NFL 2026 Week 3 Recap
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers was the Thursday night game. The Packers seemed out of sync, but the Falcons were a complete mess. Yet a ray of hope came for the Falcons with the return of quarterback Michael Penix from injury. Penix was intercepted on the game’s first offensive series. he Packers took over at their own 13. On 3rd and 11 Jordan Loe went deep to Golden for 45 yards. Love hit Watson for a 4 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Packers. The Falcons took over at their one 15 and Bijan robinson ripped off gains of 6 and 9. On 3rd and 11 from their own 25, Penix threw incomplete but roughing the passer gifted the Falcons 15 yards. Robinson then ripped off a 55 yard gain. Robinson then ran for 2 and finally the 3 yard touchdown to cap the 85 yard drive and make it 7-7.
Nick Folk hit a 44 yard second quarter field goal to have he Falcons up 10-7. Smack came in for a 47 yard try with 4 minutes left in he half to tie the game. His kick was blocked. The Falcons took over at their own 37. Penix hit London for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 34, Penix hit London for 16. Robinson gained 10 and 6. Penix found Austin Hooper for a 5 yard touchdown as the Falcons took a 17-7 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter Matt LaFleur gambled on 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 7. Love threw incomplete. Robinson continued to knee through the Swiss cheese Green Bay defense for a 31 yard gain. Robinson tacked on 8, 7 and one. On 3rd and 7 from the Green Bay 32, Penix hit London for 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 7, it was Robinson again for the touchdown as the Falcons were dominating up 24-7 after three quarters. Folk tacked on a 31 yard fourth quarter field goal to make it 27-7 Falcons. The Packers managed one more touchdown but Robinson took the ensuing kickoff 30 yards. Penix went to London for 40 yards. Robinson ran for a 2 yard touchdown and Penix hit Blair for a 2 point conversion. Fans wanted Matt LaFleur fired after the game but it did not happen. Bijan Robinson gashed the defense for 194 yards on 29 carries, a 6.7 yard average . 35-14 Falcons
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills — The Chargers look horrendous in losing 2 home games by double digits each. The Bills offense looked unstoppable. Yet in this game the Chargers finally showed up, giving the Bills fits for much of the game. The Bills fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and the Chargers began at the Buffalo 47. Roughing the passer added 15. On 3rd and goal at the one, Justin Herbert went to Mitchell for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Chargers. An interception of Josh Allen had the Chargers at the Buffalo 43. Cameron Dicker hit a 31 yard field goal as the Chargers had the surprising 10-0 lead after the first quarter. Allen was intercepted again in the second quarter. The chargers missed a chance to go up 13-0 when Dicker’s 45 yard field goal try was no good.
Momentum shifted and the Bills finally got on the board when Tyler Bass hi a 28 yard field goal. With 4 minutes left in the half the Bills got the ball back at their own 20. On 3rd and 6 Allen hit Moore for 13. On 3rd and 7 form his own 42, Allen hit Moore for 10. Allen then went deep to Coleman for 37 yards down t the one. Allen got the yard as the teams went to the half deadlocked 10-10. The third quarter was even uglier. Dicker hit a 21 yard field goal to have he Chargers up 13-10. The Bills then fumbled he ball away. The Bills got the ball back but on the first play of the fourth quarter on 3rd and 13 from their own 34, the Bills fumbled the ball away again. Yet 3 plays later on 3rd and 5 from the Buffalo 23, Herbert was intercepted. Johnson returned the interception 40 yards as the Bills took over at their own 42.
Despite turning the ball over 5 times, the Bills were still in the game. They finally got out of their own way. They also got some luck when another fumble and potential 6th turnover was properly reversed to down by contact. James Cook ran for 11, 11 and 4. Allen got the last yard as the Bills had their first lead of the game up 17-13 midway through the fourth quarter. Jim Harbaugh decided to go for it on 4th and 10 from his own 45 with over 5 minutes left. Herbert threw incomplete. Cook ran or 3 and 23. On 3rd and 10 from the Charges 19, Allen hit Moore for 16. Cook ran for the 3 yard touchdown to make it 24-13 Bills with 3:!3 left. Needing 2 scores, Dicker kicked a 53 yard field goal to get the Chargers within 8 with 1:56 left. The onside kick failed. On 3rd and 6 from the Chargers 41, Cook ran for 9 to extinguish any comeback hopes. It was far from pretty but the Bills got to 3-0 the hard way. he Chargers are a head-scratching 0-3 and searching for answered. 24-16 Bills
Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns — Both teams were coming off of her surprise wins. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers turned it over on downs to set up the Browns at the Carolina 47.Szmyt hit a 47 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Browns. The Panthers turned it over on downs again as Dave Canales was not having his luckiest gambling day. The Browns took over at the Carolina 40. Judkins gained 11. Sanders added 17. On with and goal at the 2, it was Todd Monkey gambling with far more success. Deshaun Watson hit Fannin for the touchdown as the Browns led 10-0.
