Week 3 of the NFL season brought clarity and some unexpected revelations across the league, as key players and teams sharpened their competitive edge. The Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers distinguished themselves in their respective conferences, both taking decisive two-game leads over their division rivals. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings emerged as one of the few teams sitting at an unbeaten 3-0, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of their new quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Vikings Soar with Darnold
Sam Darnold has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the NFL with eight passing touchdowns. His passer rating of 117.3 is second in the league, and he ranks fourth in yards per attempt at 8.4. Darnold’s seamless integration into the Vikings' offense places him in elite company; he is just the fifth quarterback in the past 25 years to start 3-0 while throwing eight or more touchdowns in his first three games with a new team. Notably, Darnold is the first quarterback in Vikings history to kick off his season with three consecutive wins, each featuring multiple touchdown passes.
Newcomers Making Waves
The Vikings' rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers made headlines for his impressive performance, catching eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3. Nabers has accumulated 23 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns, giving him a 37.8% target share—ranking fourth-highest through the first three games over the last decade. His 271 receiving yards constitute the second-most for a rookie in franchise history over the first three games.
Marvin Harrison Jr., another promising rookie, amassed 10 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns across three games, further brightening the Vikings' prospects.
Running Game Dominated by Barkley
On the ground, running back Saquon Barkley has been a force of nature. Leading the NFL with 351 rushing yards and four touchdowns, Barkley has demonstrated consistent excellence. In Week 3 alone, he carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns, scoring both of the Eagles' touchdowns in their victory over the Saints. Barkley's remarkable consistency is underscored by his achievement of totaling 100-plus yards from scrimmage in every game this season.
Saints Stumble Against Eagles
The New Orleans Saints, who entered Week 3 averaging an impressive 45.5 points and 6.9 yards per play, found themselves thwarted by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints managed only 12 points and saw their averages drop to 34.3 points and 6.0 yards per play over the first three games. As C.J. Gardner-Johnson succinctly put it, “The Saints were 'pretenders' after scoring 12 points and gaining 4.0 yards per play.”
Willis Shines for Packers
Green Bay Packers’ Malik Willis has been a revelation at quarterback, boasting a completion rate of 73.5%, 9.5 yards per attempt, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 122.6. Adding versatility, Willis has rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown. In his two starts, he has completed 75.8% of his passes with a standout 126.3 passer rating. Willis joins an exclusive club as the fourth Packers player to accumulate over 200 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown in a single game.
Optimism for the Panthers
Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Andy Dalton showcased his capabilities by throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3, leading the Panthers to their first win of the season. The Panthers' offense displayed new life, scoring 36 points after combining for just 13 points over the first two weeks.
Dallas Cowboys: A Tale of Two Halves
The Dallas Cowboys have experienced mixed fortunes, being outscored 56-22 in their last two home games but showing resilience with a mid-game surge. They scored 22 straight points in the second half against the Ravens, highlighting their potential when firing on all cylinders.
As Week 4 approaches, these narratives and performances will undoubtedly shape the unfolding drama of the NFL season. Teams and players will seek to build on their successes or regroup from their setbacks, adding to the excitement of one of the most unpredictable and competitive seasons in recent memory.