The 3rd Thursday-Sunday-Monday of the NFL has passed. Every human being in America is affected by this, whether they know it or not. The person who didn’t say thank you when you held the door open for them, is a Dolphins fan. The person who paid for your order in the drive-thru, is a Patriots fan. And the teacher who canceled class to sit at home and cry, is a Steelers fan. May the Football Gods bless us all. Now let’s get to it.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20 (1-2) Tennessee Titans 7 (1-2)
The legend of Gardner Minshew II has begun. The former Washington State quarterback led his team to a hard-earned victory Thursday night. The Jaguars opened the scoring with two touchdown passes to tight end James O’Shaughnessy and wide receiver D.J. Chark, with the score at 14-0 going in to the half. The Jags would go on to kick two more field goals as their defense held the Titans offense to one Derrick Henry rushing touchdown on the night. Minshew II went 20-30 for 204 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. For the Jags to take the next step, they need more production from Leonard Fournette. I’m a big Leonard Fournette fan, but he’s got to step it up. Through three games the former LSU star has only 179 rushing yards and 0 total touchdowns. He is a key part to this offense and needs to step it up if he wants to play playoff football again.
Green Bay Packers 27 (3-0) Denver Broncos 16 (0-3)
The Green Bay Packers have a defense. They sacked Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco six times, with Preston Smith getting three. Aaron Rodgers had an average game going 17-29 for 235 yards, 1 TD, and 0 interceptions. Marquez Valdes-Scantling led the team with 6 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown while running back Aaron Jones scored two rushing touchdowns. First-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. got his first career interception while the defense didn’t allow a passing touchdown on the game. Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay scored both of his teams touchdowns as they fall to 0-3.
Indianapolis Colts 27 (2-1) Atlanta Falcons 24 (1-2)
This game started with the Colts leading 20-3 going in to halftime, but this game turned into an offensive shoutout. Jacoby Brissett once again proved that he can lead this team going 28-37 for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The Colts started with two touchdown passes to Zach Pascal and T.Y. Hilton while holding the Falcons offense to 3 points. The Falcons woke up in the second half and came back to make it a game. Matt Ryan hit tight end Austin Hooper twice and star receiver Julio Jones late in the fourth quarter to bring them within three points, however it was too little too late. The Colts welcome the Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium this week while the Falcons host the Titans in Atlanta.
Kansas City Chiefs 33 (3-0) Baltimore Ravens 28 (2-1)
One of the most anticipated games of the weekend did not disappoint. The big matchup was Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson. Both electric quarterbacks with unbelievable playmaking ability. And both quarterbacks kept their composure, as no turnovers were committed by either offense. Mahomes went 27-37 for 374 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while Jackson went 22-43 for 267 yards, a rushing touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Mark Ingram II stole the show for the Ravens by rushing the ball 16 times for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. After trailing 6-0 going into the second quarter, Mahomes turned it up, finding both Demarcus Robinson and rookie Mecole Hardman for scores. Newly acquired LeSean McCoy scored twice with a rushing and receiving touchdown as well. With the score at 30-13 going into the 4th quarter, the game seemed to be out of reach for the Ravens. The Chiefs must’ve not known that the Ravens are always in any game with Lamar Jackson as their quarterback. Jackson showed flashes of brilliance, connecting with wide receiver Willie Snead IV on a ridiculous 3rd & 17 deep ball. And then with two minutes left in the game, scoring his rushing touchdown to make it 33-28. In the end, the Chiefs were too good and held on to the victory, but this shows the potential of this Ravens team. As of right now it looks like these two teams might both win their division and maybe meet again in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills 21 (3-0) Cincinnati Bengals 17 (0-3)
Are the Bills legit? After an electric 3-0 start to the season the Bills already have some people claiming they can beat the Patriots this week. Josh Allen had a solid game going 23-36 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. The Bills started strong, with Allen throwing a touchdown pass to tight end Dawson Knox (who’s an absolute freight train) and two Stephen Hauschka field goals to make it 14-0 going in to the half. The Bengals however, came roaring back with 17 unanswered points to silence the Bills Mafia. Andy Dalton ran in for a score and then hit his running back Joe Mixon for another touchdown. Randy Bullock kicked a 43 yard field goal to make it 17-14 with 4:58 left in the 4th quarter as all eyes turned to Josh Allen. After the huge pass to Knox, and three runs by Allen, the Bills offense found themselves at the Bengals 1 yard line. Ageless wonder Frank Gore then punched in the winning touchdown to give the Bills a 21-17 lead with 1:54 left. The Bengals got the ball back, but Tre’Davious White sealed the victory with his second interception of the game. This young Bills team welcomes the defending champion Patriots at New Era Field this Sunday. It will definitely be a game to watch.