The Panthers were having no success reaching the end zone but gradually chipped away with field goals. Fitzgerald hit from 35 in the second quarter, from 41 and 53 in the third quarter, and from 37 early in the fourth quarter to have the Panthers up 12-10. Szmyt hit from 45 to have the Browns back on top 13-12 midway though the fourth quarter.
The Panthers took over at their own 28. Bryce Young hit Evans for 19. Chuba Hubbard gained 3, 11 and 16. Young hit Tommy Tremble for 15 and Menchie for the 8 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Panthers led 18-13 with 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Brown too over at their own 35. Watson hit Boston for 13. Watson ran for 21. Watson went to the end zone and was intercepted, but roughing the passer nullified the turnover. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 14, Watson hit Fannin for the touchdown. Watson hit Boston for the 2 point conversion. The Panthers had 1:45 to work with needing a field goal to tie the game. On 4th and 16 from his own 16, a completion by Young netted only 8 yards. The Panthers held on defense and took over at their own 17 with one minute left. On 3rd and 10 from his own 42 with 16 seconds left, Young threw another short pass rather than a Hail Mary. The Brows somehow are 2-1 on the year. 21-18 Browns
New York Jets at Detroit Lions — The Jets have a decent defense but still managed to blow a double digit lead at home last week. The Lions still have a great offense but can’t stop anyone. The first quarter was all defense and punts. In the second quarter Jake Bates hit a 30 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Lions. The Jets soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 30. Geno Smith hit Breece Hall for 12, Ruckert for 16 and Woods for 20. Smith went to Sadiq for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Jets. A 44 yard kickoff return had the Lions set up at their own 47. Jared Goff hit Sam LaPorta for 8 and TeSlaa for 12. On 4th and 2 from the Jets 9, it was time for a Dan Campbell gamble. Goff hit TeSlaa for 5. Goff hit Amra St. Brown for a 4 yard touchdown to have the Lions up 10-7 at the break.
The Lions began the third quarter at their own 20. Goff went deep to LaPorta for 28. Jahmyr Gibbs caught a pass from Goff for 7 and ran for 11. Gibbs ran for a 17 yard touchdown to have the Lions up 17-7. The Jets moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Detroit 7 but consecutive sacks of Smith meant 4th and 23. Sanders hit the 42 yard field goal to have the Jets within 17-10 after three quarters. The Lions took over at their own 38. From he Jets 42, Goff hit Williams for 21. Gibbs ran for a one yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to give the Lions some breathing room up 24-10.
The Jets took over at their own 20. Smith hit Williams for 21 and then found Sadiq for 43. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Smith hit Ruckert for he touchdown to get the Jets within 24-16. Aaron Glenn went for a completely unnecessary 2 point conversion that failed. Analytics guys have no place in sports. The Lions reached a 4th and 1 at the Jets 45 with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. This time the Dan Campbell gamble failed as Gibbs got stopped for no gain. On 3rd and 4 Smith hit Wilson for 6 and again for 15. With 4 minutes left the Jets were down to one play. On 4th and 6 from the Detroit 23, Smith went to Wilson for the touchdown. Again, the Detroit defense could not get one stop when it mattered. For the second time in 3 week and both times at home, the Lions were tied late 24-24.
Yet the Lions still have that offense. After a touchback, Goff went deep to TeSlaa for 49 yards. On 3rd and 5, Goff hit Gibbs for the touchdown. For the second time in 3 weeks and both times at home, the Lions led 31-24 late. The first time they gave up the touchdown but stopped the 2 point conversion. In this game with 51 seconds left, the Jets had reached 2nd and 10 at the Detroit 28. Smith began his career with the jets, and despite vastly improving over the years, something about playing with the Jets brings out the worst in a player. Smith was sacked and fumbled to end the threat. 31-24 Lions
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts — Both teams started 0-2. Something had to give. In the first quarter the Colts fumbled but the texans turned it over on downs. Shrader hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Colts. In the second quarter the Colts moved 69 yards in 12 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Daniel Jones went to Downs twice for 18 apiece. Jones hit Downs again for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Jones hit Allen for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Colts. The Texans soon faced 3rd and 8 at their own 34.CJ Stroud scrambled for 8. Stroud hit Montgomery for 10. Stroud found Foster Moreau for a one yard touchdown to get the Texans within 10-7. Shrader belted a 58 yard field goal before the half. The third quarter was scoreless. Shrader hit again from 37 o have the Colts up 16-7 early in the fourth quarter.
