| Ben Solak of ESPN.com: What a Week 3! I don’t know what’s going on! Once again, big favorites just straight up … lost. The Bengals fell to the Commanders on Monday night, chasing losses by the 49ers (to the Rams) and the Browns (to the Giants) on Sunday. Four games were played in Week 3 by favorites of at least 6 points, per ESPN BET, and only the Jets won outright. Twelve games have been played all season by favorites of at least 6 points, and those teams are 5-7 straight up. It’s typical of the early NFL season to have some wild results, but not like this. I have a few theories as to why, but they’re all half-baked. For now, I’m still trying to figure out just what is real. Turning to Week 4 – see any losers here? SAN FRANCISCO -10.0 vs New England Kansas City -8.0 @ LA CHARGERS NY JETS -7.5 vs Denver HOUSTON -6.5 vs Jacksonville That seems like a lot points for the Chiefs to be giving Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers in LA (much of the crowd in red though). But can the Bolts win outright? We note that the Cowboys are now 5.5-point picks over the Giants and could get to 6 by gametime. – – – This from Scott Kacsmar: @ScottKacsmarThe first QB drafted in his class this week 2018 Baker – lost2019 Kyler – lost2020 Burrow – lost 2021 Lawrence – lost2022 Pickett – benchwarmer 2023 Young – benched for winning backup 2024 Caleb – lost – – – The Commanders’ 38-33 win over the Bengals on Monday night was historic: For the first time since 1940, an NFL game featured zero punts and zero turnovers. 1st quarter:Bengals TDCommanders TD 2nd quarter:Bengals missed FGCommanders TDBengals FGCommanders TDBengals FGCommanders End of Half 3rd quarter:Commanders TDBengals TD 4th quarter:Commanders FGBengals TDCommanders TDBengals TDCommanders End of Game |
| NFC NORTH |
| DETROITThe Lions have lost DT MARCUS DAVENPORT for the rest of the season. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: The Lions have made a few Tuesday roster moves, including putting a pair of players on injured reserve. Detroit announced that linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive end Marcus Davenport have both been placed on IR. Head coach Dan Campbell said on Monday that Barnes was going to miss time with a knee injury, though he didn’t know at the time if Barnes would be out for at least four weeks. That has now been determined, as Barnes will be eligible to return in Week 8 for the matchup against Tennessee. Davenport is out for the rest of the 2024 season with an elbow injury. To fill one spot, the Lions have signed receiver Tim Patrick to the 53-man roster off of the club’s practice squad. The longtime Broncos wideout has caught three passes for 20 yards so far in 2024. Detroit also signed defensive back Morice Norris to the team’s practice squad. |
| MINNESOTAThe Vikings are preparing for two different QBs with the big NFC North showdown with the Packers. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: With Jordan Love still dealing with a knee injury, it’s currently unclear who the Packers will start at quarterback when they play the Vikings in Week 4. That’s why Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell said during his Monday news conference that he’s preparing for both Love and backup Malik Willis, who has helped Green Bay win its last two games. “I think Malik is doing some great things and Jordan Love is one of the best young quarterbacks in our league. We’ll prepare as if both will play,” O’Connell said, via transcript from the team. “[T]hey are different with Malik in there. At the same time, he made some big-time throws and moved the team. There were chunks on the tape that we’ve got to try to keep off of our tape. Then Jordan’s in there, we’ve seen it firsthand — when he gets into a rhythm and gets going, he’s as talented of a thrower as there is in our league. We got to be prepared for both of them.” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur maintained last week that Love was limited in practice and will likely do the same entering Week 4. So that means O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have to be prepared for more scenarios. “We’re not going to get the benefit of knowing exactly what we’re gonna see so we’ve got to make sure we’ve got a game plan that’s extensive for both those guys,” O’Connell said. “They’ve got a great group of skilled guys, a really good running back, great O-line, pretty special group.” The Vikings will head to Wisconsin this weekend for the first of two matchups between Minnesota and Green Bay in 2024. |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASJerry Jones says he accepts the blame for the lackluster last two weeks. Jon Machota of The Athletic: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said fans’ frustrations with the team’s 1-2 start is “very fair” after a local Dallas news station conducted a recent poll where 78 percent of voters said the blame falls on Jones. “It’s well-known that most decisions (are) ultimately made there, I either have to acquiesce or approve it,” Jones told 105.3 “The Fan” on Tuesday about WFAA’s poll. “That’s very fair. How could you think otherwise? “Whether it be who is out there coaching, whether it be who is out there playing, whether it be the stadium you’re walking into, whatever it is here, that’s the way it is.” In the poll, the Cowboys’ defense received 12 percent of votes, coaching received six percent and the offense got four percent. The Cowboys have particularly struggled on defense this season. They rank 28th in total defense at 372.7 yards per game and are last in run defense while giving up 185.7 yards per game. Dallas’ offense also ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing (73.7 yards per game), although in Weeks 2 and 3, they fell behind early forcing them to pass more. The Cowboys opted not to chase big-name free agents this past offseason that could’ve improved those areas. Jones said he “completely” accepts the criticism but pointed to the regular season success the Cowboys have had over the past few seasons as cause for optimism. “If you look at who has won the games over the last four or five years, Kansas City has, of course, but we’re right in that pack (in the regular season),” he said. “Now, we’re in a soft spot. We got to get out of it.” What to make of Jones’ comments?It doesn’t surprise me that Jones would agree with the fans. He understands that if he wants to be the owner and general manager, the majority of blame is going to fall on him when things are going poorly. However, he has also said multiple times since Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens that he likes the team’s personnel. His comment puts the blame on the coaching staff because Jones is saying that they have been given the correct ingredients to make the dinner. Of course, the owner and GM are responsible for hiring that coaching staff. And it’s also easier to take the blame when you know the consequences aren’t all that bad. It’s not like Jones is going to get fired. He’s not going to hire a GM and he’s not going to sell the team. — Jon Machota, Cowboys beat writer |
