Photo courtesy of sbnation.com
Week 3 of the 2021 NFL season proved to be a historical one. An NFL record broken, a Kick-Six, and the return to form of an MVP candidate were only some of the headlines of the week. These games were a continuation of the previous week’s success or failure for some teams. Some contenders faced setbacks, while certain doubted undefeated teams continued their hot streaks. Let’s see how the playing field of the NFL now looks after an eventful week 3.
Carolina Panthers (3-0) @ Houston Texans (1-2) (TNF)
Final: Panthers-24 Texans-9
Player of the Game: D.J. Moore (Honorable Mention: Sam Darnold)
The Carolina Panthers have surprised many around the NFL world, getting off to a 3-0 record, due in large part to the newly revitalized Sam Darnold. It was obvious to many that Sam Darnold was never the problem in New Jersey, and that most of the blame could be placed on former Jets head coach Adam Gase. Darnold, who is now surrounded by a competent offensive line, good offensive weapons, and a good young defense, who has now just added CB C.J. Henderson in a trade with Jacksonville, has seen early success and seems to be in a system where he is comfortable and can thrive. The Panthers, who were one of the rumored teams to be interested in Deshaun Watson in the offseason, have moved on from their uncertainty, and will continue on with their guy, who now faces good pressure to maintain this level of success. D.J. Moore continues to climb the ranks of the league’s best young receivers, racking up 8 receptions for 126 yards. The big story for the Panthers moving forward is the injury of superstar RB Christian McCaffrey, who will be sidelined for a few weeks, with rookie Chuba Hubbard assuming the role for now. The Panthers will travel to Dallas next week to take on the Cowboys
Despite the Texans 1-0 start to the season, they have returned to the team that many thought they would be this season. QB Tyrod Taylor’s injury has thrown rookie 3rd rounder Davis Mills into the fire, who went 19/28, 168 and a TD. Certainly not a bad start for the Stanford alum, but left a lot to desire for Texans fans. The story for this team moving forward will be the development of Davis Mills and the growth of this rebuilding team. Houston will travel to Buffalo next week to take on the Bills.
Game Highlights (All footage courtesy of the NFL): Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans Week 3 | 2021 NFL Game Highlights
Arizona Cardinals (3-0) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)
Final: Cardinals-31 Jaguars-19
Player of the Game: Byron Murphy
The Arizona Cardinals continued their hot start to the season by stacking another win this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags played a competitive game against a very good Cardinals team, but Arizona’s defense was just too much for #1 pick Trevor Lawrence to handle. Washington alum Byron Murphy was the clear standout for this defense, tallying 2 interceptions, including a pick-six. Kyler Murray had a mediocre day in the air, throwing for 316 yards, but no touchdowns and 1 interception. He did though, tally a rushing TD, and did well enough to bring his team a W. A.J. Green turned back the clock on Sunday, hauling in 5 receptions for 112 yards. Arizona will look to keep their loss column at zero when they travel to Los Angeles to play their division rival, the Rams.
Many expected growing pains for this young Jaguars team throughout the year, and that prediction seems to be holding up so far. Trevor Lawrence had 219 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INT on Sunday, bringing his turnover total to 10 for the season. James Robinson, though, had himself a nice game, which was reminiscent of his play from last year, totaling 21 touches, 134 total yards, and a TD. Jamal Agnew, who was signed as a free agent from the Lions this offseason, had quite a spectacular play, returning Matt Prater’s attempted 68-yard field goal for a 109 yard TD, with a classic Gus Johnson call to go with it. Jacksonville will look to notch their first win of the season when they travel to Cinncianatti to take on the 2-1 Bengals.
Game Highlights: Cardinals vs. Jaguars Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Washington Football Team (1-2) @ Buffalo Bills (2-1)
Final: Bills-43 WFT-21
Player of the Game: Josh Allen
The Bills picked up their first home win of the season on Sunday in a dominating performance, even more than the final score shows. Josh Allen returned to his MVP form that the league has become accustomed to. Allen finished the day with a 74% completion, 358 pass yards, and 4 TD, as well as 19 yards rushing and a TD on the ground. Allen’s go to targets for the day were the old SMU pair of Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. Beasley finished the day with 11 receptions for 98 yards and Sanders with 5 receptions, 94 yards, and 2 TD, which led the team. The Bills defense continued to be great, picking off Taylor Heinicke 2 times, and recovering a fumble caused by CB Tre’Davious White. With the Chiefs loss to the Chargers on sunday, the Bills have their sights set on the #1 seed in the AFC, and have a chance to continue stacking wins when they host the Houston Texans next sunday.
