Happy Monday,

Welcome to After the Final Whistle! Week 3 of the NFL season is in the books (minus tonights Monday Night Football matchup). Lets look at some of my personal take aways from the Sunday Matchups!

Bengals 27 – Jets 12

Joey B coming into this week had a chip on his shoulder. The 0-2 Bengals handed the Jets their second loss of the year easily, holding the offense touchdown-less allowing only 4 field goals. Burrow threw 3 TD’s in the win, while 37-year-old Joe Flacco had 52 pass attempts with 2 INTs and no TDs, yes you read that correctly…FIFTY-TWO. I’m not an offensive coordinator, but I’d like to think I know the game of football pretty well, and I’m willing to say having Joe Flacco throw the ball 52 times is not a key to success. The Bengals dominated both sides of the ball and looked good doing it.
The Jets get Zach Wilson back for week 4, and it could not come soon enough. While he wasn’t anything particularly special during his rookie season in 2021 it is still exciting to have your starting quarterback back under center.

Bears 23 – Texans 20

Well, Weekend Pick$ was bad this week…very, very bad. This was one of the (many) losses taken during the Weekend Pick$. Both of these lack luster offenses decided to put up 20+ points this week, going against decent defenses. These two teams are competing for worst in the league and what should have been low scoring affair, ended up hitting the over. Justin Fields and Davis Mills both threw 2 interceptions, while Fields continued his impressive lack of pass attempts streak, only throwing the ball 17 times this week for 106 yards. He has 23 completed passes through 3 games, I’m sorry…what? Less than 8 completions per game?
Justin Fields has not developed at all during his time in the league, this could be due to the struggles of Matt Nagy last season and now learning a new offense this year, but it’s starting to get to the point of nervousness is Chicago. As a Fields guy, I hope he succeeds but it’s not looking good for him as he is now #32 in the NFL in passing yards. Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Rush both have more passing yards than him…not a great look.

Titans 24 – Raiders 22

The Battle of the Defeated looked like it was going to get out of hand quickly with the Titans going up 14-3, however the Raiders would come back and make it a game. Losing on a failed two point conversion has to be one of the worst ways to go down, being so close yet so far. After the game, it is reported that Raiders Owner Mark Davis had a closed door conversation with head coach Josh McDaniels, the details of that conversation are in question…but you have to assume Davis is not happy with his new head coaches 0-3 record to start the season, espeically with the addition of Davante Adams.
The Titans are a weird team, where they were the #1 seed last season and now are in the boat of “are they good”. Their defense looks okay, their offense looks worse than last year but okay, so I’m thinking they are just a bubble playoff team, but lucky for them they are in a horrible division (well, now the Jags are good, but we’ll talk about that in a second).

Colts 20 – Chiefs 17

Not one, but two Weekend Pick$ losses coming from this game. I fell for the trap line of KC -5.5 just like I did Saturday night with the USC/Oregon State line. Mahomes and the Chiefs only winning by less than a touchdown to the 0-2 Colts who were just shut out by the Jags seemed like a no brainer. Boy was I wrong. The Colts shut down the Chiefs offense, limiting Mahomes to 262 yards, 1 TD, and forcing 1 INT when it mattered the most – as the Chiefs were driving to kick a game tying field goal at the end of regulation.
I’m still not sure what to think of the Colts, but they looked decent today against a superior opponent. Matt Ryan is old, and it’s showing. If the Colts had a young stud QB I would definitely be fearful of them, but with Ryan they are just a solid defense with a decent offense. It’s a tough spot to judge them after getting shut out by the Jags and then going and beating the chiefs the next week. Jonathan Taylor is still good at football, incase you didn’t realize that even with his under achieving stat lines the last two weeks. When you have a lack of a passing game, it’s tough to get the run game going.

Dolphins 21 – Bills 17

Let me start with, I am still not sold Tua is good. Nor will I change that take until the offseason when I will reevaluate. It is indeed impressive to say the least that the Dolphins are 3-0 and just stopped the Super Bowl favorite in their tracks, but let’s not over look the fact their defense gave up 400 passing yards to Josh Allen (mind you, on 63 attempts), but none the less 400 yards. The Dolphins have a comeback win against the Ravens with some prayer Hail Mary throws, and now they beat a great Bills team. I don’t think they are legit, but they are definitely better than an average team. The Bills rely HEAVILY on Josh Allen doing everything, and that doesn’t work well in the NFL. You need to have a running aspect of your game and the Bills can’t expect Josh Allen to be their Lamar Jackson, leading the team in rushing yards. For the second time in three weeks he was the teams leading rusher. I am in absolutely zero panic mode with the Bills, I think they are still a top 3 team in the NFL and Josh Allen now get to bounce back from a loss and go prove that they are still the team to beat, making him that much scarier.
I am curious to see what comes out of Tua’s concussion protocol inqury from the NFLPA, because the Dolphins say it was a back injury that caused him to fall and wobble along the field… sure looked like a concussion to everyone else in the world.

