One thing we learned about each NFL team in Week 3: Dolphins run better than pass, Cowboys’ major weakness

Three weeks into the NFL season can also be telling which path many groups are heading. The 3-0 groups (there are handiest 3 of them) seem set to compete for a postseason berth — or extra — all over the 12 months. The 0-3 groups (there are 4 of them) are in a deep hollow they most likely may not get out of.

The 2-1 and 1-2 groups are up in the air, but each has a trending trend that would level to the path they are heading. The tendencies are beginning to happen across the NFL, even supposing the “week-to-week” league nonetheless applies. 

What did we be informed about each team after Week 3’s slate of video games? For some groups, the issues from ultimate season nonetheless stay. 

The offensive line took force off Joshua Dobbs: Who would have idea the Cardinals may have run the ball that successfully? Arizona rushed for 222 yards and averaged 7.4 yards according to lift towards a Dallas run protection that allowed simply 86 yards according to recreation getting into the competition. The line created holes for James Conner all afternoon, whilst the massive play was once Rondale Moore’s 45-yard landing on a fundamental counter play. The Cardinals averaged 156.3 speeding yards a recreation, due to an offensive line that permits its backs to move north to south. 

They should not cross the ball: While Desmond Ridder had a deficient efficiency (21 of 38 for 201 yards and not using a touchdowns), the Falcons pass-blocking was once even worse. Atlanta’s offensive line gave up 5 sacks and 17 pressures in Sunday’s loss to the Lions, as Ridder was once hit 8 occasions. Ridder was once 4 of 9 for 44 yards beneath force, being sacked seven occasions in the loss. The Falcons attempted being a passing offense Sunday, however it is transparent their bread and butter is working the ball. That’s their components to win. 

Injuries are starting to take their toll: The Ravens’ inactive listing was once very predictable Sunday, as Baltimore had seven starters indexed as out. Two have been at the offensive line and two extra have been in the secondary. Gus Edwards (concussion), Rashod Bateman (hamstring), David Ojabo (ankle) and Geno Stone (ribs) added to the harm woes all through the sport. The Ravens have been down to 2 working backs and 3 wholesome large receivers in additional time. If Lamar Jackson is wholesome, they nonetheless have an opportunity. Those accidents are affecting Baltimore, at the side of the shortcoming to offer protection to the ball in rainy prerequisites. 

The cross rush thrived with out Von Miller: Buffalo post some gaudy numbers towards a Washington offensive line that wasn’t as much as the duty. The Bills had 9 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 24 pressures in Sunday’s blowout victory over the Commanders, two of the ones sacks coming each from Terrel Bernard and Leonard Floyd. Buffalo leads the NFL in sack fee at 13.8%, attending to the quarterback regardless of having simply 37 pressures via 3 video games. Miller will ultimately come again, making the unit even better. 

Passing offense were given a spice up with Andy Dalton: The Panthers wanted better quarterback play after Bryce Young struggled in his first two begins. Getting a 13-year veteran in Dalton was once the suitable name this offseason, as he went 34 of 58 for 361 yards and two touchdowns (88.4 score). Dalton were given the ball to his cross catchers, as Adam Thielen had 11 catches for 145 yards with a landing and DJ Chark had 4 catches for 86 yards and a landing. Dalton had extra passing yards in one recreation than Young had in two. Dalton was once 12 of 23 for 140 yards beneath force in the sport, no longer turning the ball over. Dalton should not get started over Young, however the Panthers know they are able to transfer the ball throughout the air (it isn’t the cross catchers). 

Justin Fields is misplaced: Fields regressed considerably as a passer, bottoming out going 11 of twenty-two for 99 yards with a landing and interception (58.7 score) — and the landing did not come till 4:20 left when the ranking was once 41-3. Fields has considerably struggled from the pocket, finishing 58.8% of the passes for 470 yards with 3 touchdowns to 4 interceptions and a 67.2 score (5.9 yards according to try). Fields sought after to play “freer” Sunday and he ended up enjoying worse. The Bears want to simplify the sport for him and make allowance Field to take pictures downfield once more. He should not be this unhealthy. 

