NFL Takeaways: Week 3
Photo courtesy of Duane Burleson of the Associated Press
Is it just me, or has the quality of play so far this season been a bit down?
There have been some quality games, but I feel like a majority have been tough watches.
Regardless, I watch and will keep watching. Here’s what happened in week 3.
Panthers defeat Texans 24-9
The Texans were expected to be an absolute joke this year, and while their record will likely show that they are playing a lot harder than originally thought.
This game was close, and with Tyrod Taylor in for the Texans instead of Davis Mills, maybe it’s a different outcome.
Bills defeat Washington 43-21
That vaunted Washington defense has now struggled massively against the Giants and the Bills.
That, plus not having a quality quarterback, does not help them in a weak division.
Browns defeat Bears 26-6
There’s not a whole lot to say here that Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark didn’t already say on ESPN.
Ravens defeat Lions 19-17
Let’s just dive into this for the Lions.
The Lions had the Ravens facing 4th and 19 way back in their own territory. An easy stop. The Ravens converted.
Then, before the offensive snap before the game winning field goal try, the refs missed an obvious delay of game penalty that would have pushed the Ravens even farther back (this is disputed by my friend Joel who was at the game and said the TV play clock was incorrect).
Then, a full on miracle happens when Justin Tucker sets a new NFL record with a 66 yard game winning field goal that bounces off the crossbar and goes in.
So, to summarize, this Lions loss had their own ineptitude, a (disputed) terrible missed call from the refs and a miracle they could do nothing to stop.
It was, by far, the most Lions loss to ever exist. It was perfect.
Side note: Justin Tucker has attempted six 60 yard field goals in his career. He’s only made two.
Both of them were game winners against the Lions.
The franchise is cursed.
Titans defeat Colts 25-16
I was told the Colts would easily be better than the Titans now that they had Carson Wentz.
Weird.
Chargers defeat Chiefs 30-24
When the Chargers took the lead with 30 seconds left and then missed the extra point, it felt so much like Chargers games of the past where they would somehow find a way to lose.
But they didn’t! For the first time in what seems like forever, they pulled out a win despite all efforts to not win.
Maybe they have finally switched with the Seahawks…
Saints defeat Patriots 28-13
I’m not a coach, but I feel like the Patriots having Mac Jones throw 51 times a game isn’t exactly the best strategy for success.
Falcons defeat Giants 17-14
The Giants might be bad.
Hard to tell, really.
Bengals defeat Steelers 24-10
Boy, there were a lot of people making a lot of noise about how analysts were wrong about Big Ben after the Steelers beat the Bills.
Ben rewarded his fans coming after his critics by having back to back weeks of garbage football.
The writing was on the wall last year in the playoffs. It was time to retire.
The Ben era was amazing in Pittsburgh. He’s a sure fire hall of fame quarterback. He’s a Steelers legend.
But it’s time for him to go.
Cardinals defeat Jaguars 31-19
We saw fight from the Jags.
That’s a first step.
They aren’t going to win much this year. That’s fine. But we need to see growth and improvement.
This was a good start.
Broncos defeat Jets 26-0
The Jets might be bad.
Hard to tell, really.
Raiders defeat Dolphins 31-28
Don’t be fooled by the Raiders hot start. They do this a lot.
There are flaws within this team, and it’ll show late in the season as it always does.
Vikings defeat Seahawks 30-17
First things first, if Dalvin Cook doesn’t fumble week 1 and they don’t miss a chip shot in week 2, the Vikings would be 3-0 with Kirk Cousins smack in the middle of the MVP conversation considering the year he is having. This is a good team.
With that being say, the Seahawks defense is beyond garbage.
The corners aren’t good, the line gets no pass rush and the defensive scheme is inexcusable.
The rest of the NFC West looks incredible. The Seahawks are in very real trouble.
Rams defeat Buccaneers 34-24
Speaking of the NFC West looking incredible, the Rams look like the best team in football right now.
I hate this season…
Packers defeat 49ers 30-28
I get that the Niners may not think Trey Lance has had enough reps, but it can’t continue with Jimmy G.
You’ve seen it. It’s not going to be good enough to get them a Super Bowl.
Rip the band-aid off and let Trey go through growing pains now. They’ll be much better off for it.
Also, the Niners (much like the Dolphins) need to make their throwback jerseys their permanent home and away jerseys. They are beautiful.
Cowboys defeat Eagles 41-21
Man, it’s almost like Dak Prescott being healthy instead of throwing Ben Dinucci out there makes the Cowboys a much better football team.
What a concept.