The Washington football team had a rough start to the season, losing their starting Qb, Ryan Fitzpatrick to injury early on. Thankfully for Washington they had Taylor Heinicke waiting in the wings and he didn’t flinch, picking up his first career W last week against the Giants. For his first road game in his NFL career though, he had to come to Orchard Park. Anyone that knows the Bills Mafia knows that Highmark Stadium is one of the toughest places to play, especially for a QB’s first career road game. A bright spot for Washington was former Bill, Logan Thomas who had a nice game, as well as Antonio Gibson who had 104 total yards and a rushing TD. Washington will hope to bounce back when they travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons.
Game Highlights:Washington Football Team vs. Bills Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
New Orleans Saints (2-1) @ New England Patriots (1-2)
Final: Saints-28 Patriots-13
Player of the Game: New Orleans Defense
The Saints added another tally to the win column in Foxborough by beating the New England Patriots two days ago. After a disappointing loss to division rival Carolina last week, the Saints were too much for Mac Jones and the Patriots to handle, picking off the rookie QB 3 times. Alvin Kamara and Jameis Winston both had bounce back weeks, posting 118 total yards, and receiving 1 TD, and 132 total yards with 2 passing TD, respectively. The Saints will host the New York Giants next week.
The Patriots continue to go through their ups and downs as this newly constructed team works out the kinks with their rookie starter Mac Jones. As previously mentioned, Jones finished the day with 3 INT but also had 270 yards and 1 TD through the air. The rookie threw for 51 times, which might come as a shock to some, and it was something that the Saints defense took advantage of. James White left the game early with an injury, which will leave more touches for Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor moving forward. New England will host Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night football next week in one the most highly anticipated games in recent NFL history.
Game Highlights: Saints vs. Patriots Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Final: Bengals-24 Steelers-10
Player of the Game: Joe Burrow (Honorable Mention: Ja’Marr Chase)
The Bengals picked up an important division win with their victory over the Steelers on Sunday. Their team seemed to find a balance this game, the Bengals defense limiting the Steelers to only 10 points, and the offense, led by Joe Burrow, having a stable running and passing attack. Burrow finished the day with 172 yards and 3 TD, 2 of which were caught by his old LSU running mate Ja’Marr Chase. RB Joe Mixon had a nice game as well, totaling 94 total yards on 19 touches. The Bengals defense picked off Big Ben twice, both by LB Logan Wilson, which was a huge part in their team’s success. The Bengals will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 4.
The Steelers’ offensive struggles continued on Sunday, leaving 39 year old Big Ben to throw the ball 58! Times, completing 38 of those passes. He did end up with a touchdown pass to rookie TE Pat Freiermuth. A bright spot for this Steelers team was rookie Najee Harris, who had an exceptional game, racking up 142 total yards on 28 touches. Although T.J. Watt and LB Alex Highsmith missed Sunday’s game, this Pittsburgh defense did not play up to the standard that they have set for themselves in recent years. The Steelers hope to avoid a third straight loss when they travel to Lambeau next week to take on the Packers.
Game Highlights: Bengals vs. Steelers Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
New York Jets (0-3) @ Denver Broncos (3-0)
Final: Broncos-26 Jets-0
Player of the Game: Entire Broncos Team
As evidenced by my choice for player of the game, this win was a complete team effort for the Denver Broncos as they pitched the shutout against New York, and made it a long day for rookie Zach Wilson. Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater finished the day going 19/25 and 235 yards passing, as well as 24 yards on the ground. The backfield of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams played well, totaling 90 yards on the ground, and 2 TD combined. The Broncos have been a surprise to many this season, starting 3-0 and they face another test to their undefeated record when they host the Baltimore Ravens in week 4.
The New York Jets this season already have one of the worst offenses in a decade, statistically. The rebuild for the Jets will take time and there will be significant growing pains, as already evidenced through 3 weeks. Zach Wilson threw for 160 yards and 2 INT with his leading receiver, Corey Davis only totaling 41 yards on 5 catches. The Jets will host the Tennessee Titans next week as they look to grab their first win of the season.