Kaimi Fairbairn hit from 24 to have the Texans within 16-10 midway through the fourth quarter. The Colts were driving and had a 2nd and 10 at the Houston 39 with 4:45 left. A field goal would lock up the win. Jones was sacked and fumbled, and the Texans took over at their own 46. Stroud went to Hutchinson for 17 and to Boutte for 15. Marks got in from the one to have the Texans up 17-16 with 1:48 to pay. After a touchback, Jones went to Treadwell for 20. With 16 seconds left the Colts faced 4th and 1 form the Houston 34. Shane Steichen felt it was too risky to try and pick up a few more yards. Shrader came in for a 54 yard try. One team was about to become 0-3. It would not be the Colts, since Shrader’s kick was good. The Texans remain winless. 19-17 Colts
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars — Both teams came in 1-1 after making the playoffs last year. The Jaguars blew a fourth quarter lead last week at Denver. Drake Maye has been plagued by turnovers this season, a trend he started in last year’s Super Bowl. Late in the first quarter Maye was sacked and fumbled. He Jaguars recovered at their own 38. The Jaguars marched 62 yards in 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 5 from their own 43, Trevor Lawrence went to Washington for 18. After a scoreless first quarter, Lawrence hit Cameron for a 12 yard touchdown early in the second quarter to make it 7-0 Jaguars. An interception of Lawrence led to a Patriots field goal, but other than that Lawrence just rolled. He hit Strange for 23 and capped a 65 yard drive with a 10 yard touchdown toss to Jakobi Meyers. The Jaguars led 14-3. Maye tossed another interception that led to a missed Jacksonville field goal.
The Jaguars poured it on in the second half. After the Patriots missed a field goal, the Jaguars marched 72 yards in 13 plays and 9 minutes. Lawrence hit Tuten for 15. On 3rd and 9 from the New England 31, Lawrence hit Meyers for 14. On 3rd and 11 from the New England 18, Lawrence hit Meyers for 13. On 3rd and goal at the 17, Lawrence hit Washington for the touchdown to make it 21-3 Jaguars. On the next play from scrimmage, Maye was intercepted by Jones, who returned the pick 31 yards to the New England 5. One play later Rodriguez took it up the gut for the touchdown to make it 28-3 Jaguars. In the fourth quarter the Patriots managed one more field goal while the Jaguars scored in a bizarre manner. On 3rd and 4 from the New England 16, Lawrence scrambled and was headed straight into the end zone when he purposely gave himself up at the one yard line. He didn’t help matters by saying afterward the he wanted his teammate to score fantasy points. The truthful explanation that would not get him suspended is that he wanted to keep the clock moving. Nevertheless, he shouldn’t do that again. Tuten got in to complete the blowout. After the game, Mike Vrabel edited that Maye is playing badly. 35-6 Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins — he Chiefs might be back as the best team in the league. The Dolphins might be the worst. This had the makings of a blowout. The Chiefs began at their own 33. On the first play from scrimmage, Patrick Mahoems went deep to Travis Kelce for 48 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 10, Kenneth Walker III ran for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. The Dolphins then embarked on a mind-numbing 17 play, 91 yard drive that took 9 1/2 minutes. Malik Willis hit Washington for 30. On 3rd and 18 from the Kansas city 32, defensive illegal use of hands gave the Dolphins a gift first down. On 3rd and 8 from the Kansas City 25, Willis hit Miller for 10. On 3rd and 9 from the Kansas City 14, Gordon gained 11. Gordon ran for a 3 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7 after the first quarter.