Ja’Marr Chase in the end were given going: Why did Joe Burrow glance better this week, even and not using a touchdowns and an interception? Chase become the game-changer he had to be, having 12 catches for 141 yards. Chase had extra catches and yards Monday than he had in his first two video games mixed (10 catches for 70 yards). The remainder of the Bengals receivers had 14 catches for 118 yards in Monday’s win, contributing to the team’s 4.2-yards-per-play reasonable. The Bengals offense nonetheless is not explosive, however Chase getting again on the right track with 12 catches (one wanting the franchise report in a recreation) is a superb signal for Burrow and the passing recreation going ahead. 

Jim Schwartz is the most productive offseason training transfer: What Schwartz has accomplished for the Browns protection after 3 weeks has increased Cleveland’s unit to one of the crucial best possible in the NFL. The Browns have allowed the fewest yards (491), yards according to play (3.2), and primary downs allowed (21) by way of any team via 3 video games because the 1999 Buccaneers. The Browns have allowed only one offensive landing, the second-lowest fee (2.6%) via 3 video games since 2000 and have not allowed a unmarried play throughout the warring parties’ 10-yard line. They compelled a three-and-out on 61.5% of performs, the very best fee by way of any team via 3 video games since 2000. The Browns are only a dominant protection, and Schwartz’s device has been the catalyst. 

The crimson zone offense is not excellent: Dallas is 6 of 15 on scoring touchdowns in the crimson zone this season, because the 40% conversion fee is twenty seventh in the NFL. The Cowboys have been simply 1 of five in the crimson zone in Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals (20%), highlighted by way of a Dak Prescott interception past due in the fourth quarter. Prescott is simply 11 of 24 in the crimson zone, throwing 3 touchdowns to at least one interception for a 75.0 passer score. The play-calling and execution hasn’t been excellent throughout the 20. Perhaps the use of Prescott’s mobility would lend a hand Dallas reinforce the ones numbers. 

The secondary is abysmal: Denver gave up 70 issues and 726 yards on Sunday. While it might be smart to prevent there, the secondary is likely one of the worst in the NFL. The Browns permit a league-high 8.9 yards according to try and opposing quarterbacks have a 133.6 passer score going through Denver after 3 video games — 17 issues upper than the following team. Not handiest is the secondary unhealthy, however Patrick Surtain has allowed an 81.3 passer score when focused (was once 51.7 in 2021 and 68.2 ultimate 12 months). No one in this Denver protection has been excellent, however this secondary is past deficient. 

Sam LaPorta can play: The Lions draft magnificence was once maligned for the place their avid gamers have been decided on in the draft, however the most sensible choices are proving they are able to give a contribution to this team right away. LaPorta will have made the most important affect up to now, having 18 catches for 186 yards and a landing via his first 3 profession video games (together with 8 catches for 84 yards and a landing in Sunday’s win). Jared Goff loves his tight ends and has a passer score over 120 focused on LaPorta. With Jameson Williams out, LaPorta has been a precious asset in the passing recreation. 

Jordan Love does a fourth quarter 180: Love led the Packers to a 17-point comeback towards the Saints (tying the biggest fourth-quarter comeback by way of the franchise since 1950), thank you to a couple spectacular numbers in the overall quarter-hour. Love was once simply 7 of 17, however he threw for 104 yards and a landing (81.5 score), main the Packers on 3 consecutive scoring drives to tug off the dissatisfied. This was once one week after Love went 0-for-6 for in the fourth quarter for 0 yards. Love’s stats in the overall quarter don’t seem to be gaudy, however he made the throws he had to make towards a protection that simply does not permit extra than 20 issues. That was once a franchise quarterback efficiency from Love on Sunday. 

