Week 3

Falcons 35, Packers 14

Mike Penix was healthy enough to start this game, but he wasn’t good early.  On their first possession, he looked about the same as C. Rush had in previous games as he threw an interception.  Packers were able to convert that to points as Love hit Watson for the TD.  Looked like it might be a long night.  Turns out it was – for the Packers.  After that, it was all Falcons and a super heavy dose of Bijan.  Robinson went off on the Packers for over 200 yards of total offense including 2 TDs.  Penix and London also had quite the connection going as London had almost 200 yards receiving yardage.  The Packers could not do hardly anything after that first TD.  Their O-line was consistently beat, and Love didn’t really get anything going until garbage time.  It was an ugly performance;  boo-birds were out in Lambeau and it was pretty surprising.  Definitely had not heard that before from Packers fans.

Commanders 33, Seahawks 31

Another surprising game this weekend in the nation’s capital.  Seahawks got their starting QB back for this game, the Commanders were starting their backup and ‘Hawks were 8pt favs.  Of course they were.  Mariotta and the ‘Ders weren’t having it.  They led at the half 17-10.  After half-time the ‘Ders got a nice break as a Darnold pass was deflected at the line which resulted in an interception that set up a  short TD to McLaurin.  The ‘Hawks got back into the game with Darnold hitting Saubert and SJN for TDs to make this a tie game.  After a ‘Ders FG, they put the final nail in as a rookie linebacker in his first start intercepted Darnold for a pick-six that put them in lead for good.  Really exciting game.  Mariotta had a solid performance, if his yards weren’t great -but 3 TDs and no interceptions; whereas Darnold’s interceptions lead to 14 points for the Commanders.  Fun game.

Steelers 30, Bengals 27

What?!  The Steelers were horrible last week.  What the hell?  Give credit to old man Rodgers as he had a great bounce-back game – just shy of 300 yards and 3 TDs.  The Bengals D which had been pretty good in the last couple games got torched.  The Steelers got up to an early 14-7 lead, but that went away after a Rodgers interception that lead to the Bengals going up 20-17.  The Steelers then took advantage of a Bengals roughing the kicker penalty after a punt to convert that to a TD to go up 24-17.  The Bengals were able to take the lead, but a muffed punt gave the Steelers an easy FG, and followed up on their next drive to go up 30-27.  The Bengals had a shot with their last possession, but a Burrow strip-sack gave the Steelers the ball and they were able to run out the clock.  Great win for the Steelers.  As good a QB as Burrow is - he has not been able to come up with many big come from behind wins.  He's got to get a couple more of those at some point.  A game ending fumble definitely doesn't get it done.

Lions 31, Jets 24

Uh, so yeah – more weirdness.  The Jets do not suck.  They are actually playing some pretty good football.  It’s just weird.  Lions were fortunate to pull this one out – it was a tight game.  The Jets definitely had their chances, but they were only able to score FGs instead of TDs.  The Lions were scoring TDs, and they had a 24-10 lead in the second half.  The Jets took advantage of a pass interference penalty to score one TD, and then after a defensive stop when Detroit went for it on 4^th down,  Wilson finished the drive with a great catch from Geno in the endzone for another TD to tie the game up.  Geno had a great day, too.  Over 300 yards with 3 TDs in a losing effort.  On the Lions next drive, Goff hit TeSlaa for a big gain, and then Gibbs was left wide open for a pretty easy score.  Jets were unable to do much with their last possessions before QB Smith took a good hit and fumbled the ball to the Lions.  The Lions were able to close out the game from  there.

Giants 12, Titans 7

A bad nor’easter made for a sloppy day at the Meadowlands as the Titans rolled into town. With the weather situation, you could get into the stadium for $11.  Winston will be the QB for the foreseeable future as Dart decided to have season-ending surgery after that bad hit last week.   The Giants got a gift as the Titans fumbled the opening kick-off, but a holding penalty negated the TD.  The offense never did find the endzone, but they were able to kick enough FGs for the win.  The Titans were really bad in the first half.  They finally found the endzone in the fourth quarter as Ward hit Robinson on a 4 yarder.  The Titan D was able to force a Giant punt so their offense did get the ball back.  They had a chance, but a bad Ward interception in the end zone sealed the deal for the Giants.  Titans were in the redzone three times in the quarter, and only came away with 7 points.  The weather definitely played a role in this game, but it was an ugly one.

Cheifs 24, Dolphins 10

That final score is a little misleading as this was way more interesting than the final score would suggest.  KC did get off to a quick start – going up 14-7.  A long pass to Kelce-Swift  set up a TD pass to Walker that had the Chefs rolling as expected.  However – the ‘Fins were able to score a FG which made the game pretty close.  The ‘Fins are still the ‘Fins though, and they took a huge blow as one of their best offensive weapons went down with a knee injury.  Not sure if it’s official, but looks to be an ACL for RB Achane.  Things got really interesting as Malik Washington scored a TD for the ‘Fins, but that was negated by an illegal formation penalty.  They ended up turning it over on downs, and Kelce-Swift scored a TD on the next possession.  Not terribly impressive for the Chiefs, but they got the W they went to Miami to get. 