| WASHINGTONJohn Keim on the awestruck reaction of the Commanders to greatness amongst them: – As Washington backup safety and special teamer Jeremy Reaves exited the raucous visiting locker room, headphones covering his ears, he pointed in the direction of quarterback Jayden Daniels. He said only two words. “He’s different,” Reaves said. Defensive tackle Jon Allen was more direct. “He is the answer,” Allen said. Nobody in that locker room would disagree. Not after a night in which he completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-33 victory over the Bengals on “Monday Night Football.” Not after he delivered a game-clinching 27-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin while being crunched by a blitzing defender. “I think he grew up tonight,” McLaurin said. “I’m so excited for him because now as a rookie, once you see those throws, you get more confidence. And I think his confidence is just going through the roof right now.” Washington (2-1) has won two straight — and scored on 14 consecutive drives that didn’t end in a kneel down — heading into Sunday’s game at Arizona. The Commanders have received an early-season jolt because of Daniels’ play. In three games, he has completed 80.3% of his passes, averaging 6.2 air yards per attempt. He has thrown for 662 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. “He’s continuing to grow on the job,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. Daniels led a winning field goal drive in Week 2 and threw a touchdown pass on his final full possession Monday night. Players have not been shy in their praise of Daniels since they started practicing with him in the spring. Their confidence in him has only increased. “The only word I can really say is hope,” guard Sam Cosmi said when asked what’s different about Daniels compared to those he played with in the previous four seasons. “I believe. We believe.” Daniels wasn’t fazed when the play clock was winding down, motioning to the sideline to get the play call in. The way he handled that situation without panicking resonated with teammates. “It’s shocking how composed he is, but it’s not,” Washington guard Nick Allegretti said. “It’s just the situation is what it is. What am I going to do? Panic and ruin it. He’s not like that. He’s just situation is what it is. Get 11 in a huddle. Let’s call a play. “He is as composed of a rookie as I’ve seen and at the hardest position football. If that guy’s stressed, everyone else tightens up. So he may not be doing it on purpose, but his composure composes the entire offense.” Daniels was asked to convert three fourth downs: two with his arm and one with his legs. He succeeded each time. A fourth-and-2 pass to rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey gained 30 yards to set up the Commanders’ first touchdown. A fourth-and-1 run early in the fourth quarter led to a field goal. But the coup de grace was a fourth-and-4 pass from the Bengals’ 39-yard line to tight end Zach Ertz with 4 minutes, 26 seconds left in the game and Washington leading by only five. It went for 9 yards. “It’s just a blessing that the coaching staff has faith in me to go out there and make a play in a critical moment,” Daniels said. “But that’s just a testament to not just me but the whole offense.” Then he delivered perhaps his first signature moment. Three plays later, facing an all-out blitz with a defender about to hit him, Daniels unleashed a perfect throw that traveled 45 yards in the air and settled into McLaurin’s arms for a 27-yard touchdown. McLaurin told offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury he wanted the ball on that play. Daniels delivered. “When we needed it most, Jayden did a great job of taking a hit,” said McLaurin, who also caught a 55-yard pass earlier in the game leading to another touchdown. “Those are big-time throws for a rookie to make.” But, with all the big throws, Daniels might have to figuratively wrestle with a teammate to get his first touchdown ball. That’s because it went to backup tackle Trent Scott, who caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. “I would want to saw [the ball] down the middle,” Scott said. “I was nervous as crap, ‘Just don’t drop the ball.'” For as much as his teammates aren’t shocked — Allen said it’s what he sees “every day in practice” — Daniels has been surprised. “Yes, because obviously it’s something new to me,” he said. “But also just knowing the aspect I continue to put in the work, and what’s done in the dark will always come to light.” Kudos to Kliff Kingsbury for the offense he has crafted around Daniels strengths – but we’re thinking he’s going to be moving on at the end of the year. Here’s the first of what will be many rumors from Caleb Skinner of SI.com: Kingsbury’s name is already popping up in the rumor mill as a potential candidate for head coaching jobs. In a recent development, Kingsbury’s name has been mentioned as a top candidate for the Florida Gators head coaching job if, or when, their current head coach Billy Napier is fired or let go. The firing of Napier seems to be imminent at this point, it is just a matter of when it will happen as there is no obvious replacement for Napier on the current staff and so it looks likely that the decision could come towards the end of the season. Florida hasn’t had much coaching success since the days when Urban Meyer was leading the program to National Championships having gone through the likes of Will Muschamp, Jim McElwain, and Dan Mullen. It is easy to see why Kingsbury’s name would be floated about for a job like that of the University of Florida. He still is young and has a creative offensive mindset that makes it hard to stop. Kingsbury has also had the majority of his success at the collegiate level, not so much in the NFL. However, it is hard to imagine that Kingsbury would leave his current situation getting to coach Jayden Daniels and having full autonomy over the offense and how it operates to help build the organization back to where it should be. Not to mention, the college game has changed drastically since Kingsbury headed a program and it remains to be seen if he would be willing to deal with the beasts of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness – as we have seen a handful of collegiate coaches leave for NFL opportunities due to these challenges. