NFL Week 3 grades from across the league

The 49ers pressured the Broncos into their most three-and-outs in six seasons (9), exhibiting the sort of defensive expertise able to anchoring a Super Bowl contender. Nick Bosa torched Broncos proper sort out sub Cameron Fleming, and the 49ers gave Russell Wilson little time to scan downfield — to the delight of Melvin Gordon PPR managers and few others who watched Sunday evening’s recreation. But the Jimmy Garoppolo-geared reawakening didn’t occur. San Francisco made one pink zone look, and Trey Lance’s backup failed to show a number of wide-open targets into touchdowns. When Denver’s protection clamped down, San Francisco’s reintroduced starter struggled. The 49ers’ protection will give Garoppolo assist, however this was not an awesome begin.

49ERS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Rams (Mon.)

Being the primary 10-punt workforce to win a recreation for the reason that 2016 Broncos downed the Jaguars, the present Denver version (2-1) continues to point out a protection far forward of its offense. First-year DC Ejiro Evero’s group, regardless of lacking Pro Bowl security Justin Simmons, hounded Garoppolo all through the 49ers’ three-turnover second half. Given little margin for error till Wilson’s game-winning drive, this protection received out over a 49ers unit with better-known stars. Boasting a deep line of defense and a secondary anchored by Pat Surtain II (six targets, zero receptions allowed), Denver’s protection presents intriguing capabilities for when Wilson is in higher kind in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.

BRONCOS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Raiders (Sun.)

The Tom Brady-era Buccaneers topped Matt LaFleur’s Packers twice in 2020 — the groups’ most up-to-date conferences. Green Bay used a participant not on that squad to reverse the course of this reignited rivalry. A 2021 low-cost discover, De’Vondre Campbell confirmed the shape that made him an All-Pro final season by tallying 14 tackles and breaking apart the Bucs’ game-winning two-point strive. The Packers (2-1) re-signed Campbell to a $10 million-per-year deal this offseason, deviating from a years-long sample of minimal inside linebacker investments. Campbell has locked down Green Bay’s defensive second stage on a talent-flooded protection that might be the workforce’s finest since its Super Bowl XLV-winning crew 12 years in the past.

PACKERS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Patriots (Sun.)

Brady deserves credit score for main the Bucs on an 89-yard landing drive with a forged that includes largely backup wideouts. Although Tampa Bay (2-1) did create a game-tying two-point opening — one marred by the brutal delay-of-game penalty that preceded Campbell’s PBU — Mike Evans’ suspension proved expensive for Brady. With fellow Pro Bowlers Chris Godwin and Julio Jones out, backup Breshad Perriman and $10M-per-year free agent Russell Gage misplaced fumbles to stymie the Bucs. Evans’ Marshon Lattimore feud, which led to the four-time Pro Bowler’s second absence throughout Brady’s three-season Tampa tenure, may find yourself enjoying a job wherein NFC workforce receives a bye come January.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Chiefs (Sun.)

Missing half their defensive starters and shedding O-line troops as Sunday’s scorching contest progressed, the Bills (2-1) nonetheless got here near stealing a victory. But failure to finish customary spike procedures on the finish of every half value a Buffalo workforce that entered its Miami day atop most related NFL energy rankings. Josh Allen’s botched snap and Isaiah McKenzie passing on a significant out-of-bounds journey led to a defining offensive coordinator meltdown, with ex-Miami Hurricane Ken Dorsey one-upping the Dolphins’ “Butt Punt” for this recreation’s GIF title minutes later. The Bills should still be the NFL’s finest workforce at full energy, however the Super Bowl frontrunners will want reinforcements quickly.

BILLS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Ravens (Sun.)

Helping the Dolphins beat Allen for the primary time since his 2018 rookie 12 months, Holland arrange an early Miami landing. The fast-emerging security’s blindside sack-strip led to Melvin Ingram’s second restoration in three weeks, and the Dolphins protection completed the Holland-highlighted effort with a goal-line stand on the NFL’s top-ranked scoring offense. Miami is now the AFC’s lone 3-0 workforce. Holland’s recreation (1.5 sacks, 10 tackles, two go deflections) and the workforce shutting down a 17-play Bills drive with out factors represented reasonably key explanation why. The Dolphins have been outgained 497-212, however because the Bills now take care of harm fallout, this might be a pivotal victory.

