Week 3 of the NFL season has brought a myriad of noteworthy developments across the league. The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as front-runners in the NFC West, establishing a formidable two-game lead. Over in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have mirrored this achievement, pulling ahead by two games as well.
Vikings' Exceptional Start
The Minnesota Vikings have set an impressive pace, joining the exclusive club of 3-0 teams. Quarterback Sam Darnold has played a pivotal role in this early success, leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns. Darnold's efficiency has been remarkable; he currently stands second in passer rating (117.3) and fourth in yards per attempt (8.4).
Darnold's transition to the Vikings has been historically significant. He is the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight-plus passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Moreover, Darnold has etched his name in Vikings history by becoming the first quarterback 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 quickly made a name for himself. In Week 3, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 23 catches, 271 yards, and three touchdowns. Nabers' 37.8% target share is the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade, and his 271 yards is the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the same period.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is another young talent making waves, with 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games.
Barkley Leads the Rushing Charge
Running back Saquon Barkley has been the backbone of his team's offense, leading the NFL with 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3 alone, Barkley carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, scoring both of the Eagles' touchdowns in their victory over the Saints. Additionally, Barkley has amassed 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season, underscoring his consistency and value to the Eagles.
Saints' Offensive Woes
The New Orleans Saints have stumbled after a strong opening to the season. Their offense managed just 12 points against the Philadelphia Eagles, a stark contrast to their average of 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play entering Week 3. This significant drop has led to an average of 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over three games.
The Saints' struggles did not go unnoticed. "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play," remarked C.J. Gardner-Johnson, capturing the sentiment of frustrated fans and analysts alike.
Packers' Quarterback Carousel
Malik Willis has impressed in his limited starts for the Packers. With a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6, Willis has shown poise and versatility. He has also contributed 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, making him the fourth different Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Dalton's Redemption
For the Carolina Panthers, Week 3 was a turning point. Quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to their first victory of the year. This offensive outburst saw the Panthers score 36 points, a significant improvement after combining for just 13 points in the first two weeks.
Cowboys' Concerns
The Dallas Cowboys have faced significant challenges at home, being outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. Although the Cowboys managed to score 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, they have yet to find a consistent winning formula on their own turf.
As Week 3 concludes, these storylines highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL and set the stage for even more thrilling developments in the weeks to come.