NFL Week 3 grades from across the league

Had the Cowboys not irked Randy Gregory with guarantee-forfeiture language this offseason, this may be a borderline-unblockable defensive entrance. The Cowboys swarmed Daniel Jones, preying on a still-suspect Giants O-line (proper deal with Evan Neal had a tough night time) to take over the sport. Dallas (2-1) is shifting away from the Micah Parsons-at-linebacker interval. After taking part in 55 defensive finish snaps in Week 2, he notched six pressures Monday. Neal’s chief tormentor, DeMarcus Lawrence, totaled three sacks (the third three-sack sport of his profession) and 7 pressures. A wholesome Lawrence adjustments the sport for the Cowboys, who is not going to be fading away throughout Dak Prescott’s absence this yr.

COWBOYS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Commanders (Solar.)

Contemplating the stress he constantly confronted and the receivers he was concentrating on, Jones was serviceable. However Sterling Shepard’s late-game cart-off removes the maligned QB’s favourite receiver (once more, sadly) from the lineup. This leaves the oft-deployed (for some purpose) David Sills and Richie James as Jones’ high targets. The Giants (2-1) whiffed on Kenny Golladay in free company, have a wildly injury-prone first-round decide (Kadarius Toney) and a two-time crew receiving leader-turned-persona non grata (Darius Slayton) right here. Brian Daboll preferring James and Sills to this trio, as Daboll-approved draftee Wan’Dale Robinson rehabs an damage, has been a wierd Giants subplot. Shepard’s damage will transfer it to the forefront.

GIANTS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Bears (Solar.)

The 49ers compelled the Broncos into their most three-and-outs in six seasons (9), exhibiting the type of defensive expertise able to anchoring a Tremendous Bowl contender. Nick Bosa torched Broncos proper deal with 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 night time’s sport. However the Jimmy Garoppolo-geared reawakening didn’t occur. San Francisco made one crimson 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 crew to win a sport because the 2016 Broncos downed the Jaguars, the present Denver version (2-1) continues to indicate a protection far forward of its offense. First-year DC Ejiro Evero’s group, regardless of lacking Professional 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 defensive position 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 type in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.

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

The Tom Brady-era Buccaneers topped Matt LaFleur’s Packers twice in 2020 — the groups’ most up-to-date conferences. Inexperienced 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-Professional 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 Inexperienced Bay’s defensive second stage on a talent-flooded protection that could possibly be the crew’s finest since its Tremendous Bowl XLV-winning crew 12 years in the past.

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

Brady deserves credit score for main the Bucs on an 89-yard landing drive with a solid that includes principally backup wideouts. Though 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 Professional 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 Professional Bowler’s second absence throughout Brady’s three-season Tampa tenure, might find yourself taking part in a job during which NFC crew receives a bye come January.

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

Lacking half their defensive starters and shedding O-line troops as Sunday’s scorching contest progressed, the Payments (2-1) nonetheless got here near stealing a victory. However failure to finish customary spike procedures on the finish of every half price a Buffalo crew 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 sport’s GIF title minutes later. The Payments should be the NFL’s finest crew at full power, however the Tremendous Bowl frontrunners will want reinforcements quickly.

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

Serving to the Dolphins beat Allen for the primary time since his 2018 rookie yr, 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 crew. Holland’s sport (1.5 sacks, 10 tackles, two move deflections) and the crew shutting down a 17-play Payments drive with out factors represented reasonably key the reason why. The Dolphins have been outgained 497-212, however because the Payments now cope with damage fallout, this could possibly 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 Metropolis loss. Matt Ammendola, who will really feel the sting of this loss way over Kelce or Jones, lacking an additional level after which a 34-yard discipline aim indoors illuminated the reliability hole between him and Harrison Butker. The Chiefs being compelled to switch Butker quickly might have penalties lengthy after Ammendola is off the roster.

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

Ryan has not performed particularly nicely as a Colt; Sunday moved the previous MVP to 3-for-3 in multi-turnover video games along with his new crew. However after coaxing some (for the Colts) well timed Jones trash discuss, Ryan guided Indianapolis (1-1-1) on an eight-minute-plus game-winning drive. This supporting solid is a far cry from Ryan’s Julio Jones-Roddy White-Tony Gonzalez offenses or his Tremendous 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 positive to progress in Frank Reich’s offense, the Colts might use Sunday’s unusual end result as a springboard in a newly fascinating AFC South race.

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

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 least bounced again from its cavalcade of errors, intercepting Mac Jones thrice. Marlon Humphrey’s finish zone decide and Marcus Peters’ strip of Nelson Agholor and subsequent INT made positive Lamar Jackson’s newest dominant effort was not overshadowed. Peters now has 32 interceptions — 5 greater than anybody else since 2015. Contemplating 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 sport out of the blue appears overqualified for 1 p.m. standing.

RAVENS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Payments (Solar.)

Whereas an Agholor catch-and-run turning right into a fumble doomed the Patriots’ lifelike hopes at counterattacking, Jones throwing the Ravens three picks made issues inconceivable as nicely. However the Patriots (1-2) having to get by with out Jones, who’s reported to have suffered a excessive ankle sprain, shall be an issue. QB2 Brian Hoyer, a multi-stint Patriot who performed nicely in spurts for the 2014 Browns and 2015 Texans, has misplaced his previous 11 begins. Solely two of these got here with the Pats, however a Hoyer Lambeau Discipline journey — the CBS late-window headliner, over Ravens-Payments — shall be asking loads. However the Pats have to prioritize Jones’ well being; this season serves little objective with out Jones accessible.

