In an eventful Week 3 of the NFL season, several teams and players are already beginning to set themselves apart with standout performances and surprising outcomes. Leading the charge in the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks have secured a two-game lead, while the Pittsburgh Steelers dominate the AFC North with a similar margin. Both teams are proving formidable early in the season, setting a high bar for their divisional rivals.
One of the most notable stories this week comes from the Minnesota Vikings, who are among the few teams boasting an unblemished 3-0 record. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been instrumental in their success, leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns. Darnold’s impressive stats place him second in passer rating at 117.3 and fourth in yards per attempt with 8.4. His performance has been nothing short of historic, as he becomes the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Additionally, Darnold is the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his first three games of the season and throw multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
Emerging Stars
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has also made headlines with his stellar play. In Week 3, he hauled in eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 23 catches, 271 yards, and three touchdowns. Nabers’ 37.8% target share is the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade, and his 271 yards are the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the same period. His contributions on the field are contributing significantly to his team's success and hint at a promising career ahead.
Another player making waves is Marvin Harrison Jr., who has accumulated 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games. His consistent performance shows his reliability and importance to his team's offensive strategy.
Running Back Dominance
Saquon Barkley continues to be a standout player, currently leading the NFL in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. His Week 3 performance was particularly eye-catching 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’s ability to consistently amass over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season speaks volumes of his athleticism and critical role in the Eagles' offense.
Contrasting Fortunes
In Philadelphia, the once high-flying New Orleans Saints offense was grounded by a staunch Eagles defense, managing just 12 points. Coming into Week 3, the Saints were averaging a lofty 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play. However, after facing the Eagles, these averages plummeted to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over three games. The drastic drop in performance led C.J. Gardner-Johnson to label the Saints as ‘pretenders,’ highlighting their offensive struggles, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play."
Quarterback Spotlight
In the realm of young quarterbacks, Malik Willis is quickly making a name for himself. With a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, and a passer rating of 122.6, he has added a dynamic element to his team’s offense. Willis has also contributed 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat capability. In his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes with a 126.3 passer rating, becoming the fourth different Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a game. His versatility and poise under center are turning heads and establishing him as a key player to watch.
Veteran Resurgence
Not to be overlooked, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton led the Carolina Panthers to their first win of the year in Week 3. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, sparking an offensive resurgence that saw the Panthers score 36 points— a stark contrast to the combined 13 points from their first two games. Dalton’s experience and leadership are proving invaluable as the Panthers seek to build on this newfound momentum.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are grappling with consistency issues, having been outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. Despite this, there were promising signs of life as the Cowboys scored 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, indicating potential for turnaround if they can sustain such offensive bursts.
As the season progresses, these early narratives and standout performances will undoubtedly continue to evolve, providing fans with excitement and teams with milestones to chase or challenges to overcome. The NFL landscape is as dynamic as ever, with each week bringing new twists to the unfolding story of the 2023 season.