New England Patriots 30 (3-0) New York Jets 14 (0-3)
The Patriots defense had the most rushing yards allowed of their whole season on Sunday. A whopping 35 yards by Le’Veon Bell. The Jets could not score on the Patriots defense, getting their 14 points off a muffed punt and a pick-six thrown by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Tom Brady had another good game, going 28-42 for 306 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The Patriots scored 30 unanswered points to start off the game, with touchdowns from Sony Michel, Phillip Dorsett, Julian Edelman, and Rex Burkhead. Josh Gordon led the way for the Patriots receivers with 6 receptions for 83 yards, including some absolutely insane catches down the stretch. Devin McCourty now has an interception in all three games this year and Jamie Collins added two sacks on the day. The Patriots defense has not allowed a touchdown since the AFC Championship last year against the Chiefs. As for the Jets, it’s not looking good. Quarterback Luke Falk got his first start and as expected, didn’t do so well against the defending champs. Falk went 12-22 for 98 yards and an interception, but didn’t get much help from the rest of his offense. Le’Veon Bell only rushed for 35 yards on 18 carries and the leading receiver was former Patriot Braxton Berrios, catching 2 passes for 29 yards. They now go into the bye week preparing to travel to Philadelphia for week 5. The Patriots have a crucial divisional matchup against the Bills in Buffalo this weekend to see who will be leading the AFC East.
Detroit Lions 27 (2-0-1) Philadelphia Eagles 24 (1-2)
Only the Lions would be undefeated with a tie. Matthew Stafford & Co went into Lincoln Financial Field and came out with a surprising victory. Cornerback Jamal Agnew took a kick 100 yards to the house, Kerryon Johnson leaped over everyone for another touchdown, and Matt Prater hit two field goals to make it 20-10 going into the half. As for the Eagles, running back Jordan Howard got his first Eagles touchdown and wide receiver Nelson Agholor caught two touchdowns late. Despite the Eagles late surge, Stafford hit Marvin Jones Jr. for the winning touchdown in the 4th quarter. A little suggestion for the Eagles, if you want to win a football game you can’t fumble on back-to-back possesions. Carson Wentz and the Eagles had a chance to win it late, but rookie receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside dropped a fourth down pass to end the Eagles hopes of victory. Wentz finished the game with 259 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while Stafford threw for 201 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. The Eagles play Green Bay at Lambeau Field on Thursday night as the Lions host the Chiefs at Ford Field on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings 34 (2-1) Oakland Raiders 14 (1-2)
Once again, Dalvin Cook is good at football. The former Florida State running back now leads the league in rushing yards after another excellent performance on Sunday. Cook ran the ball 16 times for 110 yards and a TD on the day. Kirk Cousins had a Kirk Cousins type day going 15-21 for 174 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs. I still can’t believe they gave this man a fully-guaranteed $84 Million contract. Rooke running back Alexander Mattison scored his first TD and Adam Thielen caught and ran for a touchdown to secure the Vikings victory. Despite the loss, Raiders QB Derek Carr has found himself a new target in TE Darren Waller. Waller had a monster game catching 13 passes for 134 yards against a solid Vikings defense that sacked Carr four times. Wide Receivers J.J. Nelson and Tyrell Williams scored for the Raiders as they face a tough schedule ahead playing the Colts, Bears,Packers, and Texans in the next four weeks. If Jon Gruden wants to keep his job, he’s got to produce some results in these upcoming games. The Vikings take on the Bears at Soldier Field this upcoming Sunday in a NFC North clash.