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAA step backwards for Carolina’s revitalized pass attack as WR ADAM THIELEN heads to IR. Jordan Dajani of CBSSports.com: The Carolina Panthers finally got in the win column this past week following the quarterback switch to Andy Dalton, but the new starting signal-caller will be without his reliable veteran pass catcher for at least the next four games. Per NFL Media, the Panthers are placing wide receiver Adam Thielen on injured reserve. The 34-year-old suffered a hamstring injury while catching a touchdown in the 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and will now miss at least the next four games. Thielen is reportedly expected back sooner rather than later. Thielen caught three passes for 40 yards vs. the Raiders, and his first touchdown of the season — a spectacular 31-yard grab which he injured his hamstring on. In three games played this season, Thielen has caught eight passes for 109 yards and the one touchdown. The insertion of Dalton into the starting lineup and the benching of Bryce Young immediately sparked the Panthers offense, as Dalton became the first quarterback this season to throw for 300 yards and three passing touchdowns in a game. With Thielen out for at least the next four games, we could see more touches go to first-round pick Xavier Legette. The rookie caught two passes for 42 yards vs. the Raiders after failing to catch a single pass in Week 2. |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOAnd now a big injury on defense for San Francisco. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com: While the San Francisco 49ers have been ravaged by injury in the opening weeks of the season, they had mostly avoided the big, season-ending type of ailments. Until Sunday. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a partially torn right triceps in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, an injury that will require surgery and is likely to bring his 2024 season to an end. “It’s a big [loss],” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I thought he had his best game yesterday. I thought he was a huge factor, really affected the quarterback in that game. … He’s one of our better players. He was definitely going in the right direction and was going to have a big year.” Hargrave wasn’t the only injury update of note from Shanahan on Monday. Quarterback Brock Purdy came out of the game with back soreness and though an MRI came back clean, he will be day-to-day this week, according to Shanahan. In addition, running back Christian McCaffrey flew to Germany over the weekend to visit with a specialist about the persistent Achilles tendonitis that landed him on injured reserve Sept. 14, Shanahan said. After the loss to the Rams, Shanahan and the Niners were hopeful that Hargrave was just dealing with a bruised triceps. Further imaging revealed the tear Monday, leaving Hargrave in need of a repair. Through three games this season, Hargrave had seven tackles and a sack. With Hargrave out, the Niners are likely to look in-house for his replacement, with Shanahan pointing to the practice squad where Evan Anderson or T.Y. McGill are possible options to be promoted to the roster. Kevin Givens or Jordan Elliott are the possibilities on the active roster to step into a starting role with end Yetur Gross-Matos capable of moving inside on passing downs. Kalia Davis, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury, is also close to returning, Shanahan said, though that isn’t expected to happen this week. Shanahan also indicated there’s an outside chance Hargrave could return but acknowledged the Niners would need to make a deep postseason run for that to be possible. Meanwhile RB CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY has sought out a doctor in Germany. Wagoner: McCaffrey’s trip to Germany comes a little more than a week after the Niners placed him on injured reserve. Shanahan first announced that McCaffrey was dealing with a calf injury Aug. 6. That ailment kept McCaffrey out for the rest of training camp, but he returned to practice leading up to the Week 1 game against the New York Jets. That week, Shanahan also revealed that McCaffrey was dealing with the Achilles issue and it was that, more so than the calf, that was bothering him. McCaffrey was then a surprise scratch against the Jets despite practicing on a limited basis and being listed as questionable before that game. The following week, McCaffrey again took part in practice but had what Shanahan called his “worst day” Sept. 12. Shanahan acknowledged the next day that McCaffrey was a candidate for injured reserve and the team made that move official Sept. 14. Because he’s on injured reserve, McCaffrey must miss four games before he’s eligible to practice or play again. He’s missed two games already but must sit out at least next week’s game against the New England Patriots and the Oct. 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The earliest McCaffrey could return would be Oct. 10 at the Seattle Seahawks, though Shanahan has said “nobody knows” when he will actually be back because of unpredictable nature of his injury. McCaffrey isn’t the first athlete to travel abroad to deal with injury. Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods and others have gone to Germany for treatment over the years. “I’m not sure what doctor it is,” Shanahan said. “I know he’s going to see a specialist that he believes can help him with his Achilles process and I think he’s doing that over these next few days. Hopefully it will help.” |
| SEATTLEThe Seahawks are 3-0 – and we can’t remember the last time we had anything here about them other than an occasional injury report. But here’s Ben Solak of ESPN.com: I asked the good folks at ESPN Research this week what percentage of 3-0 teams win their division at the end of the season. Since 2002, when the current framework of eight divisions began, it’s 54% of the time! That’s way bigger than I thought. Then I went over to ESPN BET to check the odds on the current 3-0 teams to win their respective divisions. The 3-0 Vikings are +185, lurking behind the 2-1 Lions (who lead at +150). The Chiefs are huge favorites in the AFC West, of course, at -900. The Bills are -200 in the AFC East. The Steelers are +200 behind the Ravens (+135) in the AFC North. And the 3-0 Seahawks are +175 behind the 49ers, who are +100 – an implied chance of 50%. But wait. The Seahawks have a two-game lead on the 1-2 49ers, the 1-2 Rams and the 1-2 Cardinals. Per ESPN Research, 12 of the 18 teams that have led their division by two games just three weeks into the season have gone on to win it. That’s 67%. The market’s doubt in the Seahawks is as perplexing as their faith in the 49ers, who just lost starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a torn triceps. Star running back Christian McCaffrey is seeing a German specialist to address his ongoing Achilles tendinitis. Yes, they should get McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and George Kittle (hamstring) back during this season, but all three of those players have dealt with nagging injuries during their careers. But this isn’t about the 49ers (though my questions about their defense continue to grow every week). This is about the Seahawks, who have a top quarterback, a quality defense and a great coach. Are those not the component parts of a division winner? If you don’t think Geno Smith is a significant starting QB, you haven’t been paying enough attention. Since the start of last season, he is eighth in success rate and 12th in EPA per dropback despite facing pressure on 34.4% of his dropbacks – a top-10 number. He isn’t an