Vikings 28 – Lions 24

The Lions really did not want to win this game. The Grit and Grind of the Lions from Hard Knocks was nonexistant in the 4th quarter, allowing the Vikings to score 2 TD’s to take the lead, including the game winner with 0:45 left. Jared Goff continues to look good in the Detroit offense, and with Amon-Ra St. Brown being injured, this had/has the potential to be a large blow to the offense. DeAndre Swift has been the work horse of the Lions backfield, however Jamaal Williams took it over today with 20 touches and 2 TDs.
The Vikings need to get Justin Jefferson going weekly if they want to truly be contenders, this was a lucky win in my book in a game they should have lost. The determination and finish from them is impressive, but you cannot do that week after week. Especially when playing teams you in-theory should beat “easily”.

Ravens 37 – Patriots 26

Lamar Jackson again shows why he is worthy of a new, large, contract. He was repsonsible for 5 touchdowns today against the Pats (4 passing, 1 rushing), and was the teams leading rusher again. While he may make questional decisions and not be the best passer in the league, he continues to get the job done and continues to play for a new deal.
The Pats suffered potentially a massive loss with Mac Jones writhing in pain from an apparent leg injury. The QB is set to have an MRI, with initial reports being it is a high ankle sprain. While he is no Tom Brady that the New England fans are used to, he is expected to be their future of the franchise and leader of the team. He’s got a ton of questionmarks and is by no means the clear cut answer to the future QB answer, but he is expected to be.

Eagles 24 – Commanders 8

Jalen Hurts just continues to put the league on notice that he is the real day and that he should be viewed as such. I know everyone expected him to take a step this season, but this big of a step? It is only week 3, but sheesh, this guy continues to do it all. 340 passing yards, and 3 passing TDs in the 2nd quarter. Yes, 3 in one quarter. Like I said, it’s early but he looks to be the guy in Philly.
On the other side of the ball, my guy Carson Wentz’s struggles continue. Ever since his ACL tear while playing with the Eagles, he has not been the same QB. He looks like he is frantic in the pocket on every drop back, and continues to make very questionable passing decisions. While not throwing an interception today was big, not throwing a touchdown pass is equally as big. Having no points entering the 4th quarter is big red flag… Ron Rivera’s rear end has to be warming up by the minute.
Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith is so fun to watch. He is incredible and an absolute weapon for Hurts.

Panthers 22 – Saints 14

The Panthers are the weirdest team in the NFL. I don’t know if they are really bad, average, or good. Every week is a questionmark and that seems to be spot on with their starting quarterbacks track record. Baker Mayfield by no means looked good today, completing 12 passes for 170 yards and a TD, but he got the job done. McCaffrey looked like McCaffrey of old with 108 yards on the ground, but still having no impact on the passing game, which his first 3 seasons in the league were such a massive aspect of his contribution to the team. I’m not sure how long of a leash Head Coach Matt Rhule has in Charlotte, but fans are in a tough spot with being happy for a win, but having Rhule for another week.
For the Saints, I’m thinking it’s time to hit the panic button and realize that Jameis may not be the guy. Although he threw for 353 yards and a touchdown, Jameis will always Jameis, and he added 2 more interceptions to his career total. The team is in a weird place with Sean Peyton leaving the organization, but I just think there is a lot of changes need in New Orleans. Head Coach Dennis Allen has already come out and said that they will not be making a QB change, which isn’t surprising with it only being week 3, but I think if you have to come out and say that to the media, something is bound to happen.

Jaguars 38 – Chargers 10

Let me start by saying, I went to my first game at SoFi Stadium today, and it is absolutely insane.
At the beginning of the season, if you said the Chargers would lose to the Jags in week 3 by 28 points, you would have been laughed at. But, apparently, we might need to start looking at the Jaguars are a legitimate team in the NFC South. Shutting out the Colts last week, and shutting down the Chargers in every aspect of the game today, the Jags are clicking on every level currently. Trevor Lawrence’s passes are looking like his Clemson days – poised in the pocket, tight spiral, cool calm and collected. Duval Nation should be happy with what they are seeing on the field, and thanking ownership for bringing Doug Peterson in to replace Urban Meyer.
The Chargers should have never let Justin Herbert onto the field today. It was clear that he was not 100% by his movements and his throws. As one of the best young QB’s in the game, he should be protected at all costs, and while winning is everything in the NFL and winning this week was the number one priority, it was clear he should not have been on the field. And I’m not sure how their Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi has his job still, the fact that Austin Ekeler had FOUR rushing attempts today is ridiculous.