DOLPHINS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Bengals (Thu.)

Checking off {qualifications} for each of Week 3’s themes — NFL aristocrats shedding and 0-2 groups summoning season-saving stuff — the Chiefs (2-1) did lots to make sure they might cooperate. Travis Kelce’s finish zone drop, Chris Jones’ taunting infraction, and a run of particular groups gaffes led to a befuddling Kansas City loss. Matt Ammendola, who will really feel the sting of this loss excess of Kelce or Jones, lacking an additional level after which a 34-yard area purpose indoors illuminated the reliability hole between him and Harrison Butker. The Chiefs being pressured to interchange Butker quickly may have penalties lengthy after Ammendola is off the roster.

CHIEFS GRADE: D | NEXT: at Buccaneers (Sun.)

Ryan has not performed particularly properly as a Colt; Sunday moved the previous MVP to 3-for-3 in multi-turnover video games together with his new workforce. But after coaxing some (for the Colts) well timed Jones trash speak, Ryan guided Indianapolis (1-2) on an eight-minute-plus game-winning drive. This supporting forged is a far cry from Ryan’s Julio Jones-Roddy White-Tony Gonzalez offenses or his Super Bowl-bound 2016 Falcons arsenal, however the 37-year-old passer divvied up passes to his new younger teammates successfully to shut out a Chiefs-gifted win. With Shaq Leonard due again quickly and Ryan certain to progress in Frank Reich’s offense, the Colts may use Sunday’s unusual outcome as a springboard in a newly fascinating AFC South race.

COLTS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Titans (Sun.)

Blown coverages in Miami stored the Ravens (2-1) from becoming a member of the Dolphins on the AFC’s 3-0 tier. Baltimore’s secondary at the very least bounced again from its cavalcade of errors, intercepting Mac Jones thrice. Marlon Humphrey’s finish zone choose and Marcus Peters’ strip of Nelson Agholor and subsequent INT made certain Lamar Jackson’s newest dominant effort was not overshadowed. Peters now has 32 interceptions — 5 greater than anybody else since 2015. Considering the ballhawk missed all of 2021, that’s pretty spectacular. When Baltimore’s secondary troops can be found, this stands to be one of many AFC’s hardest outs. The Ravens’ Week 4 recreation instantly appears overqualified for 1 p.m. standing.

RAVENS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Bills (Sun.)

While an Agholor catch-and-run turning right into a fumble doomed the Patriots’ sensible hopes at counterattacking, Jones throwing the Ravens three picks made issues unimaginable as properly. But the Patriots (1-2) having to get by with out Jones, who’s reported to have suffered a excessive ankle sprain, will likely be an issue. QB2 Brian Hoyer, a multi-stint Patriot who performed properly in spurts for the 2014 Browns and 2015 Texans, has misplaced his previous 11 begins. Only two of these got here with the Pats, however a Hoyer Lambeau Field journey — the CBS late-window headliner, over Ravens-Bills — will likely be asking rather a lot. But the Pats have to prioritize Jones’ well being; this season serves little goal with out Jones accessible.

PATRIOTS GRADE: C | NEXT: at Packers (Sun.)

A six- or seven-win marketing campaign — following a 1-15 2020 and 2021’s Urban Meyer mess — can be a pleasant step for a Jaguars franchise that has been in decline for the reason that Patriots’ AFC championship recreation rally. Thanks to a mediocre division and a extra competent teaching employees, the Jags (2-1) could also be able to skip a rung on their rebuild ladder. Trevor Lawrence has strung collectively his finest two-game stretch as a professional. Lawrence (28-for-39, 262 yards) carved up a depleted Chargers protection to key Week 3’s most surprising outcome. A QB who threw one landing go between Halloween and New Year’s Day final 12 months has thrown 5 in two weeks. The Jags’ days of vying for No. 1 picks are over.

JAGUARS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Eagles (Sun.)

