The Week 3 slate introduced a actuality examine for some, and a few glimmers of hope for a few the NFL’s winless groups. It additionally featured some important moments for a few coaches and quarterbacks.
TAKE IT @Saquon!
65-YARD RUN FOR THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/644j4kcyAQ— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 22, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens received their first win of 2024, and so did the Andy Dalton-led Carolina Panthers. The Minnesota Vikings proceed to claim themselves, Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles averted catastrophe, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may need discovered their quarterback. The Athletic NFL writers Tim Graham, Ted Nguyen and Dan Pompei share their ideas on all of those storylines and extra.
Is there a elementary downside with the Cowboys or was this simply a type of video games (which occurred to come back after one other a type of video games)?
Graham: The Cowboys’ rollicking rally salvaged a bleak efficiency, and in lots of respects that will likely be sufficient to beat again the wolves at Jerry Jones’ door. However let’s not be fooled: This workforce lives getting ready to catastrophe. Perhaps the Cowboys take pleasure in it a bit of an excessive amount of — drama, coda, excessive theater.
Dallas has suffered humiliations in three of its previous 4 video games, relationship to Inexperienced Bay’s playoff upset at Jerry World. The lone victory throughout that stretch was over Cleveland on opening day. Huge whoop. Jones revels in his Cowboys being a larger-than-life present, and proper now they’re trash TV.
Some would possibly marvel if Mike McCarthy is on a brief leash, but when the Cowboys made a change this season it could be the shortest Dallas teaching tenure since Wade Phillips 14 years in the past. That’s additionally the final time Jones fired a head coach throughout a season, and people Jason Garrett groups produced loads of embarrassing outcomes.
If something, Jones has confirmed a glutton for such punishment. Down 28-6 within the fourth quarter, Dak Prescott began to resemble the NFL’s highest-paid participant. He was 13 of 25 for 187 yards and two touchdowns within the last interval, however the protection had been trampled down so badly there was not sufficient time to come back all the way in which again.
Nguyen: This isn’t only one recreation; the Cowboys have been gashed on the bottom since final season. Within the 2023 NFC divisional spherical, they gave up 143 dashing yards to the Packers. Final week, they gave up 190 yards on the bottom to the Saints. This week, they gave up a mind-boggling 274 yards dashing to the Ravens.
They’d an opportunity at getting the ball again and finishing a 22-point comeback however they couldn’t cease the Ravens from operating out the clock. They’re too mild up entrance, and that may be a elementary downside that doesn’t look solvable. Mike Zimmer needs to play two deep coverages however he could have to begin getting an additional security within the field. The concept behind taking part in tender protection with mild bins is you concede an environment friendly run right here or there, however the Cowboys are giving up explosives frequently.
Pompei: There isn’t a disgrace in a three-point loss to the Ravens in September. However the Cowboys’ loss on Sunday was magnified by their loss to the Saints the week earlier than. If that they had taken care of enterprise towards the Saints, the loss to the Ravens would have been a blip for the Cowboys. Their actuality now could be a 1-2 document, and they’re too gifted to be 1-2. The Cowboys ought to change the optics within the subsequent two weeks with video games towards the Giants and Steelers. Given the expectations for this workforce, Dallas must win each.
In mild of what the Carolina Panthers simply did in Vegas with Andy Dalton beneath heart, has Bryce Younger already made his final begin for the Panthers?
Pompei: We’ve seen the Dalton present earlier than. And everyone knows he doesn’t have a terrific supporting forged. So there will likely be turmoil in Carolina. That might result in one other quarterback change, even when the Panthers have advised themselves and others they’re shifting on from Younger. If we all know one factor about David Tepper, it’s that he’s mercurial — he hasn’t proven conviction in any choices relating to the Panthers. If Tepper and the Panthers actually are accomplished with Younger, they may get what they’ll for him in a commerce. Until that occurs, he’s in play to begin once more.
Graham: True story: I used to be strolling onto the sphere earlier than Carolina performed Buffalo within the preseason and located myself behind a man with “Dalton” on the again of his jersey, and it dawned on me: Andy Dalton’s not solely nonetheless within the league, but in addition he’s dressing for the preseason finale. He ended up not taking a preseason snap, however he was on the market at present towards the Raiders on the highway and appeared like he by no means missed a beat.
Dalton, who will flip 37 subsequent month, made solely his second begin in 21 months. Younger turned simply 23 this summer time, however you may’t assist however think about him beginning for Carolina with out Dalton getting damage. What a notion! The Panthers traded 4 draft picks (one turned out to be No. 1 general) and receiver D.J. Moore to the Bears to maneuver up eight slots to pick Younger, regardless of critical questions on his 5-foot-10, 204-pound body. Younger has performed even smaller than that. Dalton shouldn’t look transformative, but there he was in victory formation on the finish of a recreation during which the Panthers’ offense appeared brisker than it has in years.