Colts 19, Texans 17

One of these 2 AFC South teams were going home 0-3.  Either that or a tie.  With Jones coming off the Achilles injury, he is not quite as mobile as he was last year, but he looked pretty good against the Texans D.  The Colts were able to get to an early lead  10-0 with a FG, and there was even a Keenan Allen sighting, as he caught his first TD as a Colt.  Jones had a solid game and kept drives alive with solid passing and Colts had a 16-7 lead.  The Texans started  pretty slow offensively, but Stroud was able to hit Foreau for a TD in the second quarter, and then they pulled within  6 with a FG.  Then the defense sacked Jones and recovered the ball setting the offense up at their 46.  Stroud put together a good drive that finished with a tackle eligible pass to Marks for the go ahead score.  When they got the ball back, Jones and the Colts put together another solid drive and kicked what would be the winning FG.  There was a little time left and the Texans did have a shot, but they were unable to get close enough for a FG.  Stroud had a shot at a Hail Mary - but his pass didn’t make the end zone – it went out of bounds where no one could catch it.  Nice win for the Colts.

Browns 21, Panthers 18

Jets are decent and the Browns won a home game, coming from behind?!  Yep – bizarro season.  Not sure the better team won this game, but credit to the Browns for hanging in there and taking advantage of Panther mistakes.  The Panthers went for it and failed to convert on two 4^th downs.  The first set up a Brown FG.  Panthers were still in the lead however, as the Browns had a very rough start offensively.  The Panthers also scored a FG as the Browns fumbled a kickoff return – giving them a short field.  The Panthers were up 18-13 late in the fourth quarter.  On their last drive, the Browns got a bit lucky as a Watson interception in the endzone was overturned by penalty.  Watson hit Landry for the go-ahead score.  The Browns held on as Young was intercepted on their last gasp.  Watson wasn’t great but made some really big plays on that last drive to put the Browns ahead.  Watson sure wasn't spectcaular, but that the first time in a long time the Browns have won back-to-back games.  Home crowd may not like him all that much - they do like the results.

Bills 24, Chargers 16

When a team has a +4 margin in the turn-over battle – NFL teams in the modern era have a 450-12-1 record.  Don’t tell the Chargers, it didn’t help them Sunday.  For the Bills, Allen again moved up the all-time rushing TD list as he rushed for 2 TDs in the game.  He didn’t throw one, but did throw a couple of interceptions.  This one got off to an interesting start as the Chargers got off to a quick 10 point lead as they took advantage of a Bills fumble and an Allen interception.  Allen actually threw another interception on their next possession, but the Bills caught a break as the Chargers missed the FG.  The Bills were able to put together a couple decent drives, and the score at the half was 10-10.  Chargers were able to go up by 3 in the third quarter, but then things went south for them.  Herbert had a bad interception that the Bills turned into a TD, and then the Chargers gave it up on downs as they tried to convert a 4^th and 10.  The Bills promptly took that in for a Cook rushing TD, and that was pretty much it for the Chargers.  Their gauntlet continues for them with a trip to Seattle next week.

Jaguars 35, Patriots 6

Man, this was an ugly one for the Patriots.  Ugly.  Maye was second in MVP voting last year, and he is a shell of what he was so far this season.  I know he doesn't have AJ, but dang man.  He had three turnovers in this game, and one of those was just embarrassing as he lost grip on the ball without being hit and then turned the wrong way as the ball fell.  It was almost comical.  Jags turned that into a TD.  Lawrence had a pretty good game, throwing for 3 TDs.  He should’ve had one rushing too, but for some reason stopped at the goal line and took a knee with 8 mins left in the game.  His hair must've gotten in his eyes or something.  Maye had his chances, as a TD run was negated by penalty, he also overthrew an open receiver and then had his first interception of the day.  It  was another rough game for him.

Vikings 23, Buccaneers 16

Vikes are 3-0?  They got another great game from their defense, and Murray was back after his concussion.  He wasn’t stellar, but solid.  The teams traded scores throughout, and the game was 17-10, Vikes at the half.  In the second half, the Bucs took advantage of an interception to get within four with a FG, and then a good drive resulted in another to make it a one point game.  The Vikes couldn’t get much going in the second half, but finally put together a decent drive that finished with a 56-yard FG.  Baker had his moments too, but unfortunately for the Bucs – he suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand late in the fourth quarter.  The Bucs were trying to get a good drive together with three minutes left, but Baker was smacked by Cashman which resulted in an interception along with the thumb thing.  This was converted to a FG and the Vikes went up for good.  That thumb was on Baker’s throwing hand, so no telling if he’ll be available next week.  Who is their backup?