Game Highlights: Jets vs. Broncos Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Los Angeles Chargers (2-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
Final: Chargers-30 Chiefs-24
Player of the Game: Justin Herbert (Honorable Mention: Mike Williams)
The Los Angeles Chargers stunned their division rival in a 1:00pm thriller that could change the landscape of the AFC for the rest of the football season. With the Chiefs being under .500 for the first time in many years, and both the Raiders and Broncos sitting at 3-0, Kansas City now faces an uphill climb to remain amongst the AFC’s best. The Chargers offense was superb and aggressive, which will always be a key when competing with one of the league’s best teams. Justin Herbert finished the day with 281 yards and 4 TD with his offensive weapons Mike Williams-7 rec, 122 yards, 2 TD, Keenan Allen-8 rec, 50 yards, 1 TD and Austin Ekeler-107 total yards, 1 TD doing their part to get the upset. The Chargers hope to carry the momentum from this win into next week where they will host the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
The Kansas City Chiefs have now lost 2 straight games, which is unfamiliar territory for the AFC juggernaut. Mahomes & co. were confused by the Chargers defense, who switched up their coverages and looks, as well as some certain scheme adjustments, like playing man coverage when they are traditionally a Cover 4 defense. The Chargers limited Tyreek Hill to 56 yards, which allowed Travis Kelce to notch 104 yards on 7 receptions. Patrick Mahomes had a packed game when it came to passing the ball, totaling 260 yards, 3 TD, and 2 INT. The Chiefs will have a chance to get back in the win column when they head to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.
Game Highlights: Chargers vs. Chiefs Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Chicago Bears (1-2) @ Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Final: Browns-26 Bears-6
Player of the Game: Myles Garrett
Justin Fields had a rude awakening in his first NFL start, playing a Browns defense that was hungry to make a statement. Myles Garrett posted a single game franchise record with 4.5 sacks on the rookie QB. Odell Beckham Jr. finally returned from injury playing his first game since the 2019 season, racking up 77 yards on 5 receptions. Baker Mayfield had a solid game, throwing for 246 yards and a TD, with Cleveland’s backfield of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt totaling for 239 yards and a TD both through the air and ground. The Browns will travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings next week.
Justin Fields and the Bears offense struggled immensely on Sunday. In Fields’ first start, he went 6/20 with only 68 yards. His leading WR, Allen Robinson had only 27 yards on 2 receptions and lead RB David Montgomery had only 34 yards on 10 carries. Head coach Matt Nagy will still not give a clear answer as to who the Bears starting QB will be for week 4, leaving many Bears fans and media confused with the direction of the team. The Bears will host the Detroit Lions in week 4.
Game Highlights: Bears vs. Browns Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Indianapolis Colts (0-3) @ Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Final: Titans-25 Colts-16
Player of the Game: Derrick Henry
The Titans picked up an important divisional win on Sunday, sinking the Colts to 0-3. Despite throwing for 2 INT, Ryan Tannehill was effective, still throwing for 197 and 3 TD. Derrick Henry led the way for the offense, running for 113 yards on 28 carries. The Titans will travel to New Jersey to play the Jets next week.
Carson Wentz has struggled to find any footing since being traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Coming off a game where he injured both of his ankles, he put up a mediocre 194 yards on 37 attempts with 0 TD. The Colts defense played well, with Darius Leonard and Kenny Moore II both snagging an INT, but it wasn’t enough to get a win. The Colts will travel to Miami next week looking for their first win of the 2021 campaign.
Game Highlights: Colts vs. Titans Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Atlanta Falcons (1-2) @ New York Giants (0-3)
Final: Falcons-17 Giants-14
Player of the Game: Matt Ryan
The Falcons were able to grab their first win of the season against the Giants, with Matt Ryan having an efficient and effective game, posting 243 yards and 2 TD on 36 attempts. Cordarrelle Patterson carried over his momentum from last week, tallying 102 total yards on 13 touches. The Falcons host the Washington Football Team next week.
The Giants’ struggles continued on Sunday, dropping their 3rd game in 3 weeks. Daniel Jones had 266 yards with 0 TD. Saquon Barkley had 51 yards and 1 TD on 16 carries, and Kenny Golladay racked up 64 yards on 4 receptions. The Giants will hope to win their first game next week when they travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints.
