NFL Week 3: Biggest questions, takeaways for every game

The New York Jets kicked off Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season with a giant win over the New England Patriots. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns to maneuver to 2-1 on the season.

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers downed the Los Angeles Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ protection dealt with the New Orleans Saints‘ high-powered offense, and the Bo Nix-led Denver Broncos handed Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers their first lack of the season.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing the whole lot else it’s essential to know for each staff. Let’s get to it.

Bounce to:
NE-NYJ | GB-TEN | LAC-PIT
DEN-TB | PHI-NO | HOU-MIN
CHI-IND | NYG-CLE

Giants

Is that this the win that will get the Giants going? The Giants wanted this win within the worst approach attainable, even when it did not come straightforward. They entered Sunday 0-2 and with their subsequent six video games towards groups with profitable information final season. A win on the highway towards Cleveland goes a great distance in serving to this younger group construct confidence. Coach Brian Daboll has preached specializing in the method. The outcomes, he believed, would come. That is proof that maybe they’re headed in the fitting path, simply in time for a giant Thursday evening matchup with the Cowboys.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Nice resiliency. The Giants fumbled the opening kickoff and allowed a landing on the primary play from scrimmage. They did not flinch. They nonetheless managed to enter halftime with a 21-7 lead by dominating on offense and protection. It was a first-half masterpiece by quarterback Daniel Jones, playcaller Daboll, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen (who surprisingly blitzed quite a bit) and rookie extensive receiver Malik Nabers.

Eye-popping stat: Nabers is the primary participant in NFL historical past with 20 receptions and three receiving TDs in his first three video games in NFL historical past, per ESPN Analysis. It speaks for itself. Nabers completed with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns within the win. The No. 6 draft choose’s profession is off to a powerful begin. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent recreation: vs. Cowboys (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Browns

Will the Browns’ offensive line accidents sink the offense? A Browns offensive line that had no continuity throughout coaching camp reached disaster mode towards the Giants. On Sunday, Cleveland misplaced three linemen — Wyatt Teller, James Hudson III and Jedrick Wills Jr. — to accidents, forcing a mass shuffling alongside the road midgame. The Browns have usually stated the offensive line is the lifeblood of their offense, however that unit’s depth is on its final legs proper now.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Whole disappointment. The Browns entered the matchup as near-touchdown favorites however had been down 14 at halftime regardless of recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff and scoring on the subsequent play. It was the kind of letdown a staff cannot have at dwelling towards a struggling opponent.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Not adjusting to the Giants’ blitzes rapidly sufficient. It was obvious early on that New York was going to check the Browns’ safety with blitzes, and it labored for a lot of the sport. It wasn’t till halfway by way of the third quarter that Cleveland lastly adjusted to fight the strain, using screens and transferring Watson out of the pocket. — Daniel Oyefusi

Subsequent recreation: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Colts

Was this the Colts’ greatest offensive system? With Anthony Richardson making his seventh profession begin and being the NFL’s youngest beginning quarterback, the Colts appear to have discovered an offensive system that acknowledges he is creating. One week after dialing up 36 dropbacks in a loss at Inexperienced Bay, the Colts used a extra ground-based assault towards Chicago. RB Jonathan Taylor (23 carries, 110 yards) was the focus of the offense, taking some strain off Richardson, who leads the NFL with six interceptions. The Colts additionally employed extra runs for Richardson, leaning into one in every of his greatest abilities.

Most stunning efficiency: The Colts protection had their first run-stuffing efficiency up to now, reversing (for now) a pattern that had threatened to derail their season by way of the primary two weeks. The Colts had allowed a historic 474 speeding yards in Weeks 1 and a couple of, one of many worst begins for a protection up to now twenty years. On Sunday, the Colts restricted the Bears to 2.3 yards per carry.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Rising pains. This recreation featured the 2 youngest quarterbacks within the NFL, Richardson and Williams. Each are 22 years outdated, with Richardson a number of months youthful than his counterpart. And it is a reminder that each franchises must endure twists and turns as their younger passers mature. The Colts, particularly, have not skilled this in fairly a while (Andrew Luck was the staff’s final first-round QB choice in 2012). — Stephen Holder

Subsequent recreation: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bears

What’s unsuitable with OC Shane Waldron’s playcalling? The Colts gave up practically 500 speeding yards to their first two opponents, but the Bears tried 52 passes. Chicago had 247 yards within the first half and was shut out within the half after 4 straight runs out of the shotgun on the 4-yard line did not yield a landing. QB Caleb Williams responded late with TD throws to Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet — his first two NFL passing touchdowns. However questions in regards to the Bears’ decision-making — like why they burned a timeout once they knew they needed to go for 2 after Odunze’s TD (an try that failed) — stay.