49ers 36, Cardinals 30

The Niners just seem to have THE worst luck in the NFL.  Bosa started the game on the sideline, Mike Evans had to leave in the first half, and all world O-lineman Trent Williams was carted off in the second.  Luckily for them – Purdy is still healthy, as is CMC.  Purdy threw for just under 300 yards and 4 TDs as CMC rushed for 75 yards and a TD.  Deebo also got a “receiving” TD on a great lateral from Evans.  Interesting statistical day as he had 80 receiving yards for a TD and no receptions.  The Cardinals were        hanging in there and did make things interesting as they managed to pull within two points as they took advantage of a muffed punt.  However the Niners responded with another TD to take the lead.  The Cards got a late FG, but needed the onside kick to have a shot.  Deebo recovered the kick and the game was over.

Raiders 35, Saints 27

What the hey-el..  Well – the Raiders have already gotten off to an improbable 3-0 start (barf), but they got another boost before this game as Brock Bowers returned to the line-up.  He had a knee procedure earlier this year – and he looked good.  He finished with shade over 100 yards and a TD, and was a safety blanket for Cousins.  The Raiders also got 100 yards between their 2 RBs, and Washinton had a nice long run for a TD.  The Raiders started the game with a 13-10 lead, but Shough and the Saints got going.  They eventually lead the game 27-16 as Shough threw TDs to Johnson and Fant, and Etienne had a rushing TD.  They were rolling.  Then they hit the fourth quarter and turn-over bug hit the Saints.  Shough was stip-sacked and also threw an interception which allowed the Raiders to take the lead as Cousins hit White to take a 28-27 lead.  Crosby and the rest of the Raider D got after the Saints, and they finished the day with two more turnovers that lead to points, and killed the Saints' final possession.  It was a very tough home-opener for the Saints, and the Raiders are good?  I hated this game. 

Ravens 34, Cowboys 31

Oh my, Cowboy fans.  Talk about pulling defeat from the jaws of victory.  Did your coaching staff NOT watch the 2021 AFC Championship?  Make them return the kick-off.  C’mon man..   Forgot to mention that this was in Rio.  The fans in Rio got a hell of a game.  The Cowboys got off to a quick 10 point lead, and the Ravens came right back to take a 17-13 lead at  the end of the half, and scored again to go up 24-13 after they received the second half kickoff.  Jackson hit Moore for the TD.  Late in the third quarter, the Cowboys scored a TD and 2-pt to make it a 3 point game.   Then the Dallas D got a huge stop as Henry tried to score, but got stoned at the one.  The Cowboys marched the field 99 yards, and finished the drive with a 9-yard pass to Turpin to go up by 4, 28-24.  Jackson had some great runs on the next drive and the Ravens scored a TD and retake the lead.  On the next Dallas drive - they got a gift from the officials as CeeDee clearly interfered with the DB, but the PI was called on the defense.  For some reason, the Cowboys couldn’t convert the first and goal from the one for the TD (they must be watching Bronco game film from last week - how not to score from the red zone) and ended up  kicking a FG to tie things up.  There were 7 seconds left.  7 (seven).  On the kick off – they sent it to the back of the end zone – no time went off the clock.  Jackson hiked the ball, Dallas D kinda fell asleep, Flowers caught a nice pass from Jackson, they stopped the clock with one tick left, and then Loop kicked a 5-yarder for the win.  Crazy game. 

Broncos 30 / Rams 26

The Broncos sucked in the first half.  Terrible half of offensive football.  The only thing that kept them in the game was a pretty decent defensive performance that only allowed 16 points by the Rams.  The Broncos D was able to bend, and not break as they only allowed one TD in the first half, despite the Broncos having 67 yards of total offense in the first half.  And Nix was very lucky that he didn’t have any interceptions in the first half – there were a couple really bad throws that could’ve gone to the Rams.  It was a 16-0 game at half, and their D was gassed.  Not sure what they have in that locker room but they came out hot in the second half.  Nix and the rest of  that offense got going, and  they stormed back to a 16-16 tie.  Nix hit Bryant and Adkins for short TDs, and they were able to convert both 2-pts.  Things were tied up at the end of 3.  On the second drive of the 4^th quarter the Rams intercepted Nix and converted that to points with a another FG.  The Rams took over after a Broncos punt at  their own 9, and looked to put more points on the board as they had a great drive going.  The Broncos defense came up huge as Hufanga creeped into the flat, and picked off Stafford for a pick-six.  Unfortunately for Stafford, this was a record breaking throw – as Stafford has the NFL record for most pick-sixes in a career.  The Rams took the lead again on their next possession as Denver DB Moss got torched by Mumpfield for a long TD.  The Broncos got the ball back, and drove down to the 11 where they got real lucky.  Nix threw an interception as Bryant was sliding out of bounds.  The DB made a fantastic play, but it was called back for a PI.  It  was questionable at best.  Broncos got lucky.  They were able to convert the TD, and then on the Rams last drive Huganga picked off Stafford again in the endzone to secure the win.  Rams fans - don't worry, they're fine.  This was Mile High, no Garrett, rusty Danold, and Puka was on the sidelines.  Rams probably win by 20 if things a a little different.  Broncos will take that win, though.