Week 3 of the NFL season delivered several standout performances and important developments across the league. The Seattle Seahawks surged ahead in the NFC West, taking a commanding two-game lead, while the Pittsburgh Steelers established themselves as the frontrunners in the AFC North with an identical lead.
Sam Darnold's Impressive Start
The Minnesota Vikings continue their strong start to the season, thanks in large part to quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has thrown eight passing touchdowns, leading the NFL in this category. With a passer rating of 117.3, he holds the second spot in the league, while his 8.4 yards per attempt rank him fourth. It’s an achievement that places him among the elite; he is the fifth quarterback in 25 years to start 3-0 with eight-plus passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team.
Darnold's impact on the Vikings has been immediate and historic. He is the first quarterback in franchise history to win his first three games of the season while throwing multiple touchdowns in each contest, a feat that speaks volumes about his seamless transition into the team’s system.
Rookie Sensation Malik Nabers
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has become a focal point of the Vikings' offense. In Week 3, Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 23 catches, 271 yards, and three touchdowns. His performance places him among the best rookies in franchise history, with his yardage total being the second-highest for a rookie in the first three games. Nabers' target share of 37.8% is the fourth-highest for any player through three games over the last decade, indicating how integral he has become to the Vikings' offensive strategy.
Saquon Barkley's Dominance
Elsewhere, running back Saquon Barkley is leading the NFL in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. His Week 3 performance was particularly noteworthy, as he carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, scoring both of the Eagles' touchdowns in their victory over the Saints. Barkley has managed to total 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season, a testament to his consistency and endurance.
Packers' New Star Malik Willis
Quarterback Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing 73.5% of his passes with a 122.6 passer rating. In his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes, achieving a 126.3 passer rating. His dual-threat capability is evident with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Notably, 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' Turnaround
The Carolina Panthers also had reason to celebrate as quarterback Andy Dalton led the team to their first victory of the season. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3, helping the Panthers score 36 points – a marked improvement from their combined 13 points over the first two weeks. This offensive explosion demonstrates the potential for a turnaround as the season progresses.
The Struggles of the Dallas Cowboys
In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys have faced difficulties, being outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. Despite a valiant effort to score 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, the Cowboys' recent struggles are a cause for concern.
Saints' Offensive Woes
The New Orleans Saints experienced a significant dip in their offensive performance, managing just 12 points against the Eagles. Heading into Week 3, the Saints were averaging 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play; however, their averages have now plummeted to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over the course of three games. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t mince words, stating, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play," a stark reminder of the challenges facing the team.
With these significant performances and developments, Week 3 of the NFL season provided a mix of exhilarating triumphs and concerning setbacks, setting the stage for the competitive weeks ahead.