Most stunning efficiency: RB D’Andre Swift. The Bears did not signal Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract for the working again to common 1.5 yards per carry. After totaling 38 speeding yards towards the Titans and Texans, Swift as soon as once more obtained a staff excessive in carries (13) and churned out simply 20 yards.

Eye-popping stat: There have been six accomplished Hail Mary throws that didn’t lead to a landing since ESPN started monitoring them in 2009. Williams’ heave to DJ Moore on the ultimate play of the primary half landed on the 1-yard line. It is the second time since 2009 {that a} Hail Mary has been caught with the play ending on the 1-yard line. The opposite? Former Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s Hail Mary to Kevin White in Week 7 of 2018. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent recreation: vs. Rams (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

play

Williams and Odunze join for his or her 1st huge pitch-and-catch

Caleb Williams launches a magnificence to Rome Odunze for a 47-yard Bears acquire.

Vikings

How good are the Vikings? By way of three weeks, the Vikings have been one of many league’s greatest groups. They’ve received on the highway (on the Giants in Week 1), defeated one of many NFC’s greatest groups (49ers in Week 2) and have now battered one of many AFC’s prime squads in Week 3. Sunday, they jumped on the Texans and didn’t let up. It has been 5 years — Week 15 of the 2019 season — because the Vikings received a recreation by 24 or extra factors.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Blitz-heavy protection. The Vikings blitzed Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on 16 of his 37 dropbacks Sunday, the best fee (43%) he has confronted up to now in his profession. On these performs, he accomplished 8 of 15 passes for 94 yards, together with a landing, an interception and a sack. He was sacked 3 times by former Texans linebacker Jonathan Greenard.

Early prediction for subsequent week: A minimum of from the Vikings’ perspective, this would be the most extremely anticipated matchup at Lambeau Discipline since they introduced quarterback Brett Favre from there in 2009. The Vikings are main the NFC North and would like to put some respiration room between them and the Packers, who might or might not have quarterback Jordan Love again from a knee harm. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent recreation: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Texans

When will the Texans’ offense put it collectively? Their air assault seemed uneven once more on Sunday. Quarterback C.J. Stroud not often seemed comfy towards the Vikings’ protection. He threw for 215 yards, with two interceptions and one landing. The primary cause is the unit is not executing persistently. Flags, ineffective playcalls and miscommunication on the offensive line are derailing the offense. If the Texans do not repair it, their Tremendous Bowl expectations will turn out to be simply an unfulfilled want.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: The Texans might have benefitted from working the ball, however as a substitute they struggled towards Brian Flores’ protection with out main rusher Joe Mixon (ankle). Houston scored a season-low seven factors as its working backs had 11 carries for under 26 yards. Rather than Mixon, Cam Akers’ longest rush was 9 yards.

Eye-popping stat: Stroud was pressured on 44% of his dropbacks. He went 6-for-11 for 66 yards underneath strain with a landing, an interception and a passer ranking of 65. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent recreation: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Eagles

What’s going on with coach Nick Sirianni’s decision-making? He went for it on fourth-and-short late within the second quarter and early within the third. The offense did not convert both try, and the Eagles walked away with out factors in an in depth recreation. When he lastly did go for a discipline objective try, it was from 60 yards out halfway by way of the fourth quarter. Jake Elliott couldn’t convert, and the Saints proceeded to drive for a go-ahead landing. His recreation administration has been suspect the previous two weeks, hindering the Eagles’ possibilities of profitable video games.