Even for the Chargers, Sunday was a bit a lot. A franchise that has seen accidents, late-game execution, and particular groups instability result in it changing into the NFL’s premier tease performed with out three Pro Bowlers (Keenan Allen, J.C. Jackson, Corey Linsley) and had its franchise centerpiece coming off a rib cartilage fracture. The workforce misplaced two extra Pro Bowlers — Joey Bosa and left sort out Rashawn Slater — midgame. Justin Herbert, bizarrely, performed all through in one of many franchise’s most disappointing losses in years. The Bolts (1-2), who’ve assembled their finest roster for the reason that LaDainian Tomlinson-Antonio Gates period, are reeling — forward of schedule. 

CHARGERS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Texans (Sun.)

Enjoying a possibility to face a winless workforce with out its Pro Bowl left sort out and prime two edge rushers, the Raiders nonetheless got here up brief. They are the NFL’s solely 0-3 workforce. Darren Waller and Davante Adams weren’t adequate, and regardless of Derek Carr forming a scorching reference to the nomadic Mack Hollins (eight catches, 158 yards), Mark Davis has gone from authorizing a number of big-ticket extensions to holding up a postgame presser for a Josh McDaniels closed-door assembly. Only 5 groups for the reason that 1970 merger have gone from 0-3 to a non-strike-year playoff bracket. Although the seven-team area makes such a journey simpler, the AFC’s depth has the Raiders maybe already in too deep a gap.

RAIDERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Broncos (Sun.)

Taylor Lewan becoming a member of Harold Landry in being out for the season could also be an excessive amount of to beat — even for a Titans workforce that withstood widespread 2021 harm hassle. Bud Dupree lacking Week 3 additional stacked the deck towards Tennessee’s protection, however apart from it making Hollins appear like Tim Brown circa 1997, Shane Bowen’s unit held on. Kevin Byard’s goal-line INT and he and Dylan Cole’s ensuing game-sealing two-point denial reminded of the Titans successful regardless of skeleton skill-position arsenals final season. Byard and Jeffery Simmons nonetheless present juice on protection. In the AFC South, this workforce can’t be discarded simply but.

TITANS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Colts (Sun.)

A 54-yard area purpose saved the Vikings on this sequence’ Minnesota leg final 12 months; Dan Campbell calling for one Sunday ended up igniting the favorites in one other slim Lions loss. Detroit (1-2) went for six fourth downs between its first and final drives, changing on 4. Austin Seibert misses bookended the sport, nonetheless. Give Campbell credit score for admitting Seibert’s 54-yard strive was a mistake (over fourth-and-4 and giving the Vikings the ball at their 44-yard line), however the Lions are actually 2-8 in one-score video games below their gregarious head coach. 

LIONS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Sun.)

Week 3 made two straight sub-50-yard Justin Jefferson video games; this one — a 3-catch, 14-yarder — forcing Kirk Cousins to look elsewhere in crunch time. Cousins focused Osborn on all three of his final-drive throws, and the third-year slot receiver dropped back-to-back 28-yard receptions to shut out the Lions. The Vikings (2-1) crafted performs that led Osborn and Adam Thielen to wide-open TDs Sunday, however the workforce has one thing within the former sixth-round choose. Dependent solely on Thielen-Jefferson or Thielen-Stefon Diggs duos for years earlier than 2021, the Vikes have to hold Osborn concerned because the Kevin O’Connell offense takes form.

VIKINGS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Saints (Sun., in London)

Firing up I-formations incessantly over the previous two weeks, the Rams have stationed large receiver, Ben Skowronek, as their main lead blocker in these units. The former seventh-round choose provided one of many extra fascinating dual-threat outings in current reminiscence, including receiving reliability (career-high 66 yards) and being at fullback on each Rams landing performs. The second one, a Cam Akers rating, concerned a Skowronek-Zaven Collins collision. It appears unbelievable ordinary Rams WR3 Van Jefferson may pull off this uncommon workload. As Skowronek aided a deteriorating Rams O-line, his receiving chops did properly to offer the defending champs one other win at far lower than full energy.

RAMS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at 49ers (Mon.)

Kyler Murray’s 58 go makes an attempt established a brand new career-high by 4, however they solely led to 4 Matt Prater area targets. The Cardinals (1-2) averaged 3.3 yards per keep on 21 totes and floor to repeated halts as soon as in area purpose vary. Murray discovered a technique to steal one win throughout the workforce’s six-game DeAndre Hopkins-less stretch; that 20-point comeback in Las Vegas required unsustainable Murray wizardry. Too a lot is on the top-tier athlete’s plate at this level. 