After a touchback, Mahomes hit Rice for 11. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 34, Mahomes found Thornton for 17. On 3rd and 2 from the Miami 9, a sack of Mahomes was negated by defensive illegal contact. Mahomes hit Walker for a 5 yard touchdown. In the second quarter the Chiefs led 14-7. Both defenses stiffened. Both teams turned it over on downs and then turned it over again. Patterson hit a 37 yard third quarter field goal as the Dolphins only trailed 14-10 after three quarters. The Chiefs moved 80 yards in 13 plays and 6 1/2 minutes but settled for a 36 yard Harrison Butker field goal to lead 17-10 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 6 minutes left on 4th and 5 from the Kansas City 48, Willis threw incomplete. Mahomes immediately went deep to Rice for 34. Mahomes went back to Rice for 15 and to Kelce for the 11 yard touchdown to lock up the win. 24-10 Chiefs
Tennessee Titans at New York Giants — The Stupor Bowl was supposed to be the Titans playing the Jets. Yet with Jaxson Dart now out for the season, this was a legitimate Stupor Bowl showdown. Zvada hit field goals of 39 in the first quarter, 27 and 39 in the second quarter, and 30 in the third quarter to have the Giants up 12-0. In the fourth quarter the Texans mounted a 13 play, 91 yard, 7 minute drive. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Cam Ward hit Robinson for the touchdown to get the Titans within 5 with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Titans got the ball back and moved 76 yards in 13 plays. With hard rains coming down from the Nor’Easter, the Titans managed 1st and goal at the 7 with 24 seconds left. Ward went to the end zone and was intercepted. League officials vowed to burn the tape of this game. Jameis Winston is still the starter, but the desperate Giants traded for JJ McCarthy to back him up. 12-7 Giants
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers — Division rivals faced off. The Steelers began the game at their own 27. On the first play from scrimmage, Aaron Rodgers hit Jalen Warren for 30. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincinnati 38, Rodgers went deep to Wilson for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Steelers. The Bengals took over at their own 27. Brown ran for 12. On 3rd and 2 just shy of midfield, Joe Burrow hit Meyers for 23. Burrow went to JaMarr Chase for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 7-7.
The Steelers then moved 86 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes. Rodgers hit DK Metcalf for 11 and Wilson for 17. Warren gained 13. Rodgers went to Brent skowronek for a 23 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Steelers. In the second quarter Evan McPherson hit a 50 yard field goal to get the Bengals within 14-10. Chris Boswell answered from 44 to make it 17-10 Steelers. An interception of Rodgers set up the Bengals at their own 47. Burrow went to Brown for 12, to Chase for 9, and to Tee Higgins for a 28 yard touchdown and a 17-17 deadlock at the half.
McPherson hit a 38 yard third quarter field goal to have he Bengals up 20-17. The Steelers came back 74 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 6, Rodgers went to Metcalf for the touchdown and the 24-20 Steelers lead after three quarters. The Bengals took over at their own 36. Burrow hit Higgins for 14. On 3rd and 10 from midfield, Burrow returned to Higgins for 17. On 4th and 2 from the Pittsburgh 25 only 90 seconds into the fourth quarter, there was plenty of time for a field goal try. Zac Taylor decided to go for it. Burrow went deep to Mike Gesicki for the touchdown. The Bengals led 27-24. The Steelers went nowhere on offense but got a major break when the Bengals fumbled a punt. O 3rd and 5 form the Cincy 9, Rodgers was sacked. Boswell hit from 36. Midway through the fourth quarter, the game that was tied 7-7 and 17-17 was now tied 27-27.
This time it was the Bengals that went nowhere on offense. The Steelers took over at their 8 yard line. Rodgers went deep to Washington for a 47 yard gain. Warren ripped off a 26 yard run. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Rodgers was sacked. Boswell hit a 33 yard field goal to give the Steelers the 3 point lead with 3 minutes left. The Bengals took over at their own 30. With one minute left, the Bengals had 1st and 10 a the Pittsburgh 38. A 56 yard field goal try was in McPherson’s range. Yet there would be no field goal try. Burrow was sacked and fumbled and the Steelers recovered for the tough win. 30-27 Steelers
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders — The defending champions were 2-0 and Sam Darnold was back from injury. The Commanders were playing backup Marcus Mariota. An early Seahawks fumble had the Commanders at the Seattle 21. Mariota hit White for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Commanders. he Seahawks took over at their own 10 yard line. Darnold hit Jaxson smith-Nigba for 20, Barner for 32, and Russell for 20. Early in the second quarter Darnold hit Smith-Nigba for the one yard touchdown to make it 7-7.
A field position game had the Commanders at their own 40. Mariota hit Lane for 21 and Burks for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Commanders. Despite starting at the Washington 41 with 1:13 left in the half, the Seahawks settled for a 37 yard Joey Slye field goal. Yet after a touchback, the Commanders still had 52 seconds to work with. Stevens nailed a 57 yard field goal at the halftime gun to have he Commanders up 17-10. An interception of Darnold in the third quarter had the commanders at the Seattle 43. Mariota went to Terry McLaurin for a 30 yard touchdown to have the Commanders up 24-10.
