NFL Sunday Week Three: AFC giants struggle as Dolphins and Eagles go 3-0
Another weekend that failed to disappoint.
NFL Week Three had plenty of drama with many of Sunday’s games going down to the final quarter yet again.
Unbeaten Bills and Chiefs collapse, Chargers thrashed at home
Super Bowl favourites the Buffalo Bills were knocked off the top of the AFC rankings on Sunday, as they fell short against the rising Miami Dolphins.
The injury stricken Bills were unable to capitalise on a host of chances to steal the close game. A botched Miami punt with just minutes remaining seemed to have brought Buffalo back into the game.
But quarterback Josh Allen, who became the first player in franchise history to attempt 60 passes, couldn’t lead his team to a late victory, to the disgust of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey in an epic meltdown in the press box.
An offensive implosion was to blame for the Kansas City Chiefs shock 20-17 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. Patrick Mahomes threw for just 84 yards in the first half. before throwing an interception on the final play of the game.
AFC South dominated the AFC West once again in the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Chargers. Trevor Lawrence outplayed the wounded Justin Herbert in the 38-10 win for Jacksonville, as the Jags defense looked outstanding in the opening half.
Elsewhere, it was finally a good Sunday for the Cincinnati Bengals, the reigning AFC champions. They overcame a poor New York Jets outfit, who struggled from the get go. Joe Burrow recorded three passing touchdowns as the Bengals won their first game of the year. Jet’s QB Joe Flacco threw for 52 times, which included two interceptions.
Jalen Hurts, MVP?
It was an unpleasant return to Philadelphia for Carson Wentz as his Commanders team were put to the sword by the impressive Eagles.
Wentz was sacked a career-high nine times, which included six in the first half, on Sunday, as he lost out to rising star Jalen Hurts.
Hurts, who took Wentz’s starting role for the Eagles in 2020, is sure making a claim in the MVP race this year. Despite genuine doubts over his long-term future for the team, the former Alabama has shone early this year, with another three touchdowns in week three. Star receiver A.J. Brown also recorded his first score as an Eagle in the game.
Aaron Rodgers led two long touchdown drives to start the Packers game against the Buccaneers, in which they won 14-12. Looking set to blowout their NFC rivals, Green Bay failed to score again while Tom Brady’s offense struggled with many key names missing.
In Sunday’s late game, the Broncos overcame the 49ers 11-10, despite another week of poor offensive play. An embarrassing safety from San Fran QB Jimmy Garoppolo helped Russell Wilson’s men to back-to-back victories.
Elsewhere, Justin Fields survived another dismal day at the office as the Chicago Bears defeated the Houston Texans on a last-second field goal, while a late K.J. Osborn. touchdown helped the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions.
Full results of Sunday 25th September games:
Miami Dolphins 21 – 19 Buffalo Bills
New York Jets 12 – 27 Cincinnati Bengals
Tennessee Titans 24 – 22 Las Vegas Raiders
Carolina Panthers 22 – 14 New Orleans Saints
New England Patriots 26 – 37 Baltimore Ravens
Minnesota Vikings 28 – 24 Detroit Lions
Washington Commanders 8 – 24 Philadelphia Eagles
Indianapolis Colts 20 – 17 Kansas City Chiefs
Chicago Bears 23 – 20 Houston Texans
Los Angeles Chargers 10 – 38 Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals 12 – 20 Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12 – 14 Green Bay Packers
Seattle Seahawks 23 – 27 Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos 11 – 10 San Francisco 49ers