C.J. Stroud can ball: Stroud merits such a lot credit for a way neatly he is been enjoying, particularly with 4 beginning offensive linemen being harm heading into Sunday’s recreation towards the Jaguars. What must be a crisis for a rookie quarterback is the other. Stroud has finished 64.5% of his passes for 906 yards with 4 touchdowns and nil interceptions for a 98.0 passer score after 3 video games, together with throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns (and not using a interceptions) in Week 3. His 906 passing yards are the third-most via 3 profession video games in NFL historical past and Stroud is the one participant with 900 passing yards with out an interception via 3 video games since 1950. The Texans have a quarterback, and he isn’t making errors both. 

Matt Gay makes historical past: Cue up the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor for Gay, who hit all 5 of his box target makes an attempt in the dissatisfied victory over Baltimore. Gay become the primary kicker in NFL historical past to transform 4 box objectives of 50-plus yards in a unmarried recreation and become the 5th kicker ever with a game-tying 50-yard-plus box target in the overall two mins of legislation and a game-winning 50-yard-plus box target in additional time. The Colts made Gay the highest-paid kicker this offseason for a explanation why and reaped the advantages Sunday. 

Third- and fourth-down offense must be better: The Jaguars have struggled on offense via 3 video games, the most important offender being on 0.33 down. They’ve transformed simply 29.7% of third-down conversions, excellent for twenty ninth in the NFL. Fourth down is not any better, because the Jaguars are simply 16.7% (additionally twenty ninth in the NFL). Trevor Lawrence is simply 15 of 28 on 0.33/fourth down with two touchdowns and an interception for a 72.6 score, averaging 4.1 yards according to try. The play-calling needs to be better in the ones scenarios — and Lawrence has to execute. There is various time to right kind those problems.

Defense enjoying fearless: The Chiefs protection feasted on a deficient Bears offense, completing with 3 sacks and 21 pressures in the blowout win. While getting force on Justin Fields, the secondary was once simply as dominant, permitting handiest 99 yards and a 56.3 passer score. L’Jarius Sneed allowed simply 5 passing yards and Trent McDuffie allowed two. Kansas City’s protection has allowed simply 13.3 issues according to recreation and 280.7 yards according to recreation, each most sensible 10 in the NFL. There’s some unhealthy blood in Kansas City. 

Josh McDaniels continues to price his soccer team: McDaniels simply is not a excellent trainer, from how his avid gamers react off the sector (see Chandler Jones and the way he treated Derek Carr’s benching) to his in-game choices. McDaniels’ resolution to kick a box target on fourth-and-4 from the Steelers’ 8-yard line down 8 issues with 2:25 left was once baffling, particularly when he went for it on fourth-and-5 on the Steelers’ 22-yard line with 13:18 left previous in the quarter (the try was once unsuccessful). McDaniels simply is not constant in his decision-making, and harm the Raiders’ probabilities of victory by way of kicking past due as a substitute of going for it on fourth down once more. Every week there is something new referring to McDaniels. 

Brandon Staley continues to stay competitive: Staley hasn’t ever been afraid to be daring, and indisputably attempted to tug it off Sunday in order to offer his team a victory. Staley went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Chargers’ personal 24-yard line, protecting a 28-24 lead with 1:51 left. A primary down wins the sport, however Los Angeles did not have Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams. Joshua Kelley was once stopped, and the Vikings had the ball with 1:47 left on the Chargers’ 24 — in high place to win. The Chargers protection bailed Staley out by way of choosing off Kirk Cousins in the crimson zone and attending to 1-2, however Staley considerably put his team in danger by way of failing to transform on fourth down. Staley goes to train competitive and pay attention to the analytics, regardless of the end result. He’s happening his manner, which merits admire whether or not its the suitable name to be overaggressive or no longer. 

The offensive line were given Matthew Stafford beat up: Stafford was once sacked six occasions and hit 10 occasions because the Bengals protection were given to him all Monday evening. The constant force led to 2 interceptions and Stafford being careless with the soccer and his immobility doomed him from making giant performs down the sector. The Rams did not get a landing till past due in the sport when the Bengals have been seeking to maintain a 10-point lead and kill time without work the clock, and so they have been nonetheless attending to Stafford. The Rams quarterback had an extended evening. 