elite scrambler, but he is an effective one; he doesn’t have a crazy arm, but he has plenty of extra mustard; and he isn’t billed as a supercomputing processor, but man, he’s rarely wrong from the pocket. Jared Goff and Brock Purdy quarterbacked the teams in the NFC Championship Game last season, and I’d take Smith over either of them. On defense, we’re going off a far smaller sample here, as the Seahawks’ defense was shaky in 2023 but looks rejuvenated in 2024. So far this season, the Seahawks have faced Jacoby Brissett, Bo Nix and Skylar Thompson, so I’m not yet ready to get over my skis on their pass defense. But I think that pass rush is for real. Boye Mafe, a third-year pro, is fifth in the league in pass rush win rate off the edge. Derick Hall, who joins Mafe on clear passing downs, is 26th. They sprint off the edge while a stout interior defensive line room – Leonard Williams, rookie Byron Murphy II (who looks excellent), Jarran Reed and the eternally underrated Johnathan Hankins – mucks everything up between the tackles. This front is winning for real. The defense is far more likely to end up the 16th-best unit than the sixth-best, but that’s OK. Average defense and above-average offense is a standard recipe for NFL success, and that’s what the Seahawks have cooking. There’s one key way the Seahawks do lose this division, though: losing their interdivisional games. They’ve yet to play a division rival, and while every other NFC West team is 1-2, these are three of the most dangerous offenses in the league. That’s where coach Mike Macdonald comes in, as a defensive coach hired into a division featuring McVay and Shanahan. It’s more than just the schematics, though Macdonald did give Shanahan schematic troubles last season (McVay, not so much). McVay and Shanahan are both questionable game-managers, whereas Macdonald has so far made great in-game calls. I believe in Macdonald. He was my favorite candidate of the cycle, and he landed in a great spot in Seattle. I believe in Geno, too. And I’m saying it before they beat the Lions in Detroit on Monday: The Seahawks are going to host a playoff game. The Seahawks three wins are over the Broncos (Bo Nix first start), New England (in OT) and at home against Miami (no Tua). Six of their next seven games are against teams of higher quality than any of the first three (they do have a home game with the Giants). That starts Monday night at Detroit. |
| AFC WEST |
| LAS VEGASReports of QB GARDNER MINSHEW’s demise as the starting QB of the Raiders were premature. Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com: Gardner Minshew will remain the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback for the team’s home game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, a team source confirmed. “Nothing was ever pondered,” the source said, regarding a potential switch. The news was first reported by NFL Network. This comes a day after Raiders coach Antonio Pierce was noncommittal on Minshew remaining the starter in the wake of Aidan O’Connell coming off the bench to lead Las Vegas to a late touchdown drive in its 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. When Pierce was asked Monday in his weekly news conference, which was delayed more than an hour because of meetings with his staff, whether O’Connell’s success meant anything or Minshew was still the starter, he said, “I think we’ve got to get with the players and just evaluate everything from yesterday first.” Pierce had earlier said the Raiders were looking for a “spark” from O’Connell, who took Las Vegas on a 70-yard scoring drive in 13 plays, completing 9 of 12 passes for 82 yards and finishing with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tre Tucker. Minshew threw for 214 yards and completed 18 of 28 passes with a touchdown and an interception against Carolina. Minshew, signed to a two-year free agent contract with $15 million guaranteed by Las Vegas, beat out O’Connell in a training camp battle. Pierce said at the time he wanted to give Minshew at least the first quarter of the season to get the team off to a fast start. Through three games, Minshew has completed 73.7% of his passes (which ranks fifth in the NFL among passers with at least 70 attempts) for 747 yards (sixth in the league) with three touchdowns and three interceptions and a passer rating of 92.4 (14th among QBs with at least 70 passes). Meanwhile, the Raiders on Tuesday placed starting safety Marcus Epps on injured reserve with a knee injury and signed cornerback Sam Webb to the active roster from the practice squad. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CINCINNATIThe things you can do with today’s stats databases. Scott Kacsmar: @ScottKacsmar#NFL Teams to lose multiple home games in September as a 7.5-point favorite (since 1970) 1967 Packers (6-7-1)1978 Patriots (11-5, 0-1 playoffs)1990 Eagles (10-6, 0-1 playoffs)2002 Rams (7-9)2012 Saints (7-9)2024 Bengals (TBD) Just not a good start to the season for Cincinnati. Here is a major injury reported by Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: After falling to 0-3 on Monday night, the Bengals will also have to deal with a significant loss along their offensive line. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Trent Brown has suffered a torn patellar tendon and is out for the rest of the 2024 season. Brown, 31, joined the Bengals in March and had started each of the first three games. He went down with the knee injury during the second quarter of Monday’s eventual loss to the Commanders. Amarius Mims, Cincinnati’s first-round pick in 2024, came in to replace Brown last night and is poised to keep the position going forward. Brown has appeared in 103 games with 96 starts for the 49ers, Patriots, Raiders, and Bengals since he was selected in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEWill QB TREVOR LAWRENCE be the next #1 overall pick to be benched? Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com: Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson isn’t ruling anything out when it comes to making changes in the wake of his team’s 0-3 start. Maybe not even regarding quarterback Trevor Lawrence. “There has to be changes, whether it’s play design, personnel, everything,” Pederson said after the 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Monday night. “Everything’s on the table, let’s call it, and those are all things that I have to look at, we have to look at as a staff and make the adjustments.” However, when asked if that included changes to the starting lineup and applied to Lawrence, Pederson was noncommittal. “You say everything is on the table, we’ve got to take a look at injury,” he said. “Tonight, we had some guys injured. Could be moved that way. Could be performance. It’s all things we have to evaluate as we move forward.” The Jaguars (0-3) have been a mess offensively since the first half of the season opener against Miami. They’ve scored just 23 points and converted 5 of 27 third downs in the past 10 quarters. Lawrence has completed 47.5% of his passes