Eye-popping stat: RB Saquon Barkley hit a max velocity of 21.66 mph on his 65-yard speeding landing, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. That is the third-fastest max velocity on a TD in Barkley’s profession and his quickest since Week 17 in 2019 towards the Eagles. Barkley was a drive for the Eagles, ending the day with 147 yards and two touchdowns.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive dominance. Credit score Vic Fangio’s unit for stepping up towards the top-ranked offense by way of two weeks. The run protection entered the sport permitting a league-high 6.4 yards per carry however largely saved RB Alvin Kamara in verify (he completed with a season-low 3.3 yards per carry). DT Jalen Carter broke out after a few quiet weeks, registering a pair of move deflections and two tackles for loss. — Tim McManus

Subsequent recreation: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Saints

How do the Saints reply after being examined for the primary time this season? The Saints responded when issues did not go their approach towards the Eagles for nearly 4 quarters, however New Orleans misplaced within the last minute after Philadelphia’s 61-yard passing play arrange the go-ahead landing. The Saints talked about managing success simply in addition to managing failure this season. With a divisional recreation towards the rival Atlanta Falcons arising, how will they study from this transferring ahead?

Largest gap within the recreation plan: There is no straightforward method to account for a staff shedding its greatest offensive lineman, and the Saints clearly floundered a bit when Erik McCoy went out after three snaps with a groin harm. Lucas Patrick moved from LG to C and Olisaemeka Udoh slotted in at LG from the bench. The Saints averaged 3.1 speeding yards per carry towards the Eagles’ run protection, which is seventh worst within the NFL.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Late errors. This was a matchup of two scoring offenses, however each groups bumped into roadblocks and failed to attain till the fourth quarter. The Saints’ protection carried the offense early with two sacks, an interception, a pressured fumble and a key fourth-down cease within the first half. They weren’t in a position to keep that every one recreation, permitting two performs of 60-plus yards that in the end doomed them. — Katherine Terrell

Subsequent recreation: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

play

DeVonta Smith heads to the medical tent after taking enormous hit vs. Saints

DeVonta Smith takes a brutal hit over the center of the sphere and heads to the medical tent within the fourth quarter.

Broncos

Did rookie QB Bo Nix flip a nook with this efficiency? After Nix’s struggles within the first two weeks, Broncos coach Sean Payton stated he was going to take an extended take a look at his playcalling. Payton’s reply was to maintain Nix winging it. Together with penalty snaps, Nix had 26 dropbacks within the first half, principally executing the kind of snap-to-throw performs that he was profitable with at Oregon. Nix feasted on Tampa Bay’s protection, throwing for 70 passing yards on the Broncos’ opening drive. Nonetheless, he confirmed the identical hobbles he had the primary two video games, together with two near-interceptions and a misplaced fumble that was negated by a Bucs penalty. So, we’ll must see a bit extra.

Eye-popping stat: One. As in a single reception (for 8 yards) for Buccaneers WR Mike Evans with Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II in man protection. Surtain was in Evans’ kitchen lots and disadvantaged QB Baker Mayfield of his go-to playmaker. In coaching camp, DC Vance Joseph promised to contemplate matching Surtain on an opponents’ greatest receiver extra usually so quarterbacks could not keep away from the two-time Professional Bowl choice. Surtain executed that recreation plan extraordinarily properly after holding Seattle’s DK Metcalf to 3 receptions for 29 yards in Week 1.

Describe the sport in two phrases: A lot wanted. The Broncos had only one landing in seven purple zone journeys getting into Sunday, however they scored a landing on their first possession and simply saved rolling. The Broncos scored on 4 of their first six possessions and had their greatest speeding day on the season (136 yards). On protection, that they had seven sacks, an interception and a fumble restoration. The victory was an excellent method to begin their 10-day highway journey, a journey Payton believes might be good for his staff. — Jeff Legwold

Subsequent recreation: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

What occurred to the Bucs’ scorching begin? The whole lot unfavorable you’ll be able to consider. With out defensive linemen Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, the Bucs’ protection struggled to get any move rush or containment on Nix. Cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum each bought beat deep early and Mayfield threw a first-quarter interception, which Broncos’ security Brandon Jones returned to the Tampa Bay 9-yard line. These performs helped put the Bucs in an early 17-0 gap that they could not dig out of. The one shiny spot was Mayfield’s 6-yard landing move to Chris Godwin within the second quarter, which was arrange by a Logan Hall fumble restoration.