The run offense is also extra deadly than the cross offense: The Dolphins rushed for 350 yards and averaged 8.1 yards according to lift in their demolition of the Broncos. The cross offense is dominant with Tua Tagovailoa, however the speeding assault might in fact be better. Miami is first in rush yards according to recreation (188.3), rush touchdowns (8), and yards according to lift (6.1). Raheem Mostert is averaging 5.9 yards according to lift and De’Von Achane is averaging 10.9 yards according to lift. Chris Brooks is averaging 7.3 yards according to lift! These numbers are inflated as a result of the Denver recreation, however Miami rushed for 145 yards towards New England’s protection the week prior. The speeding assault is simply as bad because the passing recreation — and perhaps even better. 

Red zone offense price them a win: The Vikings have been simply 1 of four in the crimson zone on Sunday, together with a loss of urgency going through a first-and-goal on the Chargers’ 6-yard line with 41 seconds left. That resulted in a Kick Cousins interception at the subsequent play that price Minnesota the sport. Minnesota wanted 29 seconds to get arrange on the 6-yard line in the overall minute down 4 issues, an important downside for a passing offense that has racked up yards the primary 3 weeks. Minnesota is simply 5 of 10 in the crimson zone after 3 video games, because the 50% conversion fee is twenty first in the NFL. The crimson zone woes play an enormous function in the 0-3 get started. 

Scoring issues remains to be a subject matter: The Patriots performed in sloppy prerequisites Sunday at MetLife Stadium, but nonetheless had issues striking issues at the board. New England was once in a position to transport the ball towards New York, coming into Jets territory seven occasions — however handiest getting 13 issues. The largest play was once a 58-yard cross from Mac Jones to Pharaoh Brown for a landing, and that catch and run gave the impression of a battle in the sloppy prerequisites. The Patriots have not post over 20 issues in any of the 3 video games, scoring simply 3 offensive touchdowns during the last two video games. That’s no longer a components to compete for the AFC East, regardless of how excellent their protection is. 

Offense stagnates after Derek Carr harm: The Saints offense hasn’t been explosive via two video games, however was once in a position to rack up 17 first-half issues towards the Packers. Then Carr injured his shoulder and the offense stalled out. Jameis Winston went 10 of 16 for 101 yards, however New Orleans punted on his first 4 possessions and won simply 69 yards all through that span. In equity to Winston, he did pass 4 of 6 for 45 yards on a power that resulted in Blake Grupe lacking a 46-yard box target — so perhaps the narrative is other if Grupe makes that kick. Punting at the first 4 possessions when Carr was once out is an indication the Saints want him to be a contender in the NFC. 

Darren Waller hasn’t been a difference-maker: Every week generally is a reminder of the Giants offensive line, however Waller hasn’t been what the Giants traded for this offseason. Waller has simply 12 catches for 132 yards and no touchdowns via 3 video games, no longer precisely the difference-maker the Giants idea they have been getting. He’s been in large part invisible in two of the 3 video games, extra for his drops than making performs and getting open. The hamstring harm is also enjoying an element, however the Giants want extra from Waller due to a deficient offensive line and mediocre large receiver team. 

The run recreation is struggling due to Zach Wilson: Another week to say how unhealthy Wilson has been in his two begins, however the speeding assault has been affected as a result of his deficient play. The Jets have simply 102 speeding yards in Wilson’s two begins, together with a depressing 38 towards the Patriots. Breece Hall has simply 16 carries for 27 yards in the 2 video games whilst Dalvin Cook has handiest 12 carries for 25 yards. Combined the 2 have averaged simply 1.86 yards according to lift in Wilson’s begins. Wilson has been dreadful, however so has the working recreation consequently. 

