NFL week 3 what we learned: From Justin Fields, Sam Darnold’s brilliance to Cowboys, Bengals misery
Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season hosted 16 games from September 19th to 23rd as all teams battled to spring surprises all throughout.
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Josh Allen has led the Buffalo Bills to the top by Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season (Image via Imago)
The NFL never fails to surprise its millions of ardent fans. Each week some teams go out and do the expected, while others spring surprises. Then there are those that lead to disappointments, in worst case scenarios, fans either sulk or end up fighting with rival fans. All of this makes up for the entertainment from the game of football. In the NFL Week 3, all of those were in ample supply.
Some favorites such as the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals lost close battles. But other playoff hopefuls such as the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended up embarrassed. Then there were some surprises along the way.
Sam Darnold and Justin Fields continued to add to their bids to become starting franchise quarterbacks. While other highly regarded young quarterbacks fizzled in as team and individual play came into question. With so many variables, this NFL season is turning out to be a nail-biter.
The brilliant
This category firmly belongs to two individuals. Sam Darnold was supposed to be a backup quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings this season. But the season-ending injury to JJ McCarthy changed that situation. Over the first three games, Darnold has thrown a league-leading 8 touchdowns, forcing many to consider him to be a franchise quarterback in the making.
Then, the NFL world witnessed the rise of Jayden Daniels. Throwing two touchdowns and running in one, he kept the pace with Joe Burrow and the mighty Cincinnati Bengals to come away with a famous win. He proved some analysts right who said he was better than Caleb Williams.
The good
Justin Fields was expected to back up Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. An injury to his much more illustrious teammate played into his hands as he has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to three straight victories. After being pedestrian at best in his first two games, Fields threw for 245 yards as he grew confident in the Steelers system.
The Buffalo Bills were expected to take a step back this season. After all, one cannot replace the production of a plethora of Pro Bowl talent without adding anyone significant. The defense has played very well to prove their front office was right. But more importantly, Josh Allen is playing at an unreal level. His efforts to capitalize on every opportunity have the Bills leading the league in points differential.
The bad
The Dallas Cowboys lost a close game as Dak Prescott played a brilliant fourth quarter. But it was too little too late as the defense put them on the back foot from the first whistle. Derrick Henry gave upcoming Cowboys opponents proof that they cannot contain the run. Jerry Jones’ ‘all in’ statement is looking every bit as iffy as it could with every passing week.
The 49ers lost a close battle which added to their injury woes. The Dolphins are in prayer mode as they hope Tua Tagovailoa comes back healthy. CJ Stroud and his Houston Texans received a much-needed wake-up call. Will Levis continue to spike up his head coach’s blood pressure? Analysts and fans feel sorry for Caleb Williams. Lastly, the Browns well, they are the Browns.
The ugly
The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot to think about after dropping their third straight game. The defense could not hold up against a rookie quarterback after all the trash talk, they have been throwing around. Their run game is non-existent, and some star players need to take accountability. Joe Burrow cannot win games by himself.
Terrible is the word to describe the Jacksonville Jaguars. They invested a lot into shoring up their offense and defense. But nothing is working for them as they are the league’s joint worst team. Alarmingly, $270 million Trevor Lawrence is probably forcing his GM to hide inside a closet.
All in all, teams are doing enough to throw season predictions from analysts and fans into the lake. Fantasy draft players and those placing bets might have to hold back until the season normalizes. As in Week 3 of this NFL season, surprise is the word that comes to mind. If this continues, expect ratings to lead to an all-time high.
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Joseph Varghese
(2313 Articles Published)