Most stunning efficiency: The Bucs’ protection. One week after the unit held the Lions to only one landing on seven purple zone drives, they surrendered 216 passing yards and 45 speeding yards to Nix, who had only a 36.4 QBR within the first two video games. Dean had a very tough day, surrendering eight catches on 10 targets for 84 yards as the closest defender, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Intestine verify. All week lengthy, the Bucs stated they weren’t overlooking the Broncos as they sought a 3-0 begin for simply the fifth time in franchise historical past. And as linebacker K.J. Britt stated, “Something lower than a Tremendous Bowl could be a disappointment.” They didn’t play as much as that customary in any respect and must provide you with a greater efficiency towards the Eagles subsequent week. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent recreation: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Steelers

Is the dam breaking for the Steelers offense? All week, members of the Steelers offense reiterated that the dam was about to interrupt regardless of scoring only one landing in two weeks. Whereas the Steelers did not flood their dwelling opener with touchdowns, they did rating a season-high 20 factors with two discipline objectives by Chris Boswell and a speeding landing by QB Justin Fields to go along with his fourth-quarter TD strike to Calvin Austin III. Nonetheless, the Steelers struggled to transform within the purple zone with drives stalling on the 10-yard line and 12-yard line. Fields additionally had the primary interception of his Steelers profession however threw for 245 yards, probably the most in his three-game stint because the starter.

Most stunning efficiency: Broderick Jones. After first-rounder Troy Fautanu injured his knee Friday and went on IR Saturday, Jones was thrust again into the beginning lineup per week after being benched for 3 penalties in a six-play collection. However towards the Chargers, Jones wasn’t known as for a single penalty. Fields was additionally sacked solely two instances, and people seemed to be extra on the quarterback than his offensive line.

Eye-popping stat: The run protection held Chargers’ RB J.K. Dobbins to a mean of 1.53 yards per try earlier than contact on 15 carries. He entered the sport averaging 5.8 yards per carry earlier than contact. Dobbins, who started Week 3 because the league’s main rusher, had simply 44 yards. The Steelers protection has now allowed 26 factors, their fewest by way of three video games since 2007, per ESPN Analysis. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent recreation: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Chargers

How will the Chargers modify if QB Justin Herbert misses time? The Chargers skilled life with out Herbert when he missed two weeks of coaching camp with a plantar fascia harm to his proper foot. The offense then was so abysmal that the staff traded for quarterback Taylor Heinicke. After Herbert exited the sport within the third quarter Sunday, the outcomes had been equally poor. Heinicke was sacked 3 times, and the Chargers offense did not get a primary down. The Chargers will possible lean much more on working backs J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards if Herbert is out subsequent week.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Damage-laden afternoon. Sunday’s recreation introduced the Chargers’ momentum to a screeching cease and prompted considerations about this staff transferring ahead. OLB Joey Bosa, OT Joe Alt, OT Rashawn Slater and Herbert had been all injured in the course of the recreation. The Chargers will face the Chiefs subsequent week with a prolonged harm checklist.

Most stunning efficiency: Quentin Johnston. He scored the Chargers’ solely landing of the day, hauling in a 27-yard reception. Johnston has continued to blossom after an underwhelming rookie season and has turn out to be one in every of Herbert’s favourite targets. He completed with two catches for 44 yards. He has three touchdowns this season, greater than he had all of final yr. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

play

Justin Herbert exits recreation with harm in third quarter

Justin Herbert leaves the sport for the Chargers within the third quarter vs. the Steelers.

Packers

Who says the Packers cannot belief QB Malik Willis to throw it? Every week after coach Matt LaFleur restricted Willis to 5 first-half move makes an attempt (and 14 general for 122 yards), he trusted Willis to throw it early Sunday. The opening drive pressured the Titans to respect the passing recreation after Willis threw 30-yard completions to each Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. Willis topped final week’s passing yards within the first half with 158 (going 9-of-11), which was greater than he has had in any recreation in his profession. Whereas it seems Jordan Love is on track to return towards the Vikings, Willis has proven he can deal with yet one more recreation.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Protection delivers. The Packers could not have requested for rather more from their protection over the previous two weeks. On Sunday, Jaire Alexander set the tone along with his first-quarter pick-six that allowed Willis to play from forward all recreation. With seven interceptions this season (together with three by Xavier McKinney), the Packers matched their season interception whole from all of final season. Throw in eight sacks, the Packers’ second most in a recreation since 2005, and the protection did its half.

