NFL Week 3 Recap: Seahawks, Steelers Take Charge, Darnold and Barkley Shine, Saints Falter
Week 3 of the NFL season delivered plenty of drama and standout performances, with the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers taking commanding leads in their divisions. As the action unfolded, several key players shone, while others struggled to find their footing.
Seahawks and Steelers Sitting Pretty
The Seattle Seahawks have opened up a two-game lead over their NFC West rivals. Equally impressive, the Pittsburgh Steelers have done the same in the AFC North. These early leads provide a cushion as both teams navigate the grueling NFL schedule.
Sam Darnold's Electrifying Start
Quarterback Sam Darnold has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns. Darnold's performances have been instrumental in the Minnesota Vikings' perfect 3-0 start, marking him as a game-changer for the franchise. His impressive stats include a passer rating of 117.3 and an average of 8.4 yards per attempt. Darnold is now 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, he's the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his first three games while throwing multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
Rookie Sensation Malik Nabers
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers continues to make waves with an outstanding performance in Week 3, catching eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. This brings his season totals to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Nabers' impressive 37.8% target share ranks as 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.
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Strong Start
Marvin Harrison Jr. has also made his presence felt early in the season, tallying 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns over three games. As a crucial player for his team, Harrison's contributions will be essential as the season progresses.
Saquon Barkley: The Run Game Dominator
Running back Saquon Barkley is leading the league in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3 alone, Barkley carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and scored both of the Philadelphia Eagles' touchdowns in their win over the New Orleans Saints. Barkley has consistently delivered, racking up 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
The Saints Hit a Roadblock
The New Orleans Saints endured a tough outing in Week 3, managing just 12 points against the Eagles. Their offensive struggles were highlighted by a drop in their average points per game from 45.5 to 34.3 and their average yards per play falling from 6.9 to 6.0. C.J. Gardner-Johnson summed up the disappointment, calling the Saints "pretenders" after their lackluster performance.
Malik Willis Making History for the Packers
Malik Willis has impressed with a completion rate of 73.5%, throwing for two touchdowns, and maintaining a passer rating of 122.6. He has also added 114 rushing yards and a touchdown to his stat line. Willis has become the fourth different Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game, a notable achievement for the young quarterback.
Andy Dalton Sparks Panthers' First Win
The Carolina Panthers secured their first win of the season, thanks to a stellar performance from quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to score 36 points, a significant improvement after managing just 13 points combined over the first two weeks.
Cowboys' Inconsistency at Home
The Dallas Cowboys have faced challenges at home, being outscored 56-22 in their last two games. However, a glimmer of hope emerged as they scored 22 consecutive points in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens, indicating potential for a turnaround.
As the NFL season progresses, these storylines will continue to captivate fans. The performances in Week 3 have set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season filled with surprises, standout achievements, and intense competition.