Nguyen: It appears that evidently manner. Once you bench the No. 1 choose this early right into a season, it certain looks as if there’s no going again to him. With the dramatic distinction that the Panthers received with competent quarterback play, the franchise can absolutely justify the benching.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Younger’s time in Carolina is over, and Adam Schefter added that the workforce will probably wait till the offseason to commerce Younger — however why wait when you’re accomplished with him? The choice gave the impression to be made earlier than this week, however the recreation in Vegas may need moved the needle a bit of extra towards the give-up-on-Younger aspect of the meter. Both manner, likelihood is slimmer than the quarterback himself that the Panthers flip again to him.
Is it time to re-think the Vikings as a Tremendous Bowl contender?
Graham: The Vikings are a enjoyable story as a result of the much-maligned Sam Darnold is having fun with moments within the solar, and the mixture of Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson has been must-see TV. However let’s throw some bouquets at Brian Flores’ protection.
Minnesota entered Sunday ranked third in factors allowed and top-10 in each yards per carry and yards per move try. With assist from U.S. Financial institution Stadium, the Vikings annihilated the AFC South favorites on Sunday. They tormented C.J. Stroud with two interceptions and 4 sacks, they usually’ll have the Texans’ offensive line flinching tonight of their sleep.
Get a load of outdoor linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who recorded three sacks towards his outdated membership and performed a big half in Houston’s offensive line committing 4 straight pre-snap O-line penalties on the finish of the primary half, turning a third-and-4 at Minnesota’s 25-yard line right into a punt. 4-time Professional Bowl left deal with Laremy Tunsil was flagged thrice apiece for false begins and unlawful formations. Minnesota stopped 4 runs behind the road and let Cam Akers achieve simply 2.3 yards per carry.
Nguyen: Flores’ protection has a boom-or-bust nature and the Vikings nonetheless reside on aggression and inflicting confusion, but it surely’s arduous to disclaim how good they’ve been. Final week, they shut down the 49ers and this week, that they had Stroud, who is often superb towards the blitz, fully flustered. That is Stroud’s first multi-interception recreation during which he was additionally sacked 4 instances in his profession.
The Vikings’ offense is explosive on the bottom and thru the air — sixth in explosive play charge — however the outdated careless Sam Darnold does present up once in a while. Kevin O’Connell has been wonderful calling performs. I believe they’ve a method to win plenty of video games and perhaps make noise within the playoffs, however till we see Darnold string collectively some elite video games, it’s arduous to say that they’re Tremendous Bowl contenders. And that’s not a knock on the Vikings and their wonderful begin to the season, however it is going to take extra to place them in that tier.
Pompei: The Vikings are higher than nearly anyone thought they’d be. That’s about so far as we should always go after three video games. Two of their subsequent three are towards the Packers and Lions — we can have a a lot better really feel for them then. Being wonderful for 17 video games is a a lot completely different problem than being wonderful for 3, and January is a great distance away. However it in all probability wouldn’t be clever to doubt that O’Connell will proceed to get the most effective from Darnold, and if Darnold retains taking part in the way in which he has, the Vikings ought to be a playoff contender. And historical past tells us each workforce within the playoffs is a Tremendous Bowl contender.
Does Sunday’s win over the beforehand unbeaten Saints quiet down Nick Sirianni’s seat, or does the uneven offense and fourth-down backfires hold the warmth turned excessive?
Graham: We all know the way it works in Philadelphia, the place profitable typically isn’t practically sufficient. Sirianni received too cute, and that’s borderline unforgivable. One lengthy Saquon Barkley run and Vic Fangio’s protection bailed out the pinnacle coach.
You need to reduce Sirianni some slack with an already bruised roster that received crushed up some extra on Sunday, shedding All-Professional proper deal with Lane Johnson and main receiver DeVonta Smith to move accidents. All-Professional cornerback Darius Slay additionally left the sport late. However the pretend Brotherly Shove gaffe proper earlier than halftime and being shut out for 3 quarters isn’t going to chop it in Philly, not to mention the NFC East. Sirianni had higher hope his luck lasts as a result of he gained’t final for much longer if he retains teaching cute.
Nguyen: It definitely cools down his seat however the Eagles have been superb for many of this season. They dropped a foul recreation towards the Falcons however they may simply be sitting at 3-0 proper now. The protection has potential to enhance because it continues to be taught Fangio’s system. The run protection was wonderful towards the Saints, who have been incinerating groups.
The offense is handicapped by Jalen Hurts’ incapacity to get the choice recreation going and the absence of A.J. Brown, however Kellen Moore has been capable of dial up explosive play calls on the proper time. Sirianni has had a number of questionable fourth-down choices — ones that the analytics would even advocate towards (like going for it on fourth-and-1 as a substitute of kicking a area aim on the finish of the primary half).
The Eagles are coping with accidents they usually’re adjusting to new coordinators on each side of the ball, however this workforce seems too gifted to falter. Nevertheless, the usual for Sirianni could be to contend for the Tremendous Bowl with the roster the Eagles have.