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

A six- or seven-win marketing campaign — following a 1-15 2020 and 2021’s City Meyer mess — can be a pleasant step for a Jaguars franchise that has been in decline because the Patriots’ AFC championship sport rally. Because of a mediocre division and a extra competent teaching workers, 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 end result. A QB who threw one landing move between Halloween and New Yr’s Day final yr has thrown 5 in two weeks. The Jags’ days of vying for No. 1 picks are over.

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

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 turning into the NFL’s premier tease performed with out three Professional Bowlers (Keenan Allen, J.C. Jackson, Corey Linsley) and had its franchise centerpiece coming off a rib cartilage fracture. The crew misplaced two extra Professional Bowlers — Joey Bosa and left deal with 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 because the LaDainian Tomlinson-Antonio Gates period, are reeling — forward of schedule. 

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

Having fun with a possibility to face a winless crew with out its Professional Bowl left deal with and high two edge rushers, the Raiders nonetheless got here up quick. They’re the NFL’s solely 0-3 crew. Darren Waller and Davante Adams weren’t ok, 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. Solely 5 groups because the 1970 merger have gone from 0-3 to a non-strike-year playoff bracket. Though the seven-team discipline 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 (Solar.)

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 crew that withstood widespread 2021 damage hassle. Bud Dupree lacking Week 3 additional stacked the deck in opposition to Tennessee’s protection, however other than 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 profitable regardless of skeleton skill-position arsenals final season. Byard and Jeffery Simmons nonetheless present juice on protection. Within the AFC South, this crew can’t be discarded simply but.

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

A 54-yard discipline aim saved the Vikings on this sequence’ Minnesota leg final yr; Dan Campbell calling for one Sunday ended up igniting the favorites in one other slender 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 beneath their gregarious head coach. 

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

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 crew has one thing within the former sixth-round decide. 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 (Solar., in London)

Firing up I-formations often over the previous two weeks, the Rams have stationed huge receiver, Ben Skowronek, as their main lead blocker in these units. The previous seventh-round decide supplied 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, a Cam Akers rating, concerned a Skowronek-Zaven Collins collision. It appears inconceivable standard Rams WR3 Van Jefferson might pull off this uncommon workload. As Skowronek aided a deteriorating Rams O-line, his receiving chops did nicely to present the defending champs one other win at far lower than full power.

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

Kyler Murray’s 58 move makes an attempt established a brand new career-high by 4, however they solely led to 4 Matt Prater discipline objectives. The Cardinals (1-2) averaged 3.3 yards per keep it up 21 totes and floor to repeated halts as soon as in discipline aim vary. Murray discovered a approach to steal one win throughout the crew’s six-game DeAndre Hopkins-less stretch; that 20-point comeback in Las Vegas required unsustainable Murray wizardry. An excessive amount of is on the top-tier athlete’s plate at this level. 

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

Left deal with George Fant performed after lacking intensive 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 in opposition to backup left deal with Conor McDermott. After a sackless first two video games, Hendrickson has run his Cincinnati whole as much as 21 (counting playoffs). Quick turning into among the finest free agent signings (not that it’s a notably swift horserace) in Bengals historical past. Cincinnati’s protection has largely achieved its job via three video games; it has not allowed a landing over its previous 20 drives. That bodes nicely for when Joe Burrow and Co. warmth up.

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

The Jets’ high two wins beneath Robert Saleh have include Mike White (in opposition to Cincy final yr) 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 decide. Wilson (thirty first in 2021 QBR) produced uneven work final yr, however there isn’t any actual objective to this Jets season except the high-end QB prospect sees vital time. Flacco, who fumbled 3 times Sunday, served his objective. Accidents 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 (Solar.)

Jeremy Maclin (2014) is the latest Eagle to submit a 1,000-yard season. This yr’s Birds are on their approach 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 nicely on a participant doubted due to his rail-thin body. After some failed or short-lived receiver forays lately, this Philly duo brings a brand new ceiling stage. It has elevated the Eagles’ roof as nicely.

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

Washington trotted out an offensive line with 36 mixed years of expertise. Though middle 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 in opposition to 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 deal with Sam Cosmi, had a very unhealthy time in opposition to the Eagles. As Jalen Hurts sliced up the Commanders (1-2) in entrance of his previous teammate, Wentz had 40 yards passing on the half. 

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

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

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

Whereas 0-2 desperation gripped a piece of the league, the Panthers (1-2) have been in a distinct style right here. Matt Rhule’s crew 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 tip. The strongest of the Panthers models stepped up in opposition to the Saints. Lately re-signed defenders Frankie Luvu and Marquis Haynes (feat. a Derrick Brown inside push) teamed up on a scoop-and-score to start an extended day for the Saints. Carolina ranked second in whole protection final season, and the crew has misplaced on 58- and 56-yard game-winning discipline objectives. Phil Snow’s protection confirmed endurance is important.

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

One among two winless groups left, together with the Raiders, the Texans entered the season with a lot decrease expectations. They’re completely allowed to have a good time the contributions of a rookie anticipated to be a part of the post-rebuilding future. Second-round decide 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 yr. 

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

One of many league’s agent-less performers, Roquan Smith made no secret of his disdain for the 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 via three weeks. If the Bears (2-1) can not attain an settlement with him by early March, he’s prone to stroll in free company. (The franchise tag is sort of 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 crew.

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

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

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

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 crew did because it happy offensively, following high-yardage outputs from the Broncos and 49ers. 

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

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 crew planning to maintain Trubisky as a starter all yr, which might buck the twenty first century’s first-round QB pattern, 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 with a view to protect a Kenny Pickett redshirt season? It will be stunning 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 yr.

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

Whereas 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 decide staying wholesome. Cleveland’s secure of younger move catchers may not reduce it, particularly with Jacoby Brissett, have been Cooper to go down. Thus far, the crew’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 whole. Cooper has his first back-to-back 100-yard video games since October 2016.

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