Dallas Cowboys 31 (3-0) Miami Dolphins 6 (0-3)
The Dallas Cowboys might win the NFC East. Dak Prescott is firing on all cylinders, Ezekiel Elliot is looking dangerous, and Amari Cooper is destroying secondaries. Prescott had another good game going 19-32 for 246 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, and 1 INT. Prescott connected with Cooper on both of his passing touchdowns while running for another one. Both running backs Elliot (125) and Tony Pollard (103) ran for 100+ yards with Pollard getting his first NFL touchdown. While it’s all sunshine for the Cowboys, the Dolphins are stuck in the dark. Josh Rosen made his first start going 18-39 for 200 yards, 0 TDs, and 0 INTs. At this point it just looks effortless to me. Even when they are getting close, they fumble the ball. It’s sad and for their own sake I hope they work it out. They have a chance to win in two weeks against the Redskins, but I don’t know if it will happen. The Cowboys play the Saints at the Superdome this week for their first true test and then take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at home.
New York Giants 32 (1-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31 (1-2)
If Matt Gay makes that field goal the picture above would’ve been Mike Evans. However, Danny Dimes lives on. The Bucs got off to an excellent start after three Mike Evans touchdowns, leading 28-10 going in to the half. The Giants came out firing in the 3rd quarter as Jones hit tight end Evan Engram for a 75 yard touchdown and then wide receiver Sterling Shepard for another score. The Score was 28-25 going in to the 4th quarter, as Bucs kicker Matt Gay hit a 23 yard field goal to make the score 31-25. On the next drive the Giants found themselves at the Buccaneers 7 yard line. On 4th & 5 Jones stepped back into the pocket saw an opening and ran in for his second rushing touchdown on the day. The Bucs got the ball back and they were still alive after a 44 yard pass from Jameis Winston to Evans to get to the Giants 9 yard line. However, it all ended in disappointment as head coach Bruce Arians took a delay of game penalty on purpose because he thought his kicker was “better from deep”. Gay attempted the 34 yard field goal, but it sailed wide right as Daniel Jones won his first career start. Jones went 23-36 for 336 yards, 2 Passing Touchdowns, 2 Rushing Touchdowns, and 0 Interceptions. An incredible debut for the first round pick out of Duke. Despite the win, the Giants had a huge negative from this game. Their best player, running back Saquon Barkley, suffered a high ankle sprain and is projected to be out for 4-8 weeks. The Giants take on their division rivals from DC this Sunday at MetLife Stadium as the Bucs look to bounce back against the Rams in LA.
Carolina Panthers 38 (1-2) Arizona Cardinals 20 (0-2-1)
After Ron Rivera announced that Cam Newton would miss this game, all eyes turned to backup quarterback Kyle Allen. And he definitely delivered. Allen went 19-26 for 261 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs. Allen looked relaxed in the pocket and he looked like he’d already been playing with this teammates for years. After Kyler Murray hit Larry Fitzgerald for a touchdown, Allen responded with a touchdown of his own to Curtis Samuel and then D.J. Moore on the next possession. Murray hit his running back David Johnson for a short touchdown to make the score 17-14 in the third quarter giving the Cardinals the momentum once again. However, Allen was not fazed and once again responded immediately, hitting his reliable target Greg Olsen to make the score 21-17. Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez made it 21-20 with a field goal, but then Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey zoomed down the field for a 76 yard touchdown run. McCaffrey had a monster day, running the ball 24 times for 153 yards and the touchdown. After that run, the Panthers took control of the game, as cornerback Donte Jackson picked off Murray twice and Olsen added another touchdown to seal the Panthers first win of 2019. Allen has another chance to impress as Newton is again out for this weeks game against the Houston Texans. The Cardinals are still searching for their first win as they take on the Seahawks at home this week.
San Fransisco 49ers 24 (3-0) Pittsburgh Steelers 20 (0-3)
The 49ers are somehow 3-0?? Even after committing five turnovers, they still won this game. Jimmy Garoppolo throw 1 TD and 2 INTs but they still won. The game started off extremely slow as the 49ers turned the ball over on 4 of their first 5 possessions, two of those gave new Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick an interception and a forced fumble. Going into the half the score was at 6-3 in favor of Pittsburgh until running back Jeff Wilson Jr. scored to make it 10-3 for the 49ers. Mason Rudolph and the Steelers offense responded with a 76 yard touchdown pass to Juju Smith-Schuster to give the Steelers back the lead. On the next possession, Wilson Jr. found the end zone once again, Rudolph then struck back with a 39 yard touchdown to Diontae Johnson to give the Steelers the lead with 10:58 left. On the next possession, Richie James Jr. fumbled for the 49ers and the Steelers had the ball with the ability to put the game away for good. However, three plays later James Conner fumbled the ball giving it right back to the 49ers. The 49ers didn’t waste this opportunity, as Garoppolo threw a dot to Dante Pettis for the game-winning touchdown. The Steelers fall to 0-3 as the end of the Mike Tomlin era seems to get closer and closer. They will have a chance at their first win against the 0-3 Bengals on Monday Night Football as the 49ers are heading into their bye week. Also, that Kyle Juszczyk stiff-arm was absolutely disgusting.