Pompei: The seat of the Eagles’ coach is at all times scorching, proper? That is the group that fired Andy Reid regardless that he clearly was the most effective head coaches in soccer, and the one which fired Doug Pederson three years after he led them to some of the inconceivable Tremendous Bowl championships in historical past. Excessive expectations and a roster that almost all would say is loaded gained’t assist Sirianni’s job safety. However it’s sort of loopy to speak about contemplating the Eagles are 2-1 and Sirianni has a 36-18 document as their head coach. If the Eagles fireplace Sirianni, his wait to turn into a head coach someplace else gained’t be lengthy.
Do the Steelers have their quarterback in Justin Fields?
Nguyen: The Steelers are 3-0 and Fields has made enhancements in each recreation. He’s had a number of huge throws wiped away by questionable penalties within the first two video games. His recreation towards an especially stingy Chargers protection was by far his most spectacular of the season. He accomplished practically 80 p.c of his passes — he threw a number of quick passes however that was a part of the gameplan towards the most effective move rushes within the league. Fields made downfield throws in key moments.
Essentially the most spectacular half about his begin to the season is his potential to keep away from sacks, which has been the largest wrestle of his profession. Regardless of poor move blocking, Fields has solely been sacked six instances in three video games. If he had a foul recreation towards the Chargers’ protection, it may need been simple handy over the reins to Russell Wilson in Week 4 — however I don’t suppose there’s any manner you are able to do it now.
Graham: The Steelers have had quirky success with backup quarterbacks up to now. However this dude is not any Mason Rudolph, Duck Hodges or Tommy Maddox. As maddening as Fields was in Chicago, he has been great to date in Pittsburgh, a company that gained’t power a participant right into a gig simply because it’s paying him. The Rooneys and Mike Tomlin will stick to whomever has earned it.
Fields has been efficient at avoiding sacks and turnovers, throwing his first interception at present. You definitely can’t argue with 78 p.c accuracy (or with passing and dashing for touchdowns towards the Chargers on Sunday). If the Steelers nonetheless consider Wilson, who will flip 36 in a pair months, stays their greatest likelihood to win, then extra energy to them, I suppose. However I consider the Steelers’ management is smarter than that. Moreover, as Crash Davis as soon as mentioned, you by no means (mess) with a streak. Wilson must wait.
Pompei: The Steelers have their beginning quarterback for his or her recreation towards the Colts subsequent week since you don’t bench a quarterback who’s 3-0 except the participant he’s being changed with was acting at a a lot greater degree previous to his harm. (That wasn’t the case with Wilson.) However it’s a secure wager that Wilson goes to begin video games for the Steelers this season, perhaps within the not-too-distant future.
It’s additionally doable Fields will reclaim the beginning job in some unspecified time in the future. Fields has a historical past of up and down performances. Perhaps he’s changing into extra constant in his fourth season and in a brand new surroundings, however that is still to be seen. Until Fields (or Wilson if he replaces him in some unspecified time in the future) is constantly excellent and the workforce retains profitable, there will likely be a risk of change.
Is it good or unhealthy for Caleb Williams to be taking all these lumps early on?
Pompei: Taking lumps isn’t an excellent factor for a younger quarterback. How has it labored out for Bryce Younger? Getting taking part in expertise is sweet, however there have to be validation in some unspecified time in the future. There has not been a lot to date for Williams. He hasn’t had a lot assist from play calling, blocking or the operating recreation. And he hasn’t helped himself a lot both. Williams and the Bears offense must crawl earlier than they stroll, they usually typically appear to be they’re making an attempt to fly. Having a extra conservative method would assist everybody.
Nguyen: I don’t suppose it’s perfect to place a quarterback who needs to take his time to create behind this offensive line, however I don’t suppose you may reverse course after naming Williams the starter at this level. He isn’t taking part in as poorly as his numbers recommend, and he’s impressively dealing with plenty of the Bears’ pre-snap operation whereas getting higher.
He hasn’t been capable of get the ball downfield up to now couple of weeks however he threw for 363 yards at present and located a rapport with Rome Odunze, who had 112 yards — that’s progress! In an ideal world the Bears block higher, however so long as Williams is enhancing, you must play him. Even when the lumps come, you must play him.
Graham: There are lumps after which there are lumps. Though the Bears’ offensive line isn’t doing him many favors, Williams isn’t precisely getting the David Carr or Archie Manning remedy but. This has been valuable expertise for Williams, and also you don’t need him to be thrown into the Bin of Demoralization alongside Bryce Younger as gamers who’ve already misplaced their jobs as youngsters and must have their confidence constructed again up.
Williams already has a victory beneath his belt and has been exhibiting these flashes of brilliance you’d anticipate. He threw for 363 yards at present, the sort of fats stat line that may hold Chicago (and fantasy managers) excited and never on the verge of booing him out of city. Bears followers must hope his TD toss to Odunze at present is simply the beginning of an exquisite relationship. Give Williams all of the alternatives. He’s doing positive to date.
(High picture: Cooper Neill / Getty Pictures)