The ensuing kickoff was kicked out of bounds to set up the Seahawks at their own 40. Darnold hit Smith-Nigba for 12 and Horton for 14. Darnold went to Eric Saubert for a 13 yard touchdown to get the Seahawks within 24-17. The Seahawks got the ball back at their own 20. Defensive unnecessary roughness gave the Seahawks 15 yards. Darnold hit Holam for 13 and 14 and Smith-Nigba for an 11 yard touchdown. With 12 minutes left in regulation the game was tied 24-24.
The ensuing kickoff was short of the landing zone to set up the Commanders at their own 40. They held the ball for 12 plays and bled nearly 7 1/2 minutes off the clock. Stevens hit a 36 yard field goal to have the Commanders up 27-24 with 4 1/2 minutes left. Darnold found medrano at midfield. Problem: Medrano plays defense for the Commanders. The 50 yard interception return touchdown had the Commanders up 33-24. The extra point was no good but the Seahawks ended 2 scores. Darnold hit Cooper Kupp for a 7 yard touchdown with 2:50 to play. Mike McDonald decided to kick it deep rather than go onside. On 3rd and 5 form his own 34 with 1:55 left, White got around the end for a 19 yard gain. On 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 35 with 1:36 left, Mariota scrambled for 9 to seal the win. Mariota took up a couple knees as the Commanders won their first and Seattle lost their first. 33-31 Commanders
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers — The 49ers are in Super Bowl mode while the Cardinals got blasted at home last week. The 49ers began facing 3rd and 12 at their own 18. Kyle Shanahan went to his bag of tricks. Brock Purdy threw a short pass to Mike Evans, who lateraled it to Deebo Samuel. The hook and ladder went for an 82 yard touchdown, 80 of it by Samuel for a 7-0 49ers lead. The 49ers got it back at their own 7 and needed 10 plays and 5 minutes to go 93 yards. On the first play of the second quarter, Purdy went to Evans for a 23 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 49ers.
Ryland hit field goals of 26 and 41, but they left 23 seconds on the clock. Eddie Pineiro hit a 57 yarder to end the half with the 49ers up 17-6. The 49ers began the third quarter at their own 44. Purdy went to George Kittle for 11 and 18 and Christian McCaffrey for 12. McCaffrey ran for a one yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the 49ers were cruising up 23-6.
The Cardinals took over at their own 31 and moved 69 yards in 14 plays and 8 minutes. Jacoby Brissett hit Terry McBride for 13. Brissett hit Wilson for a 5 yard touchdown to have the Cardinals within 23-13. The Cardinals got a break late in the third quarter when the 49ers fumbled a punt. The Cardinals took over at the San Francisco 28. On 4th and 2 Brissett threw deep incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 19 yard gain down to the one. Brissett hit Love for the touchdown to have the Cardinals right back in it down 23-20 with 13 minutes left in regulation.
After a touchback, Purdy hit Kittle for 11. McCaffrey ran for 10 and 9. Black gained 9 and Samuel added 11. On 3rd and 6 from the Arizona 11, Purdy threw incomplete but roughing the passer meant a new set of downs. Purdy hit Kittle for a 10 yard touchdown. The extra point doinked off the right upright no good. The 49ers led 29-20 with 8 1/2 minutes left. The Cardinals moved 68 yards in 14 plays and 6 minutes. On 3rd and 11 from their own 31, Brissett hit Marvin Harrison Jr for 19. On 3rd and 1 from the San Francisco 30, Brissett hit Bourne for 14. Brissett ran for a one yard touchdown to get the Cardinals within 29-27 with 2:50 left.
After a touchback, Purdy hit McCaffrey for 11. McCaffrey ran for 12. Purdy found Kittle for a 20 yard touchdown to give the 49ers breathing room up 36-27 with 90 seconds left. Needing 2 scores, Ryland hit a 49 yard field goal with 34 seconds left. The onside kick failed. The Cardinals were game, but the 49ers are unbeaten. 36-30 49ers
Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Minnesota’s defense is for real. Last week they went into Chicago and held them to 3 points. The Buccaneers were seeking a win after blowing a lead agains Cleveland. Reichard hit 54 yard field goal to have the Vikings up 3-0 early. The Buccaneers punted and Price returned it for an 86 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Vikings. The Buccaneers took over at their own 20. Baker Mayfield went to Cade Otton for 14. Mayfield went to Hurst for a 40 yard touchdown to have the Buccaneers within 10-7. McLaughlin hit a 28 yard field goal to ie the game 10-10 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the half.
