Week 3 of the NFL season brought exhilarating performances and surprising outcomes, reshaping the early narratives of the 2023 campaign.
NFC West and AFC North Leaders
The Seattle Seahawks have pulled ahead in the NFC West, establishing a two-game lead. This mirrors the dominance shown by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, where they too sit comfortably with a two-game lead over their closest rivals.
A Phenomenal Start for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the standout teams, boasting an impressive 3-0 record. The catalyst for this success has been quarterback Sam Darnold. Leading the league with eight passing touchdowns, Darnold is also sitting second in passer rating at 117.3 and fourth in yards per attempt at 8.4. In a historic feat, he has become the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to begin his tenure with a new team with such commanding stats.
Darnold's hot start is making waves in Vikings' history as well. He is the first quarterback in the franchise to win his first three games of the season while throwing multiple touchdowns in each matchup. His stellar play is facilitating a formidable offensive charge for the Vikings.
Malik Nabers Shines Bright
Among the rookie sensations, wide receiver Malik Nabers has emerged as a key player for his team. Nabers caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3, propelling his season totals to 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably, his 37.8% target share ranks as the fourth-highest for any player through the first three games over the last decade. His 271 yards mark the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the same span.
Other Standout Performers
Marvin Harrison Jr. is another receiver making a significant impact, having recorded 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games.
Saquon Barkley's Dominance
Saquon Barkley has reaffirmed his position among the league's elite running backs. Leading the NFL in rushing with 351 yards and four touchdowns, Barkley was exceptional in Week 3, carrying the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in the Eagles' victory over the Saints, where he scored both of the team's touchdowns. Impressively, Barkley has recorded over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
Struggles for the Saints
This performance from Barkley was a stark contrast to the Saints' offensive struggles. They managed just 12 points against the Philadelphia Eagles, a significant dip from their earlier average of 45.5 points per game. With their offensive numbers now down to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over three games, the Saints' prolific start has come under scrutiny. As C.J. Gardner-Johnson bluntly put it, the Saints' lackluster performance led some to label them “pretenders.”
Malik Willis and the Packers
Quarterback Malik Willis has continued to impress for the Packers. With a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, two passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6, Willis has shown he can deliver. Adding 114 rushing yards and a touchdown to his stat line, he has proven his versatility. In his two starts, Willis has completed 75.8% of his passes, boasting a passer rating of 126.3. Notably, he is just the fourth Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Andy Dalton's Breakthrough
Another quarterback making headlines is Andy Dalton of the Carolina Panthers. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3, leading the Panthers to their first win of the year. This win was a dramatic turnaround after the Panthers scored just 13 points combined in the first two weeks, with Dalton's performance helping to notch up 36 points in their latest outing.
Dallas Cowboys’ Jekyll and Hyde Performance
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been a tale of two halves in their recent home games. Despite being outscored 56-22 over their last two home fixtures, they showcased resilience by scoring 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens.
The third week of NFL action has set the stage for notable individual achievements and team dynamics. As the season progresses, the impact of these performances will likely shape the playoff picture, providing fans with plenty of drama and excitement.