It’s no secret that week three provided some serious entertainment for NFL fans across the country. Audiences saw the most points scored by one team since 1966, a down-to-the-wire Sunday night thriller that included a controversial call from a JCU alumni head coach, a fervent 17-point fourth quarter comeback from a historic franchise in their home opener and much more.
A Pair of Upsets Shock the League
The Indianapolis Colts took down the Baltimore Ravens 22-19 after a game that saw nine minutes of overtime play. Matt Gay kicked the game-winning, 53-yard field goal with 1:09 to play in extra time. Led by fan favorite backup QB Gardner Minshew and former Buffalo RB Zack Moss, the Colts offense gave all they had to outlast Baltimore.
However, the defense was the main story, as Indianapolis was tasked with containing the explosive Lamar Jackson and only gave up 10 offensive points in the second half and overtime. This was a much-needed win for the Colts, as they came in as significant underdogs in Baltimore.
Similarly, a bigger upset was seen when the consensus “worst team” in the league shocked the dominant Dallas Cowboys. The Arizona Cardinals were led by their backup QB Joshua Dobbs who carried the squad to victory. The menacing Cowboys defense looked sluggish all game and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb underperformed with only four catches for 53 yards. Dak Prescott couldn’t save the game for the Cowboys, throwing his first interception of the season, which ultimately sealed the win for Arizona.
Miami Nearly Breaks Long Time NFL Record
In what was supposed to be a fairly close game, the Miami Dolphins electric vertical offense dropped over 700 yards and scored 70 points in a 50-point win and did it without star wideout Jaylen Waddle. In fact, they did it with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Head coach, Mike McDaniel, had an opportunity to have his kicker send a field goal through the uprights and break the record, but decided not to (Classy move from McDaniel).
This beatdown improves Miami’s undefeated record to 3-0, with running backs Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert combining for seven touchdowns. The question is: where do Sean Payton’s 0-3 Broncos go from here?
Jordan Love is HIM
The Green Bay Packers took down the New Orleans Saints in dramatic fashion. After trailing 17-0 entering the fourth quarter, Packers QB Jordan Love combined with the Packers’ excellent young and athletic defense scored 18 unanswered points to complete the largest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history.
The Packers are the youngest team in the league and came in with mediocre expectations, but with Jordan Love throwing for seven touchdowns and rushing in one in his first three games, the Packers might just have another star on their hands.
Josh McDaniels Faces Mass Scrutiny after Controversial Decision
In Sunday’s 23-18 loss, John Carroll alumni and head coach, Josh McDaniels ‘99, made the choice to attempt a field goal while being down by eight points and having a fourth-and-four situation at the Steelers’ eight-yard line. Keep in mind, that this decision was made with 2:25 left on the clock, so it definitely raised some eyebrows. Las Vegas eventually got the ball back, but with only 12 seconds left, at the 15-yard line and with no timeouts.
McDaniels has been critiqued by national media for this puzzling call when the Raiders were only down one score. Regardless, The Steelers improved to 2-1 with their offense finally showing up to complement T.J. Watt and the stellar Pittsburgh defense.
Other Storylines
The Cleveland Browns steamrolled the Tennessee Titans 27-3 in a game where they held Derrick Henry to 20 rushing yards. The Browns defense continues to wreak havoc on their opponents as they improve to 2-1.
The same can be said for the Buffalo Bills as they trounced the Washington Commanders 37-3. Perennial top performers, Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen shined, but this week the defense came alive with four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
The Vikings and the Chargers engaged in a thriller, in which the two high-volume offenses threw for 772 yards. The Chargers prevailed 28-24 and sealed the deal by intercepting Kirk Cousins with 15 seconds left. Another wild week in the National Football League.