for 432 yards and one touchdown with one interception and has been sacked 10 times in that span. Against Buffalo he was 21-of-38 passing for 178 yards and one touchdown with one interception. That was his eighth consecutive loss as a starter, and he hasn’t won a start in 302 days dating back to a Week 12 victory at Houston last season. “That’s the NFL: The quarterback has to play well every week to give yourself a shot to win, and I don’t feel like I’ve done that consistently enough, so I put that on myself, and I’ve got to play better,” Lawrence said. Pederson was blunt when asked if Lawrence needed to play markedly better than he has so far in 2024: “I need everybody to coach and play better. Let’s leave it at that.” But Lawrence isn’t solely to blame for the team’s 0-3 start. The defense played the worst half of football in franchise history against the Bills, giving up 34 points (the most it has allowed in a first half) and allowing Bills quarterback Josh Allen to throw for 247 yards and four touchdowns. The defense, already down two starters in the secondary because of injury (cornerback Tyson Campbell and nickelback Darnell Savage), lost nickelback Jarrian Jones to a shoulder injury. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun also left the game with a foot injury. Right tackle Anton Harrison left the game with a knee injury, and receiver Gabe Davis left the game with a shoulder injury. In short, things are messy for the Jaguars right now, and while Pederson said everything’s on the table, he’s at a loss for how to fix things. “This is who we are right now and it’s not very good,” he said. “We have to be honest with ourselves and I’ve got to be honest with myself and just keep plugging away. “We’ve got the right guys. The right guys are in the room, and the right leaders. I’ve got to figure out a way to get more out of them, and it’s not more from practicing harder, longer. It’s just getting more, whether it’s leadership during games, how they address the team, whatever that looks like. Those are the things I got to figure out.” As if the embarrassing loss wasn’t enough for the Jaguars to endure, the team charter was experiencing mechanical issues and the team’s departure from Highmark Stadium was delayed, per a team spokesperson. The team had not yet left the stadium as of 1 a.m. ET. |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW YORK JETSBill Belichick threw some shade at an old division rival. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Bill Belichick took a little shot at the Jets on Monday when discussing the success their former quarterback, Sam Darnold, is having with the Vikings this season. Belichick told Pat McAfee that the Jets, who drafted Darnold with the third overall pick in 2018 but traded him to the Panthers in 2021, were the only team in the NFL that didn’t recognize his talent when they moved him to Carolina. “Everybody has liked Darnold except the Jets,” Belichick said. “The people in Carolina I talk to, they really liked him. He was with the Rams, not for very long, they liked him, I think they wanted to re-sign him, he was looking for more of an opportunity than playing behind Stafford. I know that Kevin and some of the coaches in Minnesota, they really like him, too. It seemed like the only people who didn’t like Darnold were the Jets.” That would seem to be a shot at Jets General Manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh, although there’s a lot to unpack there. The Jets actually got a better return on the trade of Darnold to the Panthers — picks in the second, fourth and sixth rounds of the draft — than most people thought they would get after Darnold had three mostly disappointing seasons with the Jets. And if the Panthers liked him as much as Belichick is suggesting, they could have re-signed him, but they let him walk in free agency after his rookie contract expired. Furthermore, Darnold never played for the Rams — Belichick may have been confusing him with Baker Mayfield when saying he didn’t want to be Matthew Stafford’s backup. When Darnold left the Panthers last year he signed with the 49ers on a one-year, $4.5 million contract, and this year he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings. Through three games as a Viking he has played very well. Better than he played when he was with the Jets. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| BRETT FAVREFormer Packers QB Brett Favre testifies that he has Parkinson’s Disease. Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he told a congressional committee Tuesday. Favre made the disclosure as part of his testimony about a welfare misspending scandal in Mississippi. Favre, who does not face criminal charges, has repaid just over $1 million in speaking fees funded by a welfare program in the state and was also an investor in a biotech company with ties to the case. The biotech firm has said it was developing concussion treatments. The former football star told the committee that he lost his investment in the company “that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others.” “As I’m sure you’ll understand, while it’s too late for me – I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – this is also a cause dear to my heart,” Favre said. What causes Parkinson’s disease is unknown, and it is unclear if Favre’s disease is connected to his football career or head injuries. He said in 2022 that he estimates he experienced “thousands” of concussions in his two decades in the NFL. Favre appeared at the Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee hearing to advocate reform of the federal welfare system to better prevent fraud. “The challenges my family and I have faced over the last three years – because certain government officials in Mississippi failed to protect federal TANF funds from fraud and abuse, and are unjustifiably trying to blame me, those challenges have hurt my good name and are worse than anything I faced in football,” Favre said. House Republicans have said a Mississippi welfare misspending scandal involving Favre and others points to the need for an overhaul in the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Favre has said he didn’t know the payments he received came from welfare funds and has noted his charity had provided millions of dollars to poor kids in his home state of Mississippi and in Wisconsin, where he played most of his career with the Green Bay Packers. |
| BROADCAST NEWSMike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports an unsurprising piece of public opinion: Last night, the NFL staged a pair of staggered Monday night games — Jaguars at Bills and Commanders at Bengals. The first game started at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the second one started 45 minutes later, at 8:15 p.m. ET. Most didn’t like it. A Twitter poll posted after the second game started asked a simple question. Do you like two games being played on Monday night? Of more than 27,000 votes, 66.9 percent said, “No.” People prefer to watch one game at a time. It’s impossible to closely follow two at once. This new periodic habit of overlapping doubleheaders has one major benefit. One game becomes insurance against the other game not being very good. That happened last night. By the time the Jaguars-Bills game was out of hand, Commanders-Bengals was getting good. Like it or not, it’s coming again. Next Monday, Titans-Dolphins starts at 7:30 p.m. ET, and Seahawks-Lions begins at 8:15 p.m. ET. |