Falcons 27 – Seahawks 23

Another week, another same story for Seattle. I understand you have confidence in “your guy”, but when has Geno Smith ever truly been “the guy”. Yes, he was great in college…but there is a reason he slipped to the second round in the draft, and there is a reason he has been a career back-up since. Winning is everything like I just said in the Charger’s situation, and winning week 1 with Geno at the helm was a fluke in an emotional return game for Russell Wilson.
From the Falcons point of view, I would be very pleased with my teams performance today. Mariota looked decent, and knows his limits. He doesn’t try to do too much, and you can tell he is a different player than when he first entered the league. Drake London looked amazing as usual, and Swiss Army Knife Cordarelle Patterson carried the team to this victory.

Rams 20 – Cardinals 12

Another Rams nail biter here. The fact they cannot get Allen Robinson going at this point is comical. This guy was brought in to replace OBJ and be the counterpart to Cooper Kupp, yet neither of them were the teams top WR today, Ben Skowronek was. Yep, bet you wouldn’t have guessed that. The Lambies are not playing their best football and that is clear, Stafford is still coming off of his offseason surgery, and they are still performing. Their defense is elite and once the offense figures it out, it will be glorious to watch.
The Cardinals are a team where you never really know which team is going to show up that week. For example, Kyler Murrary is known for his ability to run the ball and pass the ball at a high level, yet today he had 2 rushes for 8 yards. How is getting him chances to carry the ball not in the gameplan? He also targeted Hollywood Brown 17 times, and the Rams couldn’t do anything about it considering he had 140 receiving yards. Which Cardinals team will show up week to week is not something you want to see, but thats where we are at. I am scared once DeAndre Hopkins comes back, because I don’t realy fear this offesne to an extent, but with D-Hop…

Packers 14 – Bucaneers 12

GOAT vs. Legend, I’m not really sure what to call this match-up. Because there can only be one Greatest Of All-Time, but thats another conversation.
Another week, and another boring low scoring Bucs game. This offense is not fun right now, and it’s amazing how much of a difference it appears Gronk makes for Tom. While this week could be an reprocussion of Mike Evans being suspended for protecting his quarterback (yes, thats me being salty, there is no reason for that suspension), the Bucs have some serious issues that need to be address. Brady is a winner, and will continue to win, but if the holes in the offensive line and defense aren’t addressed, you can’t expect another trophy to be in the trophy case anytime soon.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 2 TD’s for the second week in a row now, which for Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t be a headline, but with this heinous receiving core in Green Bay, which lost Sammy Watkins this week, Rodgers is going to struggle to find success in my opinion. You can only elevate those around you so much, and they are truly missing having a true WR1 in that offense. Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman, or Chase Claypool would be great weapons for Rodgers to have at this point in his career….but the Packers decided to draft Jordan Love instead of one of those WR in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Broncos 11 – 49ers 10

Boring Game of The Week Award goes to…
This game was beyond boring and beyond uneventful. Chris Collinsworth makes Sunday Night Football horrible, and the plays on the field didn’t make it even 1% better. The Broncos have all the weapons around Russell Wilson for him to have the same success he had in Seattle, but for some reason they cannot figure it out. Also, this week Broncos Head Coach Nathaniel Hacket hired a special advisor to help him with Game Day Decisions… Now, I’m all for asking for help and asking for advice when you feel like you need it… but this is a HORRIBLE look for a brand new NFL coach, who’s literal job is to make decisions in stressful situations. You are one of only 32 people in the WORLD with your job, you need to be able to handle it.
The 49ers defense was not the issue tonight. They are great and continue to perform. However the offense, not so much. Now, as a Jimmy G supporter it is hard to say, but tonight was on him. He needs to make better decisions and have more awareness. The safety where he walked about the back of the endzone on a drop back… come on my guy, I can’t keep defending you when you do stuff like that.
However, with that said, he is a winner and I truly believe he was the better option over Lance, even before Lance’s season ending injury. Only time will tell, but I am a Jimmy G believer, anyone who takes a team on deep playoff runs is worthy of the benefit of the doubt.

Monday Night Football – Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

Cooper Rush hosted the Super Bowl runner-up last week and beat them in his first NFL start of the season and only second career. The 5 year backup-QB travels to divisional rival New York Giants this week in primetime. I personally lean toward the Giants handling the Cowboys with ease, but I also thought the Bengals would do it last week… and I was wrong. I was also wrong about every pick this weekend, so.

If you missed last weeks After The Final Whistle be sure to check it out on our website, along with other sports blogs and stories!

Till Next Time,
Trevor