. Eli Manning made some excellent throws all around, but it’s clear that his success is directly tied to that of the offensive line. The Giants will try to get back into the close NFC East race against the Saints in week 4, while Houston faces Andrew Luck’s Colts in a divisional clash.
Notable Performances:
New York Giants
Eli Manning, QB: 25/29, 297 yds, 2 TD
Saquon Barkley, RB: 17 rush, 82 yds, 1 TD, 4.8 ypc; 5 rec, 35 yds
Odell Beckham Jr., WR: 9 rec, 109 yds
Sterling Shepard, WR: 6 rec, 80 yds, 1 TD
Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson, QB: 24/40, 385 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 5 rush, 36 yds
Lamar Miller, RB: 10 rush, 10 yds, 1 ypc; 5 rec, 41 yds, 1 TD
Will Fuller V, WR: 5 rec, 101 yds, 1 TD
J.J. Watt, DE: 8 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 tfl, 4 QB hits,
Written by: Alexander Amir
Tennessee Titans (2-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
Final Score: Titans 9, Jaguars 6
Recap: If you love offense, then you did not enjoy watching this one. These two AFC South teams had a defensive slugfest, with the kicking game ultimately determining the winner. After starting the game on the bench due to an injury, Marcus Mariota was forced to come into the game after Blaine Gabbert suffered a concussion. While he didn’t light up the Jags, he did just enough to help lead Tennessee to victory. The Jaguars offense didn’t even look as close to what they did last week, and the Titans defense gave Blake Bortles problems all afternoon.
While the offenses didn’t light up the scoreboard, they also did not make any costly turnovers. This matchup came down to the Titans being able to put themselves into field goal range more than the Jaguars. Jacksonville will need to bounce-back next week and take a look at what they can improve upon on in their offense. If Tennessee can get Mariota healthy and their offensive problems resolved, then maybe they can win the AFC South this year.
Notable Performances:
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB: 12/18, 100 yds, 7 rush, 51 yards
Derrick Henry, RB: 18 rush, 57 yds, 3.2 ypc
Wesley Woodyard, LB: 12 total tackles (10 solo), 2 TFL, 1 sack
Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles, QB: 21/34, 155 yds,
T.J. Yeldon, RB: 7 rush, 44 yds, 6.3 ypc, 6 rec, 46 yds
Telvin Smith, LB: 8 total tackles (8 solo), 1 TFL, 1 sack
Written by: Cody Manning
San Francisco 49ers (1-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
Final Score: Chiefs 38, 49ers 27
Recap: The Chiefs did not disappoint their home crowd in the first home game of 2018 season. Patrick Mahomes has been virtually unstoppable, recording 3 touchdown passes Sunday for a total of 13 in the first three weeks of the season (a new NFL record for touchdowns through a players first three career games). In his home debut, Mahomes led the Chiefs to an early 35-10 lead heading into halftime. The 49ers fought back in the second half, as the Chiefs were outscored 17-3. However, the deficit was to too large for the 49ers to climb out of.
Although Patrick Mahomes put together another flawless performance, improving his season totals to 13 touchdowns for 896 yards and 137.4 passer rating. The story of the game came on a 4th quarter scamper that left quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on the turf with a buckled knee. In what is now confirmed to be a torn ACL, Jimmy G’s, and the 49ers, season may be over. It doesn’t help that star cornerback Richard Sherman left the game with a calf injury that could leave their secondary in shambles for next few weeks. The Chiefs and their high powered offense turn their sites to the Broncos, in what could become their fourth win on the season.
Notable Performances:
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB: 20/30, 251 yds, 2 TD
Matt Breida, RB: 10 rush, 90 yds, 9.0 ypc
Alfred Morris, RB: 14 rush, 67 yds, 4.8 ypc, 1 TD
George Kittle, TE: 5 rec, 79 yds
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes, QB: 24/38, 314 yds, 3 TD
Kareem Hunt, RB:18 rush, 44 yds, 2 TD, 2.4 ypc
Sammy Watkins, WR: 5 rec, 55 yds, 1 TD
Travis Kelce, TE: 8 rec, 114 yds
Written by: Jason Feiner
Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) vs. Los Angeles Rams (3-0)
Final Score: Rams 35, Chargers 23
Recap: This “Battle for LA” was talked up to be a possible Super Bowl preview for some experts heading into the season. However, the Chargers have struggled more than expected and that continued on Sunday. The Chargers kept it close for a little but the Rams had too many offensive weapons. Quarterback Jared Goff had a big day for the Rams, finishing with 354 yards through the air with three touchdowns, two of which were thrown to Robert Woods. Philip Rivers, who finished with 226 passing yards and two touchdowns, Mike Williams was on the receiving end of both of those touchdowns.