Houston Texans 27 (2-1) Los Angeles Chargers 20 (1-2)
The Texans are once again looking dangerous. Deshaun Watson had another good game going 25-34 for 351 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs. On the other sideline Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen were connecting all game with Rivers throwing both of his touchdowns to Allen. Allen caught 13 passes for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns leading the team. Allen currently leads the league in receiving yards with 404 yards. The Texans elite receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, was relatively quiet on the day, catching 6 passes for 67 yards. After falling behind 17-7 going into the second half, the Texans turned it around in the 3rd quarter. With a touchdown from Carlos Hyde and two from Jordan Akins, the Texans scored 20 unanswered points to take a 27-17 lead in the 4th quarter. The Chargers would add a field goal, but ultimately turn the ball over on downs on their last drive to fall to 1-2. This week the Texans play the Panthers at home as the Chargers take on the struggling Dolphins in Miami.
New Orleans Saints 33 (2-1) Seattle Seahawks 27 (2-1)
You got to be happy for Teddy Bridgewater. After leading the Vikings to the playoffs in 2015, Bridgewater went down with an ACL injury a week before the season in 2016. In 2018 he spent five months with the Jets before being traded to the Saints before the 2018 season. In his first start for the Saints, Bridgewater went 19-27 for 117 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs. It wasn’t an history-making performance, but took care of the ball and got the W. The man known as Teddy Two Gloves had some help from Alvin Kamara, who scored a receiving and rushing touchdown. And star receiver Michael Thomas also caught a touchdown as the Saints cruised to a 33-14 lead in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks showed some fight late as Russell Wilson ran for a TD and threw one to tight end Will Dissly, but it was too late. The Saints walked out of CenturyLink Field with the win as they go back to the Superdome to face the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys. The Seahawks are going to look to bounce back as they travel to Arizona to play the winless Cardinals.
Los Angeles Rams 20 (3-0) Cleveland Browns 13 (1-2)
This loss is on Freddie Kitchens. A completely winnable game for the Browns, wasted on bad play-calling and missed opportunities. For example, that nightmare of a 4th & 9 play call. How can you run a draw on 4th & 9, and then pass it four times in a row near the goal line? HOW? Anywho, both quarterbacks underperformed during this game. Rams QB Jared Goff went 24-38 for 269 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. While Browns QB Baker Mayfield had another disappointing game going 18-36 for 195 yards, 1 TDs, and 1 INT. Both Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp went for over 100 yards receiving as Kupp scored twice. Nick Chubb was the Browns lone bright spot on offense running the ball 23 times for 96 yards. The Browns defense didn’t play bad, but they need more help from their offense. The Browns have Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry and they didn’t properly use them. The Browns travel to Baltimore to take on their division leaders the Baltimore Ravens in a crucial game while the Rams go back home to play the Buccaneers.
Chicago Bears 31 (2-1) Washington Redskins 15 (0-3)
The Bears are back. The Redskins stink. Dan Snyder needs to sell the team or they are forever going to be cursed. 28-3 at halftime is just pure garbage. The Bears showed out at FedEx Field as Mitch Trubisky bounced back going 25-31 for 231 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix started off the scoring by taking a Case Keenum interception back for six. Already setting the tone for a long night for the Skins. On three consecutive possessions, Trubisky hit Taylor Gabriel for touchdowns, as the Bears went in to the half leading 28-3. The Skins came out in the 3rd quarter with some fight as Case Keenum hit rookie wideout Terry McLaurin and then Paul Richardson to make the score 28-15 in the 4th quarter. However, on a 4th & 1 Keenum tried to reach the ball over the first down line but it was knocked out by Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan to seal the Skins eventual fate. Case Keenum had an off game going 30-43 for 332 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs as the Redskins fell to 0-3. They are going to New York to take on Daniel Jones and the Giants while the Bears are going back to Soldier Field to take on their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.