| ESPN.COM’S POWER RATINGSThey certainly don’t look like they would have three weeks ago (plus each team’s biggest offensive problem area to date): 1. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoringThe Chiefs have scored a touchdown on only 44% of their trips inside the 20, which is tied for 22nd in the league. They’ve kicked seven field goals, and one of their best red zone threats, tight end Travis Kelce, has yet to score. Kansas City has played three games decided by one score, with two coming down to the final play. The Chiefs have won all three games but are living dangerously. This could have been avoided if they were better at finishing drives. — Adam Teicher 2. Buffalo Bills (3-0)Biggest issue on offense: Developing the wide receiver roomFinding an issue with the Bills’ offense through the first three weeks of the season is simply nitpicking, as this group has shown it can have success in a variety of ways and has been one of the best offenses in the NFL. But there are steps forward this wide receiver group can continue to take. Outside of Khalil Shakir — who has caught all 14 of his targets — another dependable and consistent wide receiver hasn’t yet emerged. One to watch is rookie Keon Coleman, who was benched for the first quarter vs. the Jaguars on Monday for tardiness but then caught a touchdown pass. There’s also room for Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins to grow their roles. How this room continues to develop will be worth watching. — Alaina Getzenberg 3. Minnesota Vikings (3-0)Biggest issue on offense: Right guard playThere haven’t been many issues for a team that ranks fourth in the NFL in both scoring (26 points per game) and overall offensive efficiency (72.03). But if we’re nitpicking, the Vikings continue to cover for subpar play from right guard Ed Ingram. Through three weeks, Ingram ranks 54th in pass block win rate (82%) and 44th in run block win rate (68.1%) among guards. The Vikings could mix in veteran Dalton Risner when he is activated from injured reserve, but if the worst thing you can say about an offense is that one interior offensive lineman is underperforming, you’re probably in pretty good shape. — Kevin Seifert 4. Seattle Seahawks (3-0)Biggest issue on offense: Pass protectionThe Seahawks rank 30th in pass block win rate (46.1%) and 23rd in allowing pressure (33.0%). They’re 16th in sacks allowed per dropback (7.1%), but that comes with the caveat that QB Geno Smith is getting the ball out at the sixth-fastest rate of any quarterback (2.66 seconds on average). Life won’t get any easier for Seattle’s offensive line now that it’ll be down to its third option at right tackle for the foreseeable future. Stone Forsythe is replacing George Fant, who had been filling in for Abraham Lucas before landing on injured reserve. Lucas isn’t expected to come off the physically unable to perform list until midseason at the earliest. — Brady Henderson 5. Detroit Lions (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoringEven after a Week 3 win, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown acknowledged that the Lions’ offense could step up more. The main statistic that jumps out is that the Lions are 5-of-13 (38.5 %) scoring touchdowns on red zone opportunities. For context, through three games in 2023, the Lions were 5-of-9 (55.6%) in red zone scoring. When they were was upset by Tampa Bay in Week 2, the Lions had six red zone drives without a touchdown, their most in a game since 1981, per ESPN Research. — Eric Woodyard 6. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: QB Jalen Hurts’ ball securityHurts has thrown four interceptions and been charged with three fumbles through three games. He has 12 turnovers in his past nine regular-season games, the most in the league, and has thrown an interception in seven straight, the most by an Eagles quarterback since Ty Detmer in 1996. With injuries piling up on offense, it’s more important than ever that Hurts limits his miscues. — Tim McManus 7. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoringThough the Steelers found the end zone twice — and were stopped just short a third time — in their Week 3 win, they are still tied for last in red zone scoring, scoring touchdowns on just 25% of their red zone trips. That’s down from 48.89% in 2023. There are many factors contributing to the low mark — a new offensive coordinator, a backup quarterback tapped to start days before the season opener, a slew of offensive line injuries and ill-timed penalties. Sunday could’ve marked the start of a turnaround with a 20-point outing, but the Steelers still had to turn to kicker Chris Boswell when drives stalled out 10 and 12 yards away from the end zone. — Brooke Pryor 8. Houston Texans (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Offensive lineThe Texans’ offensive line isn’t playing well enough. The Texans have the 14th-highest run stuff rate (17.1%) and aren’t consistently creating running lanes, as they’re tied for 15th in yards before contact (1.3). Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sacked 11 times through three weeks and is on pace to be sacked more than 55 times. — DJ Bien-Aime 9. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: A lack of YACIt’s almost hard to believe that the team known for yards after the catch (YAC) in 2023 has been so inefficient in that category through the first three games. The Niners are averaging just 3.1 YAC per reception, which ranks last in the NFL. Injuries to their three best players at YAC (receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle) haven’t helped, but this offense is largely predicated on making big plays after the catch. The absence of that additional yardage has forced San Francisco to be more meticulous with its drives and has resulted in a red zone touchdown rate of 50%, which is tied for 15th in the league. — Nick Wagoner 10. New Orleans Saints (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to C Erik McCoy and TE Taysom HillMcCoy left three snaps into the Saints’ game against the Eagles on Sunday because of a groin injury, which presents a major challenge for New Orleans if he is out for any length of time. McCoy is a captain and the best player on the offensive line. That loss, combined with the absence of Hill (chest) against the Eagles, was likely part of the reason the Saints’ offensive output plummeted from 45 points per game in Weeks 1-2 to only 12 in Week 3. They’ll need both players healthy to fully bounce back. — Katherine Terrell 11. Green Bay Packers (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: PenaltiesThe Packers have the most total offensive penalties (21) in the league through three games and have the second-most offensive penalty yards (135). They have a league-high eight offensive holding infractions, including four by left tackle Rasheed Walker (who has a team-high six penalties overall). Penalties in general have been a problem for the Packers, who had 11 on Sunday against the Titans and 33 overall in all three phases. “There’s a lot to clean up, obviously, with the penalties,” coach Matt LaFleur said after Sunday’s win at Tennessee. — Rob Demovsky 12. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: TE Mark Andrews’ slow startThe three-time Pro Bowler has gone from being QB Lamar Jackson’s favorite target to a surprising nonfactor in the passing game. Andrews has been limited to six catches for 65 yards, both of which are his fewest three weeks into the season. It seems like the emergence of tight end Isaiah Likely has taken away some of Andrews’ targets, and the addition of running back Derrick Henry has removed some of Andrews’ red zone opportunities. On Sunday, the Ravens went with a run-heavy game plan, which resulted in Andrews not making a catch for the first time in 76 games. — Jamison Hensley 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Lack of a run gameIt’s early and the Bucs are 2-1, but improving from the league’s worst statistical rushing attack last year will take some time, and losing starting right tackle Luke Goedeke for two-plus games isn’t ideal, either. The Bucs have to do something to get this ground game going to help out QB Baker Mayfield, who has been sacked 12 times in two weeks. The two 30-plus-yard runs from Bucky Irving in Weeks 1 and 3 are skewing their 4.0 yards per rush stat a lot. Tampa Bay ranks 27th in rushing yards per game (91). — Jenna Laine 14. New York Jets (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: WR Garrett Wilson’s lukewarm startFifteen receptions in three games is fine — that’s an 85-catch pace — but more is expected of Wilson, who raised the bar with two strong seasons. Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers aren’t clicking yet, as Wilson hasn’t exceeded 68 receiving yards in a game. Their past two opponents, the Patriots and Titans, had their top cornerback travel with Wilson on almost every play — Christian Gonzalez and L’Jarius Sneed, respectively. That, plus a heavy dose of split-safety looks, has prevented Wilson from having a breakout game. — Rich Cimini 15. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to starsQuarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers because of injuries. Those are perhaps the Chargers’ three most important offensive players, and without them, L.A. will have trouble running an effective offense. Herbert left in a walking boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are also nursing injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s loss. Now five Chargers offensive starters have lingering injuries heading into Week 4. — Kris Rhim 16. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Running back by committeeCoach Mike McCarthy can harp on the lack of rushing attempts — just 49 by running backs in three games — but when Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott or Deuce Vaughn have carried the ball, it has not been good enough. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, the Cowboys have picked up minus-74 rushing yards over expectation through three games, which is third worst in the NFL behind Chicago and Miami. In addition to the lack of attempts, the Cowboys’ rushing game hasn’t established any rhythm. Put another way: Quarterback Lamar Jackson had 1 fewer yard Sunday than Dowdle has to lead the Cowboys this season (88). — Todd Archer 17. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Right tackle depthJust three games in, the Cardinals are already on their fourth right tackle. Starter Jonah Williams is on injured reserve with a right knee injury. His backup, Kelvin Beachum, missed Sunday’s loss to the Lions with a hamstring injury. His backup, Jackson Barton, left the game with a toe injury, which left Arizona playing with Charlie Heck for the last few minutes. For a team that prides itself on running the football to set up its dynamic passing game, being down to the fourth-string right tackle is less than ideal. — Josh Weinfuss 18. Los Angeles Rams (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to top wide receiversNot many teams would be capable of overcoming injuries to their top two receivers in back-to-back weeks to start the season, but that’s the position the Rams are in. With Puka Nacua (MCL sprain) on injured reserve and Cooper Kupp (ankle sprain) out for an extended period, the Rams leaned on running back Kyren Williams in their comeback victory in Week 3. The offense showed fight and improvement late against the 49ers, but finding consistency will be a tall task until Nacua, Kupp and several starters on the offensive line can return. — Sarah Barshop 19. Washington Commanders (2-1)Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoringEntering the Monday night game, Washington ranked 27th in red zone scoring — largely due to having to kick six field goals in Week 2 versus the Giants. Four penalties helped stall drives in that win, but overall execution must improve. The passing game hasn’t worked in the red zone (quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 1 of 5 red zone passes in the first two games), and the run game was tied for 16th, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. After Monday night’s win over the Bengals, the Commanders scored a touchdown on 100% of their red zone trips, showing much improvement. — John Keim 20. Miami Dolphins (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Sustaining drivesOver their first three games, 19 of the Dolphins’ 33 offensive drives ended in five plays or fewer. That inability to put together long drives has led to fewer scoring opportunities and, ultimately, the NFL’s worst-scoring offense. Miami has scored just 33 points this season — an outrageous stat for a team that scored 70 points in Week 3 last season. Playing without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been a challenge for this team dating back to 2022, and it’s still unclear exactly how long the Dolphins will be without him this season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques 21. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Offensive line injuriesThe Falcons’ offense looked like it had finally found its footing early against the Chiefs, until right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) and then center Drew Dalman (ankle) went down with injuries in the second quarter. Quarterback Kirk Cousins fumbled on two consecutive plays after Dalman left the game. With the two O-line starters on the field, Cousins was 7-of-9 for 118 yards and a touchdown. Without them? He was 13-of-20 for 112 yards and an interception. Both figure to miss time, so backup linemen Storm Norton and Ryan Neuzil must step up at tackle and center, respectively. — Marc Raimondi 22. Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Lack of balance on offenseSure, the Raiders have found themselves trailing by at least 10 points in the fourth quarter of all three games and needing to throw more, but Las Vegas is already passing twice as much as it’s rushing. The Raiders have run 55 times, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, and have thrown 111 passes. “If [we] can’t win on early downs, teams are going to just keep teeing off on us,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “We’ll go into the lab and … chip away.” — Paul Gutierrez 23. Cleveland Browns (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: No identityThe Browns’ attempt at forming a revamped offense around quarterback Deshaun Watson has fallen short, and there’s blame to go around. Watson continues to struggle with his feel and accuracy; his 24.5% off-target percentage is third worst in the NFL. The offensive line has regressed and suffered multiple injuries to starters. The lack of continuity has made it tough to establish an identity in the run or pass game. Game plans that have not masked the offensive line’s weaknesses and Watson’s deficiencies haven’t helped matters. — Daniel Oyefusi 24. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Quarterback inaccuracyQB Anthony Richardson has had some of the most explosive plays this season, leading the NFL with 12.6 air yards per attempt. But his play-to-play consistency has been problematic, costing the Colts some easy first downs. Richardson is completing 49.1% of his attempts, down from 59.5% in the four games he played as a rookie last season. His injury layoff could have negatively impacted his mechanics. — Stephen Holder 25. Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)Biggest issue on offense: Offensive imbalanceThe Bengals threw the ball as much as anyone through the first two weeks of the season. They were second in the league in designed pass plays (70.4%), according to ESPN Research. However, they ranked 26th in the league in expected points added per dropback and 24th in yards per dropback. Either the Bengals need to be more efficient in their passing game or perhaps find a better way to incorporate the run game. Cincinnati’s 58 rush attempts by its running backs are the second fewest in the league after Week 3. — Ben Baby 26. Chicago Bears (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: No identityThe Bears have failed to establish their offensive identity through three weeks. Chicago spent big to acquire running back D’Andre Swift, who is averaging a team-low 1.8 yards per carry as the Bears’ lead back. Without a run game to lean on, the Bears have been forced to pass the ball at the second-highest rate in with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (118 attempts). There’s no balance to what offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is drawing up right now, and the issues in pass protection have compounded problems everywhere (Williams is 4-of-21 for 36 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions when pressured in three games). — Courtney Cronin 27. Denver Broncos (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Division of labor at running backCoach Sean Payton admitted it has been difficult finding a running back rotation that works, especially if Tyler Badie’s flashes are a sign of something bigger. Badie leads the team’s backs with 86 yards on only 10 carries, while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are each averaging just 2.2 yards per carry. Much like we saw from Badie in training camp, he patiently waits for openings before popping a big run — such as the 43-yarder in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers. But Payton has said he typically leans on two-back rotations, whether it’s “right, wrong or indifferent.” Trying to kick-start an inconsistent run game with three backs has proved challenging. — Jeff Legwold 28. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)Biggest issue on offense: Third downsThe offense has been such a mess through the first three weeks that narrowing it down to one issue is tough, but the team’s inability to continue drives has prevented it from getting any momentum. The Jaguars have converted just 21.9% of their third downs through three weeks, the third-worst mark in the league. It’s hard for the Jaguars’ offense to do much damage when it can’t stay on the field. — Michael DiRocco 29. New England Patriots (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Pass protectionVeteran QB Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 times in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 times this season. He has been sacked nine times as poor communication along the offensive line has led to too many free rushers, and running backs have not always been sturdy in blitz pickup. The Patriots don’t have an elite separator on the outside, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the pressure has gotten to him while he’s waiting for someone to get open. — Mike Reiss 30. New York Giants (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: TurnoversThe Giants have five turnovers in three games, and running back Devin Singletary had costly fumbles in each of the past two games. New York was also fortunate a roughing the passer penalty negated a would-be interception by QB Daniel Jones early against Cleveland in Week 3. For this group to get to the next level, New York needs to do a better job at protecting the football. Singletary, in particular, has to get the fumbling under control. Only one running back (Dalvin Cook) has more fumbles than the 13 Singletary has since entering the league in 2019. — Jordan Raanan 31. Carolina Panthers (1-2)Biggest issue on offense: Quarterback playQuarterback Andy Dalton proved coach Dave Canales was right in benching Bryce Young, and that the Panthers were close if they had a steady presence under center. With Dalton on Sunday, the Panthers looked like an offensive juggernaut instead of the lifeless unit they were with Young. Dalton had three touchdown passes in the first half against the Raiders. Young has only two TD passes in his past nine starts. The Panthers had a 300-yard passing game, 100-yard rushing game and 100-yard receiving game for the first time since Week 8 of 2022. — David Newton 32. Tennessee Titans (0-3)Biggest issue on offense: Pass protectionThe Titans’ offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Will Levis, who has been sacked 15 times. Only the Browns have allowed more sacks. While not all of them can be attributed directly to the offensive line, the number of times players got beaten up front is alarming. Through three games, Tennessee’s 51.8% pass block win rate is the sixth worst in the NFL. The struggles in pass protection have made it difficult for coach Brian Callahan to call longer plays, especially in third-and-long situations. Levis has little time to scan the field and is under constant pressure. — Turron Davenport |
