After a wild Week 3, we learned some things about where things stand in the NFL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.