They are destroying warring parties at the floor: Doesn’t topic the protection the Eagles are enjoying, they pound the soccer for 200 yards anyway. They additionally forestall the run simply as neatly, protecting warring parties to only 48.3 yards according to recreation after 3 video games. They additionally reasonable 185.7 speeding yards according to recreation besides. The Eagles have outrushed their warring parties 460 to 69 over their ultimate two video games, which is the most productive rush yards margin (+391) in a two-game span for the franchise since 1949. They simply bully their warring parties in the trenches each week, which is why they’re 3-0 to start out the 12 months. 

T.J. Watt remains to be dominant: This can also be repeated each week, however Watt had every other dominant efficiency for Pittsburgh. Watt completed with two sacks, six pressures, and 3 quarterback hits in Sunday’s win over the Raiders. There was once no Cameron Heyward at the defensive inside, but the Steelers compelled 3 turnovers and held the Raiders to 69 speeding yards. Watt has six sacks, 19 pressures, and 12 quarterback hits via 3 video games — making game-changing performs that experience pushed the Steelers to 2 wins. Watt has been the MVP at the Steelers via 3 video games and looks poised for every other historical season. 

Brock Purdy’s struggles in the crimson zone: Hard to search out anything else incorrect in the 49ers’ victory over the Giants, however San Francisco was once simply 2 of five in the crimson zone. Part of the crimson zone woes concerned Brandon Aiyuk being out, as he has two catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns in the crimson zone after the primary two video games. Purdy was once simply 1 of 6 in the crimson zone (the of completion was once a landing), and was once 2 of 6 in the 2 video games prior. Purdy is 3 of 12 for 36 yards and 3 touchdowns (79.2 score) in the crimson zone via 3 video games, however he isn’t turning the ball over. Perhaps Aiyuk’s go back will lend a hand. 

Kenneth Walker is again: Walker had an OK begin to the season, having 29 carries for 107 yards in the primary two video games (5 catches for 14 yards). He was once a game-changer Sunday, having 18 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns at the side of 3 catches for 59 yards. Walker had a 36-yard catch halfway in the 0.33 quarter that put Seattle in the crimson zone — and he later completed the power off with a landing) to place the Seahawks in keep an eye on of the sport. Walker has 4 touchdowns and 5.0 yards according to contact via 3 video games, however Sunday’s win showcased the game-changing again Walker was once in his rookie 12 months. 

The run protection will not be as dominant as in years previous: The Eagles are a distinct animal in phrases of working the soccer, however Tampa Bay entered Week 3 permitting simply 54 speeding yards according to recreation (moment in NFL). Tampa Bay gave up 201 speeding yards to Philadelphia and 5.0 yards according to lift, this was once after permitting simply 108 yards and three.3 yards according to lift in the primary two video games. The Buccaneers confronted a suffering Vikings and Bears team working the soccer, so the Eagles have been going to be a real take a look at. They failed miserably. 

The DeAndre Hopkins impact hasn’t had a lot impact: Hopkins led the Titans with 3 catches for 48 yards, or 51.1% of the team’s offensive output on Sunday. Hopkins hasn’t been the variation maker or No. 1 large receiver Tennessee was once hoping for after 3 video games, having 14 catches for 153 yards and nil touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill has in particular struggled focused on Hopkins, going 14 of 25 for 153 yards with 0 touchdowns and two interceptions. The 40.9 score is the worst in the NFL this season amongst duos with 20-plus makes an attempt. Tannehill and Hopkins can not get at the similar web page, a microcosm of the offensive struggles. 

Pressure were given to Sam Howell: The Commanders younger quarterback was once burdened all afternoon, getting sacked 9 occasions and hit 15 occasions. Howell throw 4 interceptions and did not glance at ease all over the sport. Howell went 4 of 10 with 3 interceptions whilst going through force with an 8.3 passer score. The Commanders did a deficient process protective Howell, giving the quarterback the worst recreation of his younger profession. Howell will get the Eagles subsequent week besides.