Piece By Nicholas Cosmai
Twitter: @CozzyNick
Week three has left some teams worried about what is to follow for the rest of the season and for some, very excited for what could follow. Many teams got heartbroken and for one it claimed an NFL record. After week three, there is definitely a feel about which teams can accomplish what for the rest of the season.
Blazing Bills
Last week, the Buffalo Bills did feature in last weeks article and the topic was around their improved ability to rush the passer. What is also a huge part of there success and future success is there high-volume scoring offence. Five of their last six regular season games, the bills have scored over 35 points. 43 points against one of the premier defences in the league, led by Josh Allen throwing for 358 yards on a 74% completion rate and 4 touchdowns. With the Kansas City Chiefs falling behind the eight ball at the current minute, there maybe a huge chance that the Bills are the number one seed for months to come.
Field of Nightmares
Another follow up from last week is around the topic of Justin Fields starting for the Chicago Bears. He ended up starting to replace the injured Andy Dalton, and it was the debut that no one from the bears will want to remember. 68 passing yards going for 6/20 was nothing short of a nightmare. Many Bears fans have pointed their fingers towards the offensive coaching. Mitchell Trubisky who coming into his draft was touted to be a first round talent, had his career setback majorly. Chicago fans will not let this happen again, this time to Justin Fields.
Myles Masterclass
In that same game it was a defensive masterclass from the Cleveland Browns. The Chicago Bears had 47 total offensive yards, along with this they had one passing yard in total. Just to be clear, one passing yard in an entire NFL match. They had also set a league season high in team sacks with nine for the game. Spearheading this frightening defence is star Defensive End, Myles Garrett. Four and a half sacks for the match, which is almost, if not as good as Chandler Jones’ unstoppable performance in the first week. Earning himself AFC defensive player of the week, there was not going to be much debate. Pass rushing seems to be a huge part of this season and the stars are showing why.
Chargers Chances
Beating the Kansas City Chiefs once these days seems like something to be proud of considering how difficult they are to beat. Well, the Los Angeles Chargers are not only one of the teams to win there last two matchups against the Chiefs but also the first team for quite a while to do it both times at Arrowhead. This Charger team has not only confirmed itself as a playoff contending team, but also a huge chance to win the AFC West. No question the Chiefs are still in the hunt along with seeing how far the Broncos and Raiders can go in that conversation also. This team is being led by a second year Quarterback who looks like a 10-year veteran already in this league. Able to overcome a strong Chiefs team and drop 281 passing yards and four touchdowns to lead his team to victory in a hostile environment.
Pittsburgh Problems?
Last season Pittsburgh won there opening 11 games and the start set them up enough to be able to win their division. This season they have started 1-2, and in an increasingly harder division they are falling behind the eight ball. Despite a huge scalp at Buffalo, coming from behind to win, they have really struggled to manufacture some sort of rhythm and flow. They currently rank 28th in offensive scoring, 25th in yards, defensively they’re in the middle of the pack. 13th in opponent’s yards per game and 12th in scoring defence. For a highly rated defence, those are underwhelming stats, along with an offence that should be performing better. Of course, there is plenty of time remaining for this season, but the questions have risen about how this team will perform moving forward.
NFC Title Preview?
One particular non-divisional matchup that was highlighted was down at SoFi Stadium between the Bucs and the Rams. A match that had similarities to the regular season matchup from last season at Raymond James Stadium. The Rams were able to stifle Tampa’s offensive power but were able to do enough to overcome it. Only difference this time around is that the Rams offence has been upgraded, dropping 34 on a very good Bucs defence. If you had to put money on a particular matchup for either conference championship, Tampa Bay v LA would have to be the best chance right now. Watch this space.
Kicking The Lights Out
Four different games last week ended on a walk off field goal. Younghoe Koo hit a 40-yard field goal to avoid overtime and give the New York Giants a consecutive heartbreaking loss. In Las Vegas, Daniel Carlson won it in overtime to reverse the result of last season’s matchup for the Raiders to remain undefeated and to knock off the Dolphins. The 3rd happened on Sunday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. A game which looked like the Packers had won early on saw a resurgent niners team that came from 17 points down to get in front with 37 seconds left. For most Quarterbacks this was not enough time but of course Aaron Rodgers is no normal quarterback. Green Bay drove all the way down for Mason Crosby to hit a 51-yard field goal.
Tucker’s Title
No, I was not wrong there was four because the best kick of the week happened in Detriot. Just before we get to the kick itself, the lead up to it needs to be mentioned. With 1:04 left, Ryan Santoso, put the Lions in front by a point. Following this was the drive from Baltimore and they were completely down and out until Lamar Jackson once again came up with the goods. On 4th and 19, Jackson completed a 36-yard pass to Sammy Watkins which then resulted in Jackson spiking the ball with seven seconds remaining. Out comes Justin Tucker, kicking from 66 yards out, lines up and absolutely sends it. The ball ends up hitting the cross bar and deflects behind for a made field goal. Setting a new all-time NFL record.
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