The Rams came out strong from the very beginning, scoring the first points of the game on a touchdown run by Todd Gurley.The Chargers answered with a 42 yards touchdown pass from Rivers to Williams, which was followed by a touchdown pass from Goff to Woods to make the score 14-6 Rams after the first quarter. The Rams led 21-13 going into the half following a blocked punt for a touchdown by the Rams and a touchdown run by Melvin Gordon for the Chargers. The Rams pulled away in the second half with two more touchdown passes from Goff to Woods and Cooper Kupp, leading them to a 35-23 victory.
Notable Performances:
Chargers
Philip Rivers, QB: 18/30, 226 yds, 2 TD
Melvin Gordon, RB: 15 rush, 80 yds, 1 TD, 5.3 ypc
Mike Williams, WR: 4 rec, 81 yds, 2 TD
Rams
Jared Goff, QB: 29/36, 354 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Todd Gurley, RB: 23 rush, 105 yds, 1 TD, 4.6 ypc
Robert Woods, WR: 10 rec, 104 yds, 2 TD
Written by: Ryan Lippert
Dallas Cowboys (1-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Final Score: Seahawks 24, Cowboys 13
Recap: After a tough loss in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, Russell Wilson and his team put on a vintage Seattle performance and thoroughly dominated the Cowboys with smashmouth football, suffocating defense, and efficient QB play. After the Cowboys looked like they may have figured out their defense against the Giants last week, they simply got worn out by the Seahawks. The Dallas offense has some serious questions to answer. Dak Prescott has looked bad, probably in part because no receiving option has stepped up. In a loaded NFC and a tight NFC East race, the Cowboys will need to figure out their offensive struggles soon.
Chris Carson had a whopping 32 carries, which helped the Seahawks jump out to a 17-3 lead by halftime. Tyler Lockett has filled in admirably for the injured Doug Baldwin, putting up his third consecutive game with a touchdown. The last standing member of the Legion of Boom, the slightly disgruntled Earl Thomas, had two interceptions amidst rumors that he may be traded. Dallas’ offense was pretty much stagnant until they put together a nice drive in the fourth quarter, but Ezekiel Elliott killed the momentum by fumbling deep in Seattle’s territory. The Cowboys will face the surging Detroit Lions next week while the Seahawks have an easier matchup against their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals.
Notable Performances:
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, QB: 19/34, 168 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT; 2 rush, 21 yds
Ezekiel Elliott, RB: 16 rush, 137 yds, 7.9 ypc, 1 FUM; 3 rec, 11 yds
Leighton Vander Esch, LB: 11 tot, 1 TFL
Sean Lee, LB: 11 tot, 0.5 sack, 1 TFL
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson, QB: 16/26, 192 yds, 2 TD
Chris Carson, RB: 32 rush, 102 yds, 1 TD, 3.2 ypc; 2 rec, 22 yds
Tyler Lockett, WR: 4 rec, 77 yds, 1 TD
Earl Thomas, FS: 7 total tackles, 2 int
Written by: Alexander Amir
Chicago Bears (2-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (0-3)
Final Score: Bears 16, Cardinals 14
Recap: Regardless of their 0-2 record, the Cardinals are never an easy team to play against in Arizona, and week three would be no different. It was a game full of defensive domination and offensive struggles. Sam Bradford hasn’t looked himself this season, while Mitchell Trubisky has missed throws, misread coverages, and shown signs of holding back Matt Nagy’s creative offensive play calling. Add that to the fact that both the Bears and Cardinals have subpar offensive lines and faced elite pass rushers such as Chandler Jones and Khalil Mack, and, well, it wasn’t pretty for either team.
The Cardinals were able to go up 14-0 before the end of the 1st quarter. Bradford quickly marched the ball down the field, taking advantage of multiple blown coverages, and throwing a touchdown pass to Ricky Seals-Jones. After a strip sack inside the Bears’ twenty, Bradford found David Johnson for the team’s second touchdown of the day. After that, the teams would trade the ball back and forth, totaling 6 turnovers and 7 sacks combined on the day. The Cards offense became nonexistent after the 1st quarter, as the Chicago front seven dominated the worst offensive line in the league. The Bears inched their way back in the game and eventually won 16-14, securing the victory by picking off rookie QB Josh Rosen, who filled in for an injured Bradford late in the 4th.
