Week 3 was…interesting in the AFC North.
Two teams tried to redeem themselves, but only one succeeded. One team stuck to their now-formulaic game plan and won. And two teams lost in embarrassing fashion to some of the worst rosters in the NFL.
I believe the youngsters refer to this as “drama”. And so it is.
Here’s some details.
Chargers 10, Steelers 20
In his latest bid to keep veteran QB Russell Wilson on the bench, Steelers QB Justin Fields (25-32, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) played an efficient, nearly error-free game in his best outing thus far. WR Calvin Austin III had an impact, with four catches for 95 yards and a TD, while RB Najee Harris ground out 70 yards on 18 carries. The Steelers managed a lot of long, clock-killing drives, which have become a staple in their game plan to counter an (up until Sunday) inconsistent offense.
But the real heroes, as always, reside on the Pittsburgh defense, which limited the Chargers’ league-leading rusher, RB J.K. Dobbins, to 44 yards on 15 carries. Chargers QB Justin Herbert reaggravated a high-ankle sprain during the third quarter, and replacement Taylor Heinicke did little in his stead, as the Chargers QBs suffered through five sacks (two by DT Cam Heyward) and seven recorded QB hits combined.
Next: Steelers @ Colts, 9/29, 1:00 pm EST, CBS
Giants 21, Browns 15
The Browns, a solid playoff team a year ago, suffered through an embarrassing loss to the woeful, roster-addled Giants. While QB Deshaun Watson’s numbers (21-37, 196 yards, 2 TDs) were solid, his two lost fumbles were killers, with one, late in the second quarter, leading directly to the Giants’ third TD, which also proved to be the winning score. WR Amari Cooper was the lone standout on offense with seven catches for 86 yards, including both Browns TD receptions. Of note: Watson’s decimated offensive line allowed 8 sacks. It will be interesting to see if he survives the season.
After a slow start, the plodding Browns defense made way for the offense to finally take a lead late in the fourth quarter, only to have the offense commit two consecutive turnovers on downs to end the game. DE Myles Garrett recorded three QB hits, but no sacks, and S Grant Delpit added 10 tackles to lead the team.
Next: Browns @ Raiders, 9/29, 4:25 pm EST, CBS
Ravens 28, Cowboys 25
The Ravens rediscovered their rushing prowess, and shockingly held on to win despite a barrage of Dallas points in the second half. RB Derrick Henry (25 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs) fully resembled his Tennessee persona, while QB Lamar Jackson added 87 yards and a TD on the ground while also completing 12 of 15 attempts for 182 yards and a passing TD. No Ravens receiver caught more than three passes, but given the tone of the game, they didn’t really need to.
On defense, the Ravens looked dominant until their inevitable fourth quarter letdown began, culminating in three Dallas touchdowns sandwiched around two onside kicks (one successful). S Kyle Hamilton recorded 12 tackles to lead the team, with MLB Roquan Smith just behind with 11. CB Marlon Humphrey looked a bit rejuvenated with two passes defensed and a key third down stop.
Next: Bills @ Ravens, 9/29, 8:20 pm EST, NBC
Commanders 38, Bengals 33
Woe is the team that runs their mouth stupidly, as Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt was forced to realize, albeit half-heartedly. The Commanders “college offense” racked up 356 total yards, led by prescient rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ 254 yards and two TD passes…and only two incompletions. The Bengals’ defense looked largely powerless when it mattered most, surrendering three rushing TDs. MLB Jermaine Pratt, LB Logan Wilson and S Vonn Bell each recorded nine tackles, and DE Trey Hendrickson clawed out a lone sack in a day of defensive futility.
The Bengals can generate points, as shown by WR Ja’Marr Chase’s six catches for 118 yards and two TDs, but without late defensive stops, there’s only so much they can do to compensate. Despite good numbers, QB Joe Burrow (29-38, 324 yards, 3 TDs) was hassled much of the day by Washington’s still-very-good defensive line, resulting in some key misfires and incompletions. Considering the Commanders are rebuilding and weren’t expected to come close to winning this game, this has to be a shock to the Bengals, who have some soul-searching and deep analysis in front of them.
Next: Bengals @ Panthers, 9/29, 1:00 pm EST, FOX
See you next time.
Jorm
Hond