Week 3 of the NFL season has brought a significant shake-up to the standings, with several teams pulling ahead and key players making their marks. Among the notable stories, the Seattle Seahawks now find themselves with a two-game lead over the NFC West, while the Pittsburgh Steelers have established a similar cushion in the AFC North.
Sam Darnold Shining for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings remain one of the few unbeaten teams at 3-0, thanks largely to quarterback Sam Darnold's exceptional performance. Darnold leads the NFL with eight passing touchdowns, maintaining a stellar passer rating of 117.3, currently the second-highest in the league. His productivity per throw is also noteworthy, ranking fourth in yards per attempt at 8.4.
Darnold's integration into the Vikings’ system has been seamless, and he has become 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. He is also the first quarterback in Vikings history to achieve victories in his opening three games while throwing multiple touchdowns in each match.
Rookie Sensation Malik Nabers
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been nothing short of spectacular for the Vikings. In Week 3 alone, he hauled in eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Over the season, Nabers has accumulated 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns. With a target share of 37.8%, he boasts the fourth-highest rate for any player through the first three games over the past decade.
Nabers' 271 receiving yards are the second-most by a rookie in franchise history over the first three games, underscoring his immediate impact on the field and providing Darnold with a reliable target.
Barkley's Dominance on the Ground
Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley continues to lead the NFL in rushing, amassing 351 yards and four touchdowns. His Week 3 performance was particularly impressive, as he carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and scored two touchdowns. Barkley's efforts were crucial in the Eagles' victory over the Saints, accounting for both of the team’s touchdowns.
Barkley has consistently been a dual-threat, totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season, making him an invaluable asset to the Eagles’ offense.
Saints' Offensive Struggles
On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints have seen a dramatic dip in their offensive production. After averaging 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play through the first two weeks, they managed just 12 points and 4.0 yards per play against the Eagles in Week 3. The drop has lowered their season averages to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play.
Their lackluster showing prompted criticism from Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who remarked, "The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play."
Emerging Star Malik Willis
Over in Green Bay, rookie quarterback Malik Willis has turned heads with his efficient play. Willis has completed 73.5% of his passes, averaging 9.5 yards per attempt, and has thrown two touchdowns, garnering a passer rating of 122.6. Additionally, he has contributed 114 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.
In his two starts, Willis has posted an impressive completion rate of 75.8% and a passer rating of 126.3. He is only the fourth different Packers player to surpass 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a game—all testament to his dual-threat capabilities.
Dalton Steers Panthers to Victory
Carolina Panthers' veteran quarterback Andy Dalton also put on a show in Week 3, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns, securing the Panthers' first win of the season. The Panthers scored 36 points, a dramatic improvement from the mere 13 points combined in their first two weeks.
Cowboys’ Struggles Continue
Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys continue to falter, having been outscored 56-22 in their last two home games. Despite a valiant effort that saw them rack up 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, the Cowboys have struggled to find consistent performance.
As Week 4 looms, these storylines will continue to evolve. The standout performances of players like Sam Darnold, Malik Nabers, and Saquon Barkley will be watched closely, as will the struggles of teams like the Saints and Cowboys. The NFL's early season excitement shows no signs of waning.