CARDINALS GRADE: C | NEXT: at Panthers (Sun.)

Left sort out George Fant performed after lacking in depth observe time this week; Hendrickson capitalized on his injured opponent. The blindside Bengals rusher’s 2.5 sacks all resulted in Joe Flacco fumbles, the third of which coming towards backup left sort out Conor McDermott. After a sackless first two video games, Hendrickson has run his Cincinnati complete as much as 21 (counting playoffs). Fast changing into among the finest free agent signings (not that it’s a notably swift horserace) in Bengals historical past. Cincinnati’s protection has largely executed its job by way of three video games; it has not allowed a landing over its previous 20 drives. That bodes properly for when Joe Burrow and Co. warmth up.

BENGALS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Thu.)

The Jets’ prime two wins below Robert Saleh have include Mike White (towards Cincy final 12 months) and Flacco on the controls. Chants for White (nonetheless) and requires Flacco — after final week’s Browns comeback — to maintain his job have emerged, creating a wierd scenario for a No. 2 general choose. Wilson (thirty first in 2021 QBR) produced uneven work final 12 months, however there isn’t any actual goal to this Jets season until the high-end QB prospect sees vital time. Flacco, who fumbled 3 times Sunday, served his goal. Injuries have hijacked Wilson’s Jets run, and if he can not present notable progress with a greater offense, this rebuild successfully combusts. No stress.

JETS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Steelers (Sun.)

Jeremy Maclin (2014) is the latest Eagle to submit a 1,000-yard season. This 12 months’s Birds are on their technique to producing two such choices. After A.J. Brown’s dominant debut obscured DeVonta Smith (zero Week 1 catches), the slender sidekick one-upped the well-paid alpha. Smith shredded the Commanders secondary — a unit chock stuffed with veterans — all through the primary half to stake the Eagles (3-0) to a 24-0 lead. The ex-Heisman winner amassed 156 of his 169 yards within the first half, and the in-traffic grabs replicate properly on a participant doubted due to his rail-thin body. After some failed or short-lived receiver forays in recent times, this Philly duo brings a brand new ceiling stage. It has elevated the Eagles’ roof as properly.

EAGLES GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: vs. Jaguars (Sun.)

Washington trotted out an offensive line with 36 mixed years of expertise. Although heart Chase Roullier is now out of the image, the Commanders entrance 5 options the likes of Charles Leno, Andrew Norwell, and Trai Turner. This O-line, which struggled towards Detroit, had no reply for Philly’s D-line depth. A number of ex-Wentz teammates have been concerned within the Eagles’ nine-sack onslaught. The youngest of Washington’s O-line starters, second-year proper sort out Sam Cosmi, had a very unhealthy time towards the Eagles. As Jalen Hurts sliced up the Commanders (1-2) in entrance of his outdated teammate, Wentz had 40 yards passing on the half. 

COMMANDERS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Cowboys (Sun.)

The Saints (1-2) trailed by two scores for many of Sunday’s loss — to a Panthers workforce on a nine-game shedding streak — and, save for a fourth-quarter comeback towards the rebuilding Falcons, haven’t seen their retooled offense present a significant spark. Jameis Winston is trying to play by way of a number of again fractures, requiring a number of additional pads, and stated he’s coping with ache. New Orleans has one of many league’s finest backups (Andy Dalton). While Dennis Allen stated postgame he isn’t pulling the set off now, a wholesome Dalton looms as a greater QB2 possibility than most groups make use of. It appears logical to offer a swap sturdy consideration at this level.

SAINTS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: vs. Vikings (Sun., in London)

While 0-2 desperation gripped a piece of the league, the Panthers (1-2) have been in a special style right here. Matt Rhule’s workforce had not received since November 14, 2021, resulting in rampant hypothesis the third-year HC — regardless of his outlandish seven-year, $60 million contract — was close to the top. The strongest of the Panthers items stepped up towards the Saints. Recently re-signed defenders Frankie Luvu and Marquis Haynes (feat. a Derrick Brown inside push) teamed up on a scoop-and-score to start a protracted day for the Saints. Carolina ranked second in complete protection final season, and the workforce has misplaced on 58- and 56-yard game-winning area targets. Phil Snow’s protection confirmed persistence is important.

