NFL Week 3 Takeaways: What We Learned (2022)
After a wild Week 3, we learned some things about where things stand in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins 21 – Buffalo Bills 19
Readjust Your Ranks
The Week 3 Game of the Week did not disappoint, and the Miami Dolphins have established themselves among the NFL elite. While this was not the offensive explosion many had expected, an injection of WR Jaylen Waddle late was enough to propel Miami to consecutive victories over AFC heavyweights.
Buffalo dominated the box score, but their inability to convert in the red zone was the difference in this one. Cheers to you, Dolphins fans. Miami has proven that they can beat anybody.
Indianapolis Colts 20 – Kansas City Chiefs 17
Reassurance in Indy
A comeback victory versus Kansas City will halt any chatter of this being yet another lost season in Indy. The Colts’ offensive struggles continued, and their difficulty in establishing a run thus far is certainly a concern. Regardless, this win keeps Indy afloat in the AFC South. A pivotal matchup with the division rival Tennessee Titans looms large.
Conversely, it may not be so easy to replace WR Tyreek Hill’s production. It was expected that KC would be able to exploit the cover-three scheme the Colts deploy, but they could only muster a mere 17 points. Nevertheless, few would argue the Colts were the better team on this day, and Kansas City will be just fine.
A much more difficult challenge awaits KC in a matchup with the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
Minnesota Vikings 28 – Detroit Lions 24
Learning How to Win
Detroit was the better team from start to finish, and a botched coverage late in the game paved way for a Minnesota victory. Even still, be hesitant to quip that ‘these are the same old Lions.’ The offense is proving to be one of the NFL’s best, and Jared Goff continues to make a case that he is more than a bridge QB for the team.
As mentioned, the Lions’ inability to capitalize on a fourth-quarter lead coincided with an unlikely Minnesota comeback. The Vikings of years past would not have won this game, and Minnesota fans should be thrilled with early returns from rookie HC Kevin O’Connell.
Baltimore Ravens 37 – New England Patriots 26
Lamar Making his Case
The Patriots flirted with winning this game from the onset but were unable to keep pace with the Ravens in yet another MVP-esque performance by Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson. The QB once again led his team in rushing and continues to prop up a lackluster receiving corps. No team relies more on their signal-caller than Baltimore, and Lamar is further endorsing his case for a record-breaking contract this coming offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles 24 – Washington Commanders 8
Built to Win, Built to Lose
Washington is becoming the epitome of failure in team building, whereas Philly is currently its definition. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has put to rest any doubts as to whether or not he represents the future of the position in Philadelphia, and the Eagles continue to build their case as the best team in the NFC.
Back to Washington: The team’s decision to invest in QB Carson Wentz was confounding but appropriate. The organization’s overall incompetence is no longer alarming; however, it is becoming exponentially frustrating. The team is in year three of the Ron Rivera era and in dire need of a full rebuild which they are unwilling to concede.
Carolina Panthers 22 – New Orleans Saints 14
10-0
Since HC Matt Rhule’s arrival in 2020, the Carolina Panthers are now 10-0 in games where the opposing team has scored less than 17 points… as they should be. The Panthers’ defensive unit should be applauded for their performance, a touchdown of their own was very much the difference in this game. However, an offense quarterbacked by Baker Mayfield has inexcusably been one of the league’s worst through three weeks.
Chicago Bears 23 – Houston Texans 20
A Reason Why…
Chicago won’t pass the ball. This is a crucial season for evaluating QB Justin Fields, and the results have certainly been frustrating for the Bears. Fields has thrown for 297 yards this season and has given the Bears’ brass few indications that he represents the franchise’s future. However, this onus is not entirely on Fields. The Chicago coaching staff has frustratingly given the second-year pro seldom opportunities to pass the ball.
The Bears’ 2-1 start is no doubt exciting, but a middling season in which Justin Fields’ ability as a passer is masked will be viewed as a wasted one in hindsight.
