As the NFL season reaches Week 3, several teams and players have emerged as early standouts, setting the stage for exciting battles ahead. Leading the charge are notable performances and significant team milestones that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The Seattle Seahawks have managed to secure a two-game lead over the NFC West, while the Pittsburgh Steelers show a similar stronghold in the AFC North. Both teams have displayed resilience and consistency, essential traits for maintaining their leads as the season progresses.
Vikings' Stellar Start and Darnold's Dominance
Among the undefeated teams are the Minnesota Vikings, currently boasting an impressive 3-0 record. A key driver in their success has been quarterback Sam Darnold, who leads the NFL with eight passing touchdowns. Darnold's start with the Vikings is noteworthy; he's not only the second in passer rating at 117.3 but also fourth in yards per attempt at 8.4. Moreover, Darnold is the fifth quarterback in the last 25 years to achieve a 3-0 start with eight or more passing touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. This achievement also marks a historic milestone for the Vikings, as Darnold is the first quarterback in franchise history to win his first three games and throw multiple touchdowns in each.
Emerging Talents and Record Performances
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has quickly made a name for himself with the Vikings, catching eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3. Nabers has a season total of 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns, and he enjoys a 37.8% target share, the fourth-highest for any player in the first three games over the past decade. His 271 receiving yards are also the second-most for a rookie in franchise history for the first three games.
Another emerging star is Marvin Harrison Jr., who has accrued 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games. These performances underscore the wealth of young talent now flourishing in the NFL.
Run Game Leaders
In the running game, Saquon Barkley stands out, leading the NFL with 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3 alone, Barkley rushed 17 times for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns, both pivotal in the Eagles' victory over the Saints. Remarkably, Barkley has surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in each game this season, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier running backs.
Offensive and Defensive Highlights
The New Orleans Saints' offense, however, stumbled against the Philadelphia Eagles, managing just 12 points. This was a stark contrast to their previous average of 45.5 points per game. The Saints' output over three games now stands at 34.3 points per game. Reflecting on the performance, C.J. Gardner-Johnson opined, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play."
On the flip side, Malik Willis has been a revelation for the Packers, completing 73.5% of his passes, with 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. Willis has also added 114 rushing yards and one touchdown. In his two starts, he has a completion rate of 75.8% and a passer rating of 126.3, making him the fourth Packers player to amass over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Noteworthy Team Performances
The Carolina Panthers finally broke through with their first win of the season, thanks to quarterback Andy Dalton's standout performance. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Panthers score 36 points in Week 3, after only managing 13 points combined in Weeks 1 and 2.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled in their last two home games, being outscored 56-22. However, they showed resilience by scoring 22 consecutive points in the second half against the Ravens, signaling potential for future games.
With several teams and players stepping up their games, NFL fans can look forward to more thrilling performances and tight contests as the season progresses into Week 4 and beyond.