The Vikings took over at there own 27. Kyler Murray went to Jordan Addison for 30 and again for a 41 yard touchdown to make it 17-10 Vikings. The remaining 34 minutes saw both teams boycott the end zone. McLaughlin hit field goals of 38 in the third quarter and 54 in the fourth quarter to have the Buccaneers within 17-16. Reichard blasted a 56 yarder with 3:10 left. A Mayfield interception led to Reichard hitting again from 43 with 33 seconds left. With 8 seconds left from his own 40, Mayfield’s Hail Mary was intercepted. The Buccaneers are winless and the Vikings are unbeaten. 23-16 Vikings
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the second ever NFL game in Brazil and the first in Rio. The cowboys moved to a 3rd and goal at the one early on. Rather than just run the ball, the Cowboys went shotgun. Dan Prescott was sacked. Brandon Aubrey hit a 28 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Cowboys. Rookie head coach Jesse Minter confused himself with Barry Switzer, gambling on 4th and 1 from his own 30. Derrick Henry got stuffed for no gain. The Cowboys were gifted 15 yards on the next play thanks t a defensive facemask. Williams ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Cowboys.
The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds to set up the Ravens at their own 40. Lamar Jackson ran for 21. Jackson hit Bay Flowers for 22. Henry ran for 11, 5 and the 4 yard touchdown to get the ravens on the board. The Ravens got the ball back at their own 11 to start the second quarter. Defensive pass interference gave them 19 yards. On 3rd and 12 from their own 48, defensive pass interference on a deep bomb meant a 49 yard gain. On the next play Henry ran for a 3 yard touchdown to have the Ravens up 14-10. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer gambled on 4th and 1 from his own 44. Williams got the carry and got stopped for no gain. Tyler Loop hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 17-10 Ravens. Aubrey hit a 38 yard field goal to end the half, but in the third quarter the Cowboys fumbled the ball away and saw Aubrey have his 59 yard field goal try blocked. The Ravens took over just shy of midfield. Henry ran for 29. Hill added 11 and Jackson gained 12. Jackson hit Moore for a 4 yard touchdown as the Ravens led 24-13 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter.
After being outscored 24-3, the Cowboys went on a run of their own. From their own 33 Williams gained 15. On 3rd and 10 from their own 48, Prescott hit George Pickens for 19. Prescott went to Ferguson for a 19 yard touchdown. Prescott hit ceeDee Lamb for the 2 point conversion to have the Cowboys within 24-21. The Ravens moved to a 4th and goal at the one with 13 minutes left in regulation. Jesse Minter went for it. Henry got the carry and got blasted for a 3 yard loss. From the shadow of his own goal, Prescott went deep to Lamb for 49 yards. Prescott then hit Spann for 19. On 3rd and 8 from the Baltimore 25, Prescott hit Pickens for 16. Turpin got around the end for a 9 yard touchdown to have the Cowboys back on top 28-24 with 9 1/2 minutes left.
The Ravens took over at their own 36 with 5:45 left. Jackson gained 17. On 3rd and 6 from the Dallas 43, Jackson hit Mark Andrews for 10. Jackson went to Flowers for 14 and again for 14 more. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Jackson hit Hibner for the touchdown. With 90 seconds left, the Ravens led 31-28. The ending was insane. The Cowboys moved to a 3rd and goal at the 5 with 14 seconds left. They were clearly in the driver’s seat. Prescott threw incomplete. Aubrey hit the 23 yard field goal to tie the game 31-31. Overtime seemed a certainty. Yet 7 seconds still remained. First came a touchback. The Ravens from their own 35 supposedly needed a Hail Mary or hook and laterals. Instead, Jackson fired over the middle to Flowers for a 27 yard gain. Flowers quickly went to the ground as everybody on the Ravens called timeout.
The clock appeared to show triple zeroes. Yet after a careful look, officials properly concluded that one second remained. Loop came in for a 56 yard field goal for the win. Remember, loop was the reason the Ravens missed the playoffs last year. His kick on the final play of the regular season against hated Pittsburgh was no good. Pittsburgh went to the playoffs and the Ravens went home. The day after, their coach of 18 years was fired. Loop got his redemption as his kick snuck inside the left upright good. His teammates, many of whom were there for his missed kick last year, mobbed him and hoisted him in the air. Even on a team with King Henry, on this day the kicker was King for a day. The other winners were the people of Brazil, who were treated to a thrilling pro football game. 34-31 Ravens
Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints — Both of these teams were a pleasant surprise. The Raiders started 2-0, albeit against a pair of winless teams. Kirk Cousins was playing reasonably well. The Raiders finally got back injured tight end Brock Bowers. The Saints seem to have found their quarterback in Tyler Shough. The Raiders took over at their own 24 and moved 53 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. he Raiders reached a 1st and 10 at the New Orleans 17, but then came offensive holding and a sack. Matt Gay hit from 41 to make it 3-0 Raiders.