Notable Performances:
Arizona Cardinals
Mitchell Trubisky, QB: 24/35, 220 yds, 1 INT
Jordan Howard, RB: 24 Car, 61 yds, 1 TD, 2.5 ypc
Trey Burton, TE: 4 Rec, 55 yds
Chicago Bears
Sam Bradford 13/19, 157 yds, 2 TD, 2 Int
David Johnson, RB: 12 rush, 31 yds, 2.6 ypc; 4 Rec, 30 yds, 1 TD
Christian Kirk, WR: 7 rec, 90 yds
Written by: Jack Bourgeois
New England Patriots (1-2) vs. Detroit Lions (1-2)
Final Score: Lions 27, Patriots 10
Recap: While not quite the upset that the Bills managed to pull off, the Lions still managed to surprise the majority of football fans. The Patriots entered Sunday’s game 17-1 in their last 18 games following a double digit loss the week before, so Detroit’s chances didn’t look great. The Lions casted aside that statistic and constantly pressured Brady, making him uncomfortable. He missed throws left and right and held on to the ball for too long due to lack of separation in the secondary. Stafford looked amazing after a tragic start to his season, as he had plenty of time in the pocket with the Patriots generating very little pass rush, and picked apart the Patriots for two touchdowns. This matchup showed the weaknesses on all three sides of the ball for the Patriots, and brought to light that the Lions can still be brilliant on offense and defense.
The Lions controlled this game right from the start on their way to the first win of the 2018 season. The Detroit defense forced three straight three-and-outs to start the game while their offense easily marched up and down the field to gain a 13-3 lead at half. After a Matthew Stafford interception, Brady finally found his bearings on a touchdown pass to James White to score the Patriots’ first touchdown, but that would be the last time New England scored. The defense and running game of the Lions, who had its first 100 yard rusher in 70 games in Kerryon Johnson, controlled the rest of the game. The Patriots were 2-of-9 on third down and punted five times. Credit has to be given to the Lions and Matt Patricia for crafting a game plan that picked apart the Patriots’ defense and created an uncomfortable environment for Brady.
Notable Performances:
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, QB: 14/26, 133 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Sony Michel, RB: 14 car, 50 yds, 3.6 ypc
Rob Gronkowski, TE: 4 rec, 51 yards
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB: 27/36, 262 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Kerryon Johnson, RB: 16, 101 yds, 6.3 ypc
Marvin Jones, WR: 4, 69 yds, 1 TD
Written by: George Haraktsis
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Final Score: Steelers 30, Buccaneers 27
Recap: What a thrilling game to wrap up week 3 in the NFL. The Steelers answered an early Tampa touchdown with a roll of 23 points. Vance McDonald had an impressive Marshawn Lynch-esque run after catch for a TD, and Antonio Brown had a vintage TD as well. The Steelers defense actually showed up for a hot second with some pressure on Fitzpatrick, as well as a pick 6. The Steelers went into the half with a comfortable 20 point lead, but the Bucs seemed to find some magic in Ryan Fitzpatrick again.
In the second half the Buccaneers came out refocused and ready to make a game of it. As uneven a performance Fitzpatrick put forth in the first half, he was equally impressive with his ability to adjust and get back to slinging the ball downfield on the questionable Steelers pass defense. The Buccaneers put up 17 unanswered points and put up a whale of an effort to come back and break Steeler fans hearts, but a couple of clutch runs by James Conner put the nail in the coffin. All in all, this game was influenced a ton by some questionable officiating, especially when it came to roughing the passer and pass interference calls. Nonetheless, it was a very entertaining game to watch.
Notable Performances:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger, QB: 30/38, 353 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
James Conner, RB: 15 rush, 61 yds, 4.1 ypc; 5 rec, 34 yds
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR: 9 rec, 116 yds
Bud Dupree, OLB: 3 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 INT for TD
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan Fitzpatrick QB: 30/50, 411 yds, 3 TD, 3 INT; 5 rush, 27 yds
Mike Evans, WR: 6 rec, 137 yds, 1 TD
Chris Godwin, WR: 5 rec, 74 yds, 1 TD, 1 FUM
Lavonte David, LB: 9 total tackles (8 Solo), 3 TFL
Written by: Roy Countryman