We are in the prime of the NFL season. Week three has come and gone. While the first game is not a measurable serving size, three games could be the earliest indication of how this season will go for some teams. Let’s take a look at 5 key matchups and see what we can gather from early season games.
Atlanta Falcons vs Green Bay Packers
Thursday Night Football started off with a beatdown of the Packers. The Falcons won 35-14 in the home opener at Lambeau Field. The Falcons played better football with Michael Penix Jr back on the field. Penix played the best he has since being drafted. When you have the run game headlined by Bijan Robinson humming, this offense looked efficient and dangerous. The Packers struggled with glaring issues on the offensive line play. Jordan Love barely had time to throw and the run game was nonexistent. The defense was not great with the continued absence of Micah Parsons. I expect this unit to play better when he returns. It was a huge win for Atlanta’s confidence and a massive hit for Green Bay.
Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers
This was one of the best offensive performances of the Steelers Aaron Rodgers. Jaylen Warren ran the ball with intention. Overall, Mike McCarthy coached a great game. But, what a surprise, this defense was the ultimate win condition. The forced 2 forced fumbles were the difference between wins and losses. The Bengals on the other hand did not play a bad game. Joe Burrow had 282 passing yards and 3 TDs. On the defensive end, Jordan Battle had an interception but nothing to write home about after that. Pittsburgh hopes to keep up this offensive production to have a chance at taking the division.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots
The Jaguars cruise past the Patriots, winning this one 35-6. The Jaguars have another offensive outburst via the outstanding play of Trevor Lawrence and a third straight game with a TD for Parker Washington. The 2nd overall pick a year ago, Travis Hunter got his first interception of his career in this game. The Patriots had a miserable showing in this game. Drake Maye has to find a way out of this funk because the Patriots are going to struggle to get wins with his current play. He threw two picks, an ugly fumble, and got sacked three times in this game with no TDs. New England will not succeed in this state and Jacksonville needs to look to keep up this offensive barrage.
Seattle Seahawks vs Washington Commanders
The Commanders shocked the nation with a statement win against the championship Seahawks, taking this one 33-31. This was the week of the backup QB and Marcus Mariota stepped up to the plate in place of Jayden Daniels. He had 3 TDs, spreading the love to Terry McLaurin, Treylon Burks, and Rachaad White. The 7th overall pick in this latest draft, Sonny Styles had a night to remember with a pick and a forced fumble in this game. The duo of Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba did the best they could, but to no avail. The Seahawks probably wish that they could have this one back.
Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles
The last matchup of the week may have just been the most unbelievable game. The Bears take a statement win against the Eagles, winning this one 27-7. This indeed has been the week of backup QBs because 38-year-old Case Keenum came out and had one of the best games of his career. He even had a rushing TD. The Bears defense played arguably the best game that they will play all year as well. The Eagles struggled on the offensive in with penalties in crucial moments and questionable play calling by Nick Siriani. This game solidifies Ben Johnson as one of the premier offensive minds in the NFL.