The Saints took over at their own 21 and moved 79 yards on 13 plays and 7 minutes. Shough scrambled for a 36 yard run. On 3rd and 6 from the Raiders 28, Shough hit Vele for 11. On 3rd and 11 from the Raiders 18, though hit Chris Olave for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Shough hit Johnson for the touchdown to make it 6-3 Saints. The extra point was blocked. The ensuing kickoff was kicked out of bounds to set the Raiders up at their own 40. They reached a 3rd and inches at the Saints 14, but a tush push attempt resulted in the offense being offsides. Cousins on 3rd and 5 threw incomplete. Gay hit from 37 for a 6-6 game in the second quarter.
The Raiders held on defense and got the ball back at their own 47. Cousins hit Mayer for 11 and Bowers for 19. On 3rd and7 from the New Orleans 18, Cousins threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 7 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the New Orleans 5, Cousins threw incomplete but roughing the passer again meant a new set of downs. Cousins hit Mayer for a 3 yard touchdown to have the Raiders up 13-6 with 6 minutes left in the half. The Saints took over at their own 28. Shough went to Olave for 13 and 16, to Fant for 9, and to Johnson for 14. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Shough hit Fast for the touchdown. The game was tied 13-13, but there was still 1:54 left on the clock. After a touchback, the Raiders moved to a 1st and goal at the 7 with 11 seconds left. Cousins threw incomplete twice, leaving 4 seconds. Kling Kubiak was not willing to risk one more play. Gay hit the 25 yard field goal to send the Raiders to the showers up 16-13.
The Raiders got the ball first in the third quarter but quickly went 3 and out. The Saints took over at their own 13. Shough hit Vele for 11. Alvin Kamara gained 9 and 4. Shough hit Johnson for 12 and Vele for 17. Shough hit Johnson for a one yard touchdown. The 12 play, 87 yard, 7 minute drive had the Saints back up 20-16.The Raiders fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Saints recovered at the Raiders 32. Travis Etienne ra for 16. Shough hit Fant for the 16 yard touchdown. The Saints led 27-16 with 6 minutes left in the third quarter. The Raiders competed hard but it seemed that they ere finally overmatched.
The Raiders soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 35. Cousins went to Bowers for 20 and to Tre Tucker for 9. Washington then raced for a 36 yard touchdown. An unnecessary 2 point conversion try failed but the Raiders were within 27-22 after three quarters. The Saints had all the momentum early in the fourth quarter as they faced 3rd and 4 at the Raiders 29. Looking to put the game away, Shough, who had played well through three quarters, was sacked and fumbled. Koonce belted though and Mad Maxx Crosby recovered. The Raiders took over at their own 45. Cousins went to Ashton Jeanty for 22. Cuusins hit Tucker for 15. Cousins went to White for a 4 yard touchdown. Because of the earlier failed 2 point try, the Raiders chased points. Another 2 point try failed. Instead of being up 30-27, the Raiders led 28-27. Nevertheless, they overcame a double digit second half lead.
The Saints soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 31. Shough was intercepted by Masses, who returned the pick 35 yards to the New Orleans 8 yard line. Masses was then stripped of the ball, but the Raiders were lucky to fall on the fumble at the New Orleans 4 yard line. On 3rd and goal, Cousins hit Bowers for the 4 yard touchdown. he raiders led by 8 with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Saints moved from their own 24 to a 3rd and 1 at the Raiders 20. Kamara got stopped for no gain. On 4th and 1 with 2:20 left, Shough was sacked and fumbled. The Raiders took over at their own 32.
seeking to finish off the clock, Jeanty ran for 12 as the 2 minute warning came. After the came 2 runs that set up 3rd and 5 just shy of midfield. One first down would close out the game. Instead, Cousins was sacked and fumbled. The Raiders were lucky to recover it and punt. Yet from their own 20, the Saints had 1:38 left to tie the game but no timeouts. From their own 40 with one minute left, a short completion was fumbled. This time the Raiders recovered. Cousins took a couple knees.
