Week 3 of the NFL season delivered some compelling narrative shifts and standout performances across the league. Notably, the Seattle Seahawks extended their advantage in the NFC West, while the Pittsburgh Steelers solidified their lead in the AFC North, both achieving a two-game lead over their respective divisions.
Vikings Off to a Hot Start with Darnold
The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the NFL's hot commodities, boasting an untouched 3-0 record. A pivotal factor in their offensive strength has been quarterback Sam Darnold, who leads the league with eight passing touchdowns. Additionally, Darnold ranks second in passer rating (117.3) and fourth in yards per attempt (8.4).
In an impressive feat, Darnold has become the first quarterback in Vikings history to begin the season by winning his first three games while throwing multiple touchdowns in each matchup. He's also one of only five quarterbacks in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team.
Rookie Sensation: Malik Nabers
Further contributing to the Vikings' offensive prowess is rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. His Week 3 performance saw him snag eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers now has a season total of 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Nabers' 37.8% target share is strikingly high, marking it as the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade. His 271 yards is also the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the first three games, solidifying his impact early in the season.
Other Offensive Highlights
Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. has also been impressive, tallying 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games, showcasing his emerging role in the offense.
Running back Saquon Barkley leads the NFL in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. Barkley's consistency has been notable, as he has accumulated over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season. In Week 3, he was instrumental in the Eagles' victory over the Saints, carrying the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
Saints Struggle Against Eagles
The New Orleans Saints' explosive offense hit a snag in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, managing just 12 points. This was a significant drop from their earlier performances, where they averaged 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play. Their season averages have now declined to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was candid about the team's performance, stating, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play."
Packers' Malik Willis Impresses
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis continues to impress with a completion rate of 73.5%, an average of 9.5 yards per attempt, and a passer rating of 122.6. Willis has added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown to his stat line, showcasing his dual-threat capability. In his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes with a 126.3 passer rating, joining the ranks of Packers players who have surpassed 200 passing yards and 50 rushing yards with both a passing and rushing touchdown in a game.
Dalton Powers Panthers to First Win
The Carolina Panthers celebrated their first win of the season, thanks to quarterback Andy Dalton's stellar performance. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to a 36-point outing – a marked improvement after scoring just 13 points combined over the first two weeks.
Cowboys' Roller Coaster
The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a turbulent season, being outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. However, they showed signs of resilience in Week 3 by scoring 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, hinting at the potential for recovery moving forward.
As Week 4 approaches, these developments highlight the ever-evolving dynamics of the NFL season. Teams and players continue to make their marks, setting the stage for more exhilarating football in the weeks to come.