Game Highlights: Falcons vs. Giants Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) @ Detroit Lions (0-3)
Final: Ravens-19 Lions-17
Player of the Game: Justin Tucker
This was a competitive, back and forth game between the Ravens and the Lions, but it can really be summed up in 2 words. Justin. Tucker. The most accurate kicker in NFL history set another record on Sunday, kicking for the longest field goal made in NFL history, at 66 yards. Lamar Jackson had some clutch plays to get them in the field position to do so. Many NFL and Lions fans have talked about a controversial delay of game no-call that the Ravens got away with on their game winning drive. Despite their 0-3 start to the season, it would seem that the Lions finally have a stable HC in Dan Campbell who gets his guys to compete and give it their all on every play, every game. A bright spot for this Lions offense was RB D’Andre Swift, who quietly is having himself a nice season.
Game Highlights: Ravens vs. Lions Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-0)
Final: Rams-34 Buccaneers-24
Player of the Game: Matthew Stafford
The Rams keep their undefeated record with an impressive victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. Matthew Stafford was a star in this game, posting 343 yards and 4 TD, 2 of them caught by Stafford’s newest favorite target, Cooper Kupp, who had 96 yards as well. The Bucs, without Jason Pierre-Paul and Antonio Brown, still played admirably. Tom Brady finished the day with 432 yards and 1 TD. These two contenders could meet again in what could very well be a preview of the NFC Championship game.
Game Highlights: Buccaneers vs. Rams Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Miami Dolphins (1-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (3-0)
Final: Raiders-31 Dolphins-28
Player of the Game: Derek Carr (Honorable Mention: Peyton Barber)
The Raiders have been a pleasant surprise to start this season, now sitting at 3-0, all of their wins against teams who had 10(+) wins last season. Derek Carr has been very impressive this season, and Henry Ruggs III seems to be developing into a nice young star. With Josh Jacobs out and Darren Waller getting limited catches on Sunday, the Raiders still found a way to have dynamic and efficient offense, which should excite Raiders fans moving forward.
The Dolphins played well with Jacoby Brissett under center, and performed at a level that can keep them in games as they try to scrap their way to wins over these next few weeks. Brissett finished the day with 215 yards on 49 attempts.
Game Highlights: Dolphins vs. Raiders Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Seattle Seahawks (1-2) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
Final: Vikings-30 Seahawks-17
Player of the Game: Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins and the Vikings played a stellar game against the favored Seahawks. The trio of Wilson, Carson, and Metcalf, all played well, but Minnesota’s trio of Cousins, Jefferson, (and filling in for the injured Dalvin Cook) Alexander Mattison were too much for Seattle’s struggling defense to handle. Kirk Cousins has had a very impressive start to the 2021 season, and will hope to continue his early success to put the Vikings in a position to compete for a playoff spot.
Game Highlights: Seahawks vs. Vikings Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Green Bay Packers (2-1) @ San Fransisco 49ers (2-1) (SNF)
Final: Packers-30 49ers-28
Player of the Game: Davante Adams (Honorable mention: Aaron Rodgers)
Aaron Rodgers phrased a perfect question in his postgame interview after this rollercoaster of a game. “How can you not be romantic about football?” With many thinking that Rodgers was checked out, or sabotaging his team, he has silenced the haters these past 2 weeks, proving that the reigning MVP’s week 1 performance was a fluke. The 49ers played the Packers well the entire game, even taking the lead with 37 seconds left, the score being 28-27, but any amount of time is too much time to give when you have Aaron Rodgers standing on the opposing sideline. Rodgers led a classic drive, throwing 2 clutch throws to superstar Davante Adams and putting the Packers in field goal position, leaving veteran Mason Crosby to seal the deal with a 51-yard make.
Game Highlights: Packers vs. 49ers Week 3 Highlights | NFL 2021
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Final: Cowboys-41 Eagles-21
Player of the Game: Dak Prescott (Honorable Mention: Ezekiel Elliot)
In his first home game since returning from injury, Dak Prescott showed real emotion by shedding some tears during the national anthem, and used that internal fire to lead his team to a dominant victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dak finished the night with 238 yards passing with 3 TD. Ezekiel Elliot looked like Zeke of old, quickly driving down the field and notching a rushing TD early in the game, and continued his success, tallying 116 total yards and 2 TD.
The Eagles struggled to get any offensive rhythm going in this game, being abused by the Cowboys defensive line almost the entire game, getting Jalen Hurts off of his game, leading to 2 INT. Along with the picks, Hurts had 361 total yards and 2 TD. The Cowboys get an impressive win in their home opener, improving to 2-1 while the Eagles fall to 1-2 with a tough test in the vengeful Kansas City Chiefs next week.
Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjwbdgi05I8