The Saints turned the ball over ron 4 straight fourth quarter possessions. The Raiders are 3-0, but critics will still note that their opponents are a combined 1-8. Next week the Raiders are at home for a showdown with hated rival and 3-0 Kansas City. Next week the critics will either be silenced or grow much louder. Either way, whether or not the Raiders are good is irrelevant. They are vastly improved. Kling Kubiak has a resilient team. 35-27 Raiders
Los Angeles Rams ar Denver Broncos was the Sunday night game. Both teams started the year with realistic Super Bowl aspirations yet lost one of their first two games. The Rams dominated the first half. The Rams began at their own 37. On their first play Matthew Stafford went to Devontae Adams for 22. Stafford hit Tyler Higbee for 13 and returned to Higbee for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Rams. The Broncos saw Wil Lutz miss a 43 yard field goal try. The Rams moved the ball at will in the second quarter but could not reach the end zone. Mevis hit field goals of 36, 35 and 40 as he Rams took a 16-0 lead to the locker rooms.
A field position game in the third quarter saw the Broncos taking over at the Rams 42. Runs and short passes led to a 3rd and goal at the 5. Bo Nix hit Bryant for the touchdown. Sean Payton went for 2 and Nix hit Jalen Waddle to get the Broncos within 16-8. The Broncos got the ball back at their own 48. Waddle ran for 14. Nix hit Badie for 12. Nix hit Adkins for an 8 yard touchdown. Nix hit Bryant for the 2 point conversion for a 16-16 tie after three quarters.
A fourth quarter interception of Nix set up the Rams at the Denver 37. Mevis hit a 48 yard field goal to have the Rams up 19-16 with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 5 minutes left the Rams faced 3rd and 6 at the Denver 38. Looking to score a touchdown and lock up the win, Stafford was intercepted by Hufanga. Hufanga jumped the route and raced 66 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown and a 23-19 Broncos lead. The 14 point swing had the home crowd erupting in celebration.
The Rams took over at their own 23 and came right back. Stafford went to Mumpfield for 21, 9, and on a 48 yard touchdown bomb to have the Rams back in front 26-23 with 3 1/2 minutes left. The Broncos soon faced 2nd and 20 at their own 25. Nix connected with Bryant for a 39 yard gain. Nix the hit Franklin for 21. On 3rd and 6 from the Rams 11 with 1:25 left, Nix was intercepted. Yet defensive pass interference meant a 4 yard gain and automatic first down for the Broncos. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Nix threw incomplete but defensive illegal use of hands meant a new set of downs. Nix ran for a 2 yard touchdown to have the Broncos up by 4 with 42 seconds left. The Rams took over at their own 33 and quickly moved to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 14 with 2 second left. After a false start, Stafford went to the end zone and was again intercepted by Hufanga. His 2 picks are why the Rams are 1-2 on the year and the Broncos have a winning record. 30-26 Broncos
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears was the Monday night game. With Caleb Williams out, the Bears offense that scored only 3 points at home last week had to win with backup veteran journeyman Case Keenum. The Eagles barely survived lowly Tennessee last week. The Bears began at their own 34 and went right to work. On 4th and 1 from the Philadelphia 32, Ben Johnson gambled and put his faith in Keenum. Keenum hit Roush for 16. Keenum hit Burden for an 8 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bears. Late in the first quarter an Eagles fumble was followed by the Bears turning it over on downs. Hurts was intercepted in the second quarter, leading to a 29 yard Cairo Santos field goal and a 10-0 Bears lead.
After 28 minutes of lifeless offense, the Eagles finally got going in the 2 minute drill. With 19 seconds left and no timeouts, the Eagles had 1st and goal at the 9. Jalen Hurts hit Devonta Smith for 8, but the clock was ticking. The Eagles offense raced to the line but there was no time to spike the ball. So with one second left, instead of spiking it, Hurts smartly snapped the ball and took a very aggressive tush push into the end zone. Despite being dominated, the Eagles only trailed 10-7 at halftime.
The Bears defense gave up nothing else. Santos hit a 48 yard third quarter field goal to make it 13-7 Bears. The Bears got it back at their own 29. Jeenum hit Raymond for 9 and Loveland for 10. Keenum went deep to Raymond for a 41 yard touchdown to make it 20-7 Bears after three quarters. Another interception of Hurts had the Bears starting the fourth quarter at their own 42. On 4th and 2 from the Philadelphia 39, Ben Johnson lined up to go for it. The bluff worked as the Eagles defense bit on the hard count and jumped into the neutral zone. On 3rd and goal at the one, Keenum got in. The Bears defense just hit the Eagles offense in the mouth. 27-7 Bears