Week 3 of the NFL season has delivered a mix of thrilling performances and unexpected outcomes, highlighting both the prowess and vulnerabilities of key teams and players. The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as early leaders in their respective divisions, each securing a crucial two-game lead. The Seahawks' dominant start has them setting the pace in the NFC West, while the Steelers are controlling the AFC North.
Quarterback Showcases and Surprises
Among the standout individual performances, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been making headlines. Leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold's passer rating of 117.3 is second best, and his 8.4 yards per attempt rank him fourth in the league. His stellar start not only puts him in elite company, being just the fifth quarterback in the last 25 years to start 3-0 with eight-plus passing touchdowns for a new team, but also earning him the distinction of being the first quarterback in Vikings history to win his initial three games of the season and throw multiple touchdowns in each matchup.
Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Andy Dalton also demonstrated his capabilities in Week 3, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns. His efforts helped the Panthers secure their first win of the season, scoring 36 points—remarkably higher than their combined output of 13 points over the first two weeks. Meanwhile, Malik Willis of the Packers has shown efficiency and dual-threat capability, completing 73.5% of his passes for two touchdowns, with an impressive passer rating of 122.6. In addition to his aerial stats, Willis contributed 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, 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.
Rookie Excellence and Veteran Dominance
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is off to a sensational start, hauling in eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3. His season totals stand at 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns, positioning him with the fourth-highest target share (37.8%) for the first three games over the past decade. Additionally, his 271 yards mark the second-most by a rookie in franchise history over the opening three games. On the other side of experience, Marvin Harrison Jr. has compiled 198 yards and three touchdowns on 10 catches across three games, adding his name to the list of emerging talents this season.
Veteran running backs are also making their mark, with Saquon Barkley leading the NFL in rushing yards (351) and touchdowns (four). His Week 3 performance was particularly noteworthy as he rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, playing a pivotal role in the Eagles' victory over the Saints by scoring both of their touchdowns. Impressively, Barkley has surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season, solidifying his position as one of the league’s premier running backs.
Team Dynamics and Adjustments
The New Orleans Saints' offense experienced a significant drop in productivity, managing only 12 points against the Philadelphia Eagles after entering Week 3 with averages of 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play. The latest game brought their averages down to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play. This decline prompted C.J. Gardner-Johnson to candidly remark, “The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play.”
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to find consistency at home, being outscored 56-22 over their last two home games. However, a silver lining appeared as they managed to score 22 unanswered points in the second half against the Ravens, showcasing their potential resilience.
These early weeks of the NFL season have brought to light both burgeoning talent and established stars reinforcing their legacies. With the performances of players like Sam Darnold, Malik Nabers, and Saquon Barkley, along with the efficient displays from Malik Willis and Andy Dalton, the season promises continued excitement as teams adjust and strive for supremacy. The narrative of the 2023 NFL season is already rich with intrigue, leaving fans eager for the next chapter to unfold.