Week 3 of the NFL season proved to be a whirlwind, defying many expectations and spicing up the early narratives of this young campaign. One of the biggest surprises was the Seattle Seahawks taking a two-game lead over the NFC West, establishing themselves as early front-runners in the division. Similarly, the Pittsburgh Steelers are setting the pace in the AFC North with a similar two-game lead, hinting at a strong season ahead.
The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the few 3-0 teams, thanks largely to the remarkable performance of quarterback Sam Darnold. Leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold's statistics are impressive across the board: second in passer rating (117.3) and fourth in yards per attempt (8.4). He has joined the ranks of elite quarterbacks by becoming the fifth in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight-plus passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Even more impressive, Darnold is the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his first three games of the season and throw multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
While Darnold's heroics have captivated fans, another name making waves is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. In Week 3, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, contributing significantly to the victory over the Browns. This performance brings his season total to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably, Nabers' 37.8% target share is the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade. His 271 yards are the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the same period.
Meanwhile, Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to shine, with 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games. Harrison's consistent contributions are helping his team stay competitive as the season progresses.
The Saquon Barkley Show
Running back Saquon Barkley is another star turning heads. Barkley is leading the NFL in rushing, amassing 351 yards and four touchdowns. His Week 3 performance saw him carry the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, single-handedly scoring the Eagles' two touchdowns in their victory over the Saints. Barkley's consistency is noteworthy, having totaled 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
On the other side of the ball, the New Orleans Saints offense seemed out of sorts. Despite entering the week averaging a scorching 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, they managed just 12 points against the Philadelphia Eagles. C.J. Gardner-Johnson candidly reflected on the Saints' performance, stating, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play." Their average has now dropped to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over three games, raising questions about sustainability and consistency moving forward. Upcoming games against the Falcons, Chiefs, and Buccaneers will be crucial tests for this Saints offense.
Quarterback Carousel
Elsewhere in the league, Malik Willis has impressed with a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. Willis 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, boasting a 126.3 passer rating. He became the fourth different Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a game.
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Andy Dalton turned in the first 300-plus yard, three-plus touchdown passing game of the season. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, elevating the Panthers to their first win of the year. His performance was a vital turnaround for the Panthers, who had only scored 13 points in the first two weeks combined. The team exploded for 36 points with Dalton at the helm, showcasing what the veteran quarterback can bring to the table.
The Cowboys' Struggles
On the downside, the Dallas Cowboys have hit a rough patch, particularly at home, where they have been outscored 56-22 in their last two games. Despite showing resilience by scoring 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, the Cowboys have yet to rectify their home-field woes.
As we move into Week 4, the rapidly shifting dynamics of the NFL season will undoubtedly keep fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats. From unexpected team leads to standout individual performances, this young season promises more surprises and electrifying football in the weeks to come.