Tennessee Titans 24 – Las Vegas Raiders 22
Panic Time in Las Vegas
The Raiders have not reinvented the wheel thus far, and roster deficiencies have thus far p. Their stellar receiving corps has accounted for zero victories en route to an NFL-worst 0-3 start. It is officially time to panic for the Raiders in Josh McDaniels’s maiden season with the team.
It is difficult to determine the root of the Raiders’ struggles, but their winless start does not bode well for the team’s playoff hopes in a competitive AFC. Consecutive contests with division foes Denver and Kansas City loom large for the Raiders.
Cincinnati Bengals 27 – New York Jets 12
A Necessary Win
The Bengals took care of business, and it was exciting to be reminded of their offensive potential. Their lack of a run-game remains a concern, but the welcome return of explosive plays should give Bengals fans a reason to r-e-l-a-x.
This was a necessary win that will momentarily halt the panic surrounding the team’s offense. A pivotal Thursday Night game with the Dolphins will glean much more information regarding Cincinnati’s current rank in the AFC hierarchy.
Green Bay Packers 14 – Tampa BayBuccaneers 12
Gross Game via the GOATs
Let us hope this is not the last meeting between two of the game’s greatest players. Early game success for the Packers was quickly stymied by an elite Tampa defensive unit. Regardless, a 14-3 second-quarter lead proved insurmountable for Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Tampa Bay’s offense was sloppy, and Tom Brady showed his age behind an inexperienced offensive line. Early season struggles notwithstanding, be hesitant in assuming this as a representative performance of what the Bucs offense is going to be. The Buccaneers will be a threat once QB Tom Brady has any legitimate receiving options available to him.
Until then, adjust expectations accordingly.
Atlanta Falcons 27 – Seattle Seahawks 23
Battle of the Birds
Both of these teams’ offenses were efficient and played to their strengths in a game that was much more exciting than it had any right to be. The Seahawks had an opportunity to win this game late, but pressure conceded to the Falcons’ defensive front derailed Seattle’s offense in the game’s key moments.
The story of this game should be the Atlanta Falcons’ young duo of pass-catchers. Rookie WR Drake London continues to shine, and second-year TE Kyle Pitts showed flexed his muscles throughout. Atlanta may not have legitimate playoff aspirations this season, but they have built a foundation with two of the best young playmakers in the game.
Los Angeles Rams 20 – Arizona Cardinals 12
Kyler != Offense
The Cardinals are a flukey comeback victory away from being the lone 0-3 team in the NFL. They have seemed to confuse QB Kyler Murray’s play-making ability for a sustainable NFL offense. Arizona has perpetually found themselves playing from behind to start the season, and WR Deandre Hopkins’ suspension is no excuse for the team’s struggles thus far.
Here’s hoping the Cardinals find an identity sooner rather than later, the NFL is much more exciting when Kyler is given the opportunity to thrive.
Jacksonville Jaguars 38 – Los Angeles Chargers 10
Herbert is Hurt, Jaguars no Joke
It is almost poetic that in a week in which former QB Tyrod Taylor sued a team doctor for medical malpractice, the Chargers elected to play injured QB Justin Herbert for the entirety of a blowout loss. Not to belabor the Chargers, but Herbert is clearly hurt, and it screams incompetence to play him for the duration of a game that was over before the fourth quarter.
On the other hand: Jacksonville, you have our attention. The Jaguars are flat-out good and have earned the right to be viewed as the favorite in the AFC South. They travel to Philadelphia in Week 4, with an opportunity to put the entire NFL on notice versus the undefeated Eagles.
Denver Broncos 11 – San Francisco 49ers 10
Still Can’t Cook
God bless those who watched the entirety of this game. The Broncos have eeked out a 2-1 start on the backs of their defense, but the team’s offensive struggles continue to be of concern, and coaching incompetence shrouds the beginning of the Nathaniel Hackett era in Denver.
San Francisco fans are undoubtedly just as concerned regarding their team’s offense. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s limitations were on display throughout and reminded pundits as to why the team traded up to select Trey Lance in the 2021 draft. Further, there is real concern that this season could quickly derail if All-Pro LT Trent Williams were to miss significant time. Garoppolo is not suited to thrive in less-than-ideal circumstances.
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