NFL Week 3 kicked off with the 49ers facing the Giants on Thursday.
Sunday featured a busy schedule with 13 games, including the Steelers taking on the Raiders in Las Vegas for “Sunday Night Football.”
In the early games, the Dolphins secured a huge victory, scoring an impressive 70 points against the Broncos. The Chargers and Vikings had a tumultuous game, and Jordan Love led the Packers to a comeback win against the Saints, overcoming a 17-point deficit.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 24: De’Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Hard Rock Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
In the late games, two games were expected to be one-sided affairs. The Chiefs dominated the Bears, as expected, while the Cardinals comfortably defeated the Cowboys, resulting in Dallas’s first loss of the season. Additionally, the Jets continued to struggle as they lost their 15th consecutive game to the Patriots, with a final score of 15-10.
In the Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game, standout defensive performances were scarce, but Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun shone with 14 tackles, marking his third straight game with double-digit tackles. Levi Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers had two interceptions but also allowed eight catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns in coverage against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) and linebacker Matthew Judon (9) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Now, let’s briefly over-analyze each of these games just for fun:
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 30, NEW YORK GIANTS 12
In the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, the 49ers’ offense, led by Brock Purdy, excelled in maintaining possession and converting a high percentage of third downs. Despite Purdy’s short average pass distance, he managed over 300 passing yards with the help of Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle, who gained 168 yards after catching the ball. The Giants struggled to find consistency, with Daniel Jones averaging just 4.3 yards per pass attempt and the team managing only 137 total passing yards.
✅ First NFL catch
— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2023
✅ First NFL TD
The 7th-round pick Ronnie Bell gives the @49ers the lead 🙌 @Ronnieb_8#NYGvsSF on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/qDMTitTfP0 pic.twitter.com/Ts2t7TluPV
CLEVELAND BROWNS 27, TENNESSEE TITANS 3
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Jerome Ford #34 of the Cleveland Browns dives for a touchdown against Jack Gibbens #50 of the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter of a game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Deshaun Watson had a strong performance for the Cleveland Browns, completing 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Amari Cooper also stood out, catching a 43-yard touchdown pass. The Titans’ offense struggled, managing only 26 rushing yards and 104 passing yards.
BUFFALO BILLS 37, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 3
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass during the second quarter of a game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on September 24, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Terrel Bernard was a standout defender for the Buffalo Bills, making an exceptional interception and contributing as a pass-rusher. The Bills’ defense limited the Washington Commanders to just three points.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 22, BALTIMORE RAVENS 19
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Gardner Minshew #10 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
In the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens, rookie cornerback JuJu Brents made key plays in coverage, including forcing a fumble. Josh Downs was a primary target for Gardner Minshew, while Zay Flowers played a significant role for the Ravens.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 15, NEW YORK JETS 10
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 24: Pharaoh Brown #86 of the New England Patriots makes a catch in the first half of a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets, with Pharaoh Brown making a big impact with a 58-yard touchdown reception. Ezekiel Elliott was heavily involved in the Patriots’ offense. The Jets struggled offensively, gaining only 171 yards and averaging 2.8 yards per play.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 37, CAROLINA PANTHERS 27
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 24: Zach Charbonnet #26 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after a run during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lumen Field on September 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)
The Seattle Seahawks’ pass rush was more effective against the Carolina Panthers, pressuring Andy Dalton frequently. However, only two linemen had a pass-rush win rate above 10%.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS 23, LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 18
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 24: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Levi Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers had two interceptions but also allowed eight catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns in coverage against the Las Vegas Raiders.