PANTHERS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Cardinals (Sun.) 

One of two winless groups left, together with the Raiders, the Texans entered the season with a lot decrease expectations. They are completely allowed to have fun the contributions of a rookie anticipated to be a part of the post-rebuilding future. Second-round choose Jalen Pitre accounted for each of Justin Fields’ INTs Sunday, and the Baylor-developed security sacked the scuffling Chicago quarterback and picked up two tackles for loss. Houston (0-2-1) lacked notable draft capital in 2020 and 2021, due to the Laremy Tunsil commerce, however Pitre is one among a number of rookies value observing this 12 months. 

TEXANS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Sun.)

One of the league’s agent-less performers, Roquan Smith made no secret of his disdain for a way the Bears dealt with his extension talks this offseason. After vowing to desk that matter, the fifth-year linebacker is off to a pleasant contract-year begin. Smith’s 16 tackles (two for loss) preceded his game-wrapping interception of Davis Mills. Smith’s 36 stops lead the NFL by way of three weeks. If the Bears (2-1) can not attain an settlement with him by early March, he’s more likely to stroll in free company. (The franchise tag is nearly a non-starter for groups with off-ball linebackers, as they’re grouped with rush ‘backers.) For now, Smith is a confirmed standout sparking a rebuilding workforce.

BEARS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Giants (Sun.) 

The prime operating again draftees from 2013 are both out of the league (Le’Veon Bell, Montee Ball, Eddie Lacy) or on their approach out (Gio Bernard). Meanwhile, Cordarrelle Patterson is in his prime. The All-Pro return man/RB convert racked up a career-high 153 scrimmage yards to assist the rebuilding Falcons (1-2) choose up a win. Spared the tread on his tires, conventional operating backs his age absorbed years in the past, Atlanta’s 31-year-old again is a part of a hard troika for defenses. The Seahawks struggled to cease the Patterson-Kyle Pitts-Drake London trio. Thus far, the league’s oldest beginning again is proving well worth the $5M assured he collected this offseason. 

FALCONS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Browns (Sun.)

The previous two seasons introduced record-setting yardage paces for Seattle’s protection, however second-half enhancements — notably in 2020 — moved Ken Norton Jr.’s troops off that tier. The Seahawks (1-2) fired Norton this offseason, selling Clint Hurtt. The Vic Fangio disciple has not had a lot success simply but, and the Falcons carved up the younger group. To go together with Patterson’s 119 second-half scrimmage yards, Marcus Mariota averaged 11.5 yards per try. A flawed Falcons workforce did because it happy offensively, following high-yardage outputs from the Broncos and 49ers. 

SEAHAWKS GRADE: C | NEXT: at Lions (Sun.)

Mitch Trubisky fared higher in Week 3, however the Steelers (1-2) stay restricted so long as the stopgap starter sticks of their lineup. Jay Glazer’s report of the workforce planning to maintain Trubisky as a starter all 12 months, which might buck the twenty first century’s first-round QB development, was eye-opening. Pittsburgh has veterans throughout its protection, although that unit is combating it with out T.J. Watt. Will this old-school franchise be keen to punt on contending in 2022 as a way to protect a Kenny Pickett redshirt season? It can be shocking if Pickett was sitting within the season’s second half, however the longer Trubisky resides atop the depth chart, the nearer Mike Tomlin involves his first sub-.500 12 months.

STEELERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Jets (Sun.)

While the Cowboys rostered CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup round Cooper over the previous two seasons, the Browns (2-1) are banking on the previous top-five choose staying wholesome. Cleveland’s steady of younger go catchers won’t minimize it, particularly with Jacoby Brissett, have been Cooper to go down. So far, the workforce’s buy-low receiver — a Cowboys misfire, given the place the receiver market quickly headed — has helped Brissett. Cooper beat the Steelers’ low-cost assortment of corners when he needed to, serving to the Browns stack one other win onto their pre-Deshaun Watson complete. Cooper has his first back-to-back 100-yard video games since October 2016.

BROWNS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Falcons (Sun.)