The delicate walk of the NFL season has continued through Week 3. It was as if something was in the water. This week might be remembered as the “special teams” week. From Tory Horton setting a record for the longest punt return in Seattle Seahawks’ history to clutch blocked kicks. The number of special teams’ plays was an anomaly this past week. However, that’s not all that happened! Here are my five takeaways from NFL Week 3!
5. NFL’s Upset of the Year
The Green Bay Packers have been one of the best teams in the NFL through the first two weeks. Their defense was dominant, and Jordan Love played exceptionally well. It could be argued that Green Bay was one of the most complete teams in the league. Everyone had their Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns as a runaway win.
Despite only a 3-0 lead at halftime, Love would find John FitzPatrick to push the lead to double digits late in the third quarter. Sadly, that would be the last point they would score. The Browns’ defense was impressive, recording five sacks and holding Green Bay to just 230 yards of offense. Speaking of special teams, Greg Newsome blocked a field goal with 23 seconds left, which would lead to the 55-yard game-winning field goal from Andre Szmyt. The Browns’ 13-10 upset of the Packers will be the biggest surprise of the NFL season.
4. Colts Sneaky Contenders
As someone who thought the Indianapolis Colts would be bad this season, I was wrong. Daniel Jones has been a match made in heaven for Shane Steichen’s offense. Through the first three games, they have only punted once. Yes, you read that right. This team looks rejuvenated, and the only “major change” was bringing in Jones and naming him the starter.
Jonathan Taylor has had the best start to a season in his career, leading the NFL in rushing yards (338), rushing yards per game (143.7), TDs (4), and carries per game (20). The Colts are one of three teams that have yet to turn the ball over; the Buccaneers and Bills are the other two. This team can contend for the AFC South and a playoff spot. As the season continues, the key will be their health, knock on wood. As it currently stands, they are one of the most complete teams in the early stages of the NFL season.
3. Heart of a Champion
The Philadelphia Eagles have been, for lack of a better term, shaky to start the season. After falling 26-7 in the third quarter, Jalen Hurts led this team to three straight touchdown drives. For the majority of NFL fans, Hurts has been on the outside of the elite conversations. He was sensational when the Eagles needed it, finishing with four total touchdowns.
Their offense will take the credit for the win, but the special teams were the stars of this game. With 8:46 left in the game, the Rams looked to extend their 26-21 lead. The kick was blocked, which led to the go-ahead touchdown. Then Matthew Stafford drove LA into field goal range to steal a win, and their game-winning kick was blocked and picked up by the Eagles’ Jordan Davis and returned 61 yards for the touchdown. Champions find a way to win games, and the Eagles found a way to win.
2. Lions Roar of Confidence
Monday night showed me a lot. The Ravens had a chance to bully a Lions defense that has struggled with starting mobile quarterbacks. The initial panic for Detroit began in the offseason when they lost both coordinators. Are coordinators important? Yes, but the accumulation of talent is undeniable. Baltimore had a 57-game sack streak that was broken last night. For an offensive line that has a few new faces, that was one of the more impressive performances in the NFL.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery were the definition of their nickname, Sonic and Knuckles. They combined for 263 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. When this team plays like this, they will continue to be one of the best teams in the NFC and the entire NFL. Jared Goff was as efficient as his team needed him to be going 20/28 passing for 202 yards, 1 TD, and zero picks. He has been the definition of a “Field General” for this offense.
1. Ravens’ Are Fake Bullies
The Baltimore Ravens are the bullies at school who pick on students until they get hit back. They don’t win big games, their defense is horrendous, and they collapse year after year in the playoffs. What does this team do well to feed confidence into their fanbase or pundits? Yes, their offense can be great, but once again, look at their defense.
Even without Nnamdi Madubuike, what has Baltimore hung their hat on for almost the entirety of the franchise’s existence? You will not run the ball on us. You will not outdo us physically. The Lions rushed for 202 yards in the loss. That was the first time the Ravens allowed 200+ rushing yards in a game since 2017. This team, especially their defense, is slowly dying, and it’s only Week 3.
Final Thoughts
This week was one of the more shocking weeks I can remember, mainly due to the special teams plays. With the NFL’s first month almost in the books, what are some of your takeaways? Is your team a contender, pretender, or somewhere in the middle?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and takeaways from Week 3of the NFL season as we enter Week Two tonight! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