Most stunning efficiency: RB Emanuel Wilson. He may not have made the Packers’ opening day roster if not for accidents to AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd. Now, as Josh Jacobs‘ backup, Wilson retains making performs, taking a display move 30 yards for a landing within the third quarter. He totaled 85 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches for the sport. — Rob Demovsky

Subsequent recreation: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

How a lot will turnovers proceed to harm the Titans? The Titans cannot overcome turnovers on offense or the shortage of takeaways by the protection. Sunday’s loss to the Packers was extra of the identical. Will Levis‘ three turnovers pushed his season whole to eight, probably the most by any quarterback by way of the primary three video games over the previous three seasons. Tennessee’s minus-8 turnover ratio is the worst within the NFL. The Titans might want to appropriate this problem to keep away from being embarrassed subsequent week in prime time towards the Dolphins.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: The Titans struggled to guard the quarterback, particularly on third downs. The Packers bought two huge sacks to drive a few punts late within the recreation by overloading the left facet, then the fitting facet. Tennessee had no reply for it. Inexperienced Bay’s strain package deal was an excessive amount of, leading to seven sacks for the Packers, probably the most they’ve had in a recreation since 2020.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Revenge recreation. Getting into this week, Malik Willis firmly stated he has no dangerous emotions towards the Titans after being forged away for a seventh-round choose. However Willis confirmed the Titans what he is able to at the moment by posting profession highs with 202 passing yards and 73 speeding yards in a lopsided win over his former staff. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent recreation: at Dolphins (Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Jets

Is QB Aaron Rodgers all the way in which again? Rodgers definitely did not appear like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off Achilles surgical procedure, taking part in his third recreation in 11 days. Not solely was his accuracy sharp (27-for-35), however his mobility was excellent. He escaped strain and made off-platform throws. He was like a degree guard, distributing rapidly and successfully. He related with eight totally different receivers. When Rodgers performs like this, all issues appear attainable within the Jets’ universe.

Most stunning efficiency: The move rush. It was alleged to fade away with out Jermaine Johnson (season-ending Achilles harm) and Haason Reddick (holdout), however the Jets registered seven sacks Thursday. They now have 14 sacks on the season; the final time that they had 14 by way of three video games was 1966. Will McDonald IV (4.5) has emerged in his second season, decreasing the strain on the Jets to succeed in a decision with Reddick, who demanded a commerce in August. They’ll face higher offensive strains within the coming weeks, so it might assist to herald a reinforcement.

Eye-popping stat: Based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, Rodgers traveled (moved round on the sphere) 714.8 yards on Thursday. He mixed to journey 730 yards in his first two video games. The offense confronted little to no resistance from the Patriots’ protection. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Patriots

Is coach Jerod Mayo contemplating a QB change? No. Mayo thought it was merely a superb alternative for rookie Drake Maye to get some repetitions with the beginning offense and expertise regular-season motion for the primary time. Maye was 4-of-8 for 22 yards and sacked twice, whereas including 12 yards on two rushes. Maye in the end had only one drive, which began on the Patriots’ 42-yard line and ended on the Jets’ 7. One other issue Mayo has to contemplate in relation to doubtlessly turning to Maye is what kind of safety he’ll obtain. Veteran Jacoby Brissett was sacked 5 instances and hit 15 instances within the recreation. It is arduous to think about the Patriots wish to topic Maye to that proper now.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: Blocking and tackling. It sounds easy, however Mayo stated that Thursday video games often come all the way down to which staff performs with higher fundamentals. That had been an space of energy by way of the primary two video games, however there have been too many free rushers allowed on offense, and too many missed tackles and dangerous angles on protection.

Eye-popping stat: The Jets pressured the Patriots on 17 of their 35 dropbacks (49%), the best strain share in a recreation this season. The offensive line has been stable within the working recreation, however their struggles in pass-blocking proceed. Third-round choose Caedan Wallace began at left deal with, fourth-round choose Layden Robinson began at proper guard and apply squad call-up Michael Jordan bought the nod at left guard for the third straight week. Quarterbacks had been in hurt’s approach usually. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent recreation: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)