An extraordinary set of occurrences marked the 1 p.m. games in the NFL. This past Sunday represented an unprecedented day in NFL annals, showcasing multiple interception returns for touchdowns, blocked field goals converted into touchdowns, and a punt return resulting in a touchdown. The day also stood out for featuring several instances of blocked field goals returned for touchdowns during the fourth quarter, highlighted by Jordan Davis’ pivotal play that sealed the Eagles’ triumph over the Rams.
A significant number of backup quarterbacks saw action in Week 3. Some demonstrated commendable performance, while others fell short. Certain starting quarterbacks even faced benching. Moreover, the games provided several dramatic conclusions, transforming what initially appeared to be a lackluster NFL Sunday into an enthralling spectacle. Such is the nature of the NFL.
In the aftermath of the games, an abundance of exaggerated reactions surfaced. The question arises: Which of these reactions are genuinely hyperbolic, and which possess a degree of validity?
The Chiefs’ Offensive Performance Will Impede Their Playoff Prospects
Exaggeration or Veracity: Veracity
Should the Chiefs surprisingly fail to secure a playoff berth, their offensive unit will bear the primary responsibility. Kansas City’s offensive output was far from impressive in their recent victory against New York, amassing a mere 306 yards and 22 points against a Giants defense that had previously struggled against the Cowboys.
The Chiefs averaged a meager 4.6 yards per play and 5.2 yards per pass attempt. This is the same team that features Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback. Although Rashee Rice is currently suspended and Xavier Worthy is sidelined due to injury, the offense has recorded the fewest points per game (20.0), yards per game (315.7), and yards per play (5.2) through three games since Mahomes assumed the starting role in 2018.
The offensive performance is currently insufficient to propel the team to the lofty expectations typically associated with the Chiefs. Kansas City remains a formidable team, but the offense must exhibit improvement moving forward. Persistent offensive struggles could jeopardize the Chiefs’ playoff aspirations, a scenario that seems improbable given their overall talent. However, if the offensive woes continue, the Chiefs might face an unexpected postseason absence.
Brian Daboll’s Tenure as Giants’ Head Coach Will Not Extend Through the Season
Exaggeration or Veracity: Exaggeration
Had the Giants intended to part ways with Daboll, such a decision would have already been implemented. Consider that the Giants hold a record of 9-28 since Daboll’s inaugural season in New York, during which they achieved a 9-7-1 record. New York arguably should have dismissed Daboll following the previous season but opted against it.
Daboll’s potential saving grace for his coaching career with the Giants lies in Jaxson Dart, who may be the answer after Russell Wilson’s subpar performance in two of his three appearances this season. Wilson is not perceived as the long-term solution for New York, and he has now thrown multiple interceptions in games, a pattern not seen since 2023.
The Giants’ offense has struggled to gain traction, and Malik Nabers has been largely ineffective. Turning to Dart would seem to be a logical step, but Daboll may delay such a move to salvage his coaching position. Daboll’s continuation through the season is based on the opportunity granted to him by the Giants’ ownership.
Justin Herbert Is the Leading Candidate for NFL MVP
Exaggeration or Veracity: Exaggeration
While Herbert may not yet be the definitive MVP, the Chargers’ quarterback is certainly a contender. Although Herbert’s statistical output in the Chargers’ comeback victory over the Broncos did not align with typical MVP numbers, his performance on the final two drives mirrored that of an MVP-caliber player.
Trailing 20-13 in the fourth quarter, Herbert completed 8 of 8 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown on the final two drives, leading the Chargers to 10 unanswered points to secure a 3-0 record. Despite a less-than-stellar overall performance of 28 of 47 for 300 yards with a touchdown and an interception, Herbert excelled in the fourth quarter, completing 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards with a touchdown and a 123.1 rating.
While Sunday was not Herbert’s finest outing, he guided the Chargers to a comeback win. With a completion rate of 66.7% this season, along with six touchdowns, one interception, and a 105.5 passer rating, he has consistently delivered when the Chargers needed him most.
Caleb Williams Will Be the First Bears QB to Reach 30 Touchdown Passes in a Season
Exaggeration or Veracity: Veracity
Williams delivered a stellar performance, tossing four touchdown passes in the Bears’ dominant victory over the Cowboys. This performance aligned with the Bears’ expectations, as Williams demonstrated newfound comfort within Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme. Acknowledging the Cowboys’ defensive vulnerabilities and injuries in the secondary, these are the types of games Williams must consistently produce to realize his full potential as an NFL quarterback.
Can he achieve 30 touchdown passes this season? No Bears player has ever accomplished this feat in the franchise’s extensive history. With seven touchdown passes through three games, Williams is currently on pace for 40! Given his continued growth within Johnson’s offense, reaching 30 seems highly probable.
Assuming Williams remains healthy, he is poised to establish new Bears’ single-season passing records.
2025 NFL Week 3 victors and vanquished: Jerry Jones’ Cowboys encounter significant challenges; Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams excel
Cody Benjamin
The Packers’ Offensive Inconsistencies Will Prevent a Super Bowl Victory
Exaggeration or Veracity: Exaggeration
The Packers’ offensive performance was undeniably lackluster: a mere 10 points scored, 230 total yards gained, 3.8 yards per play, and a loss to the Browns. Just ten days prior, Green Bay appeared to be a dominant force in football, yet they experienced a significant setback against a team that had struggled to score consistently throughout the season. This performance does not align with the characteristics of a Super Bowl contender.
However, the crucial factor to consider is the Browns’ exceptional defensive prowess. Cleveland stands as the first team to restrict all three of its opponents to under 250 yards this season and currently leads the NFL in yards allowed per game (204.3). Notably, the Browns are only the fifth team in the past 25 years to allow fewer than 250 total yards AND fewer than 100 rushing yards in each of its initial three games. Earlier in the season, this defense successfully contained Joe Burrow.
The Packers’ offense simply did not perform at an acceptable level, and Jordan Love’s critical interception at his own 25-yard line paved the way for the Browns’ comeback. While this was a single game against a formidable defense, the Packers’ offense must demonstrate improvement to compete with the elite teams in the conference. The loss on Sunday was a significant blow.
Carson Wentz Should Maintain His Role as the Vikings’ Starting Quarterback
Exaggeration or Veracity: Veracity
J.J. McCarthy’s underwhelming performance made it relatively straightforward for Wentz to surpass him as the starting quarterback. McCarthy’s play in the first two games was notably poor, and he is currently sidelined with a right high ankle sprain. Wentz capitalized on his opportunity, completing 14 of 23 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns without throwing any interceptions (129.8 rating) in a commanding 48-10 victory.
This marked Wentz’s first game with multiple passing touchdowns and no interceptions since Christmas Day in 2021, a significant achievement for a quarterback who was not even on the roster a month prior. On passes of 10 or more air yards, Wentz completed 5 of 10 for 99 yards, achieving an 85.0 passer rating, as the Vikings gradually integrated him into their offensive scheme.
Wentz will receive another opportunity to start next Sunday (in London against the Steelers), and his current performance surpasses McCarthy’s, providing the Vikings with a better chance to win games. For the time being, the Vikings should continue with Wentz, even though they are likely to reinstate McCarthy once he recovers from his injury.
The Bengals Should Seek a Replacement for Zac Taylor Following This Season
Exaggeration or Veracity: Exaggeration
Despite the Bengals’ lopsided defeat in the initial game without Joe Burrow, this outcome does not reflect solely on Taylor. Instead, it stems from an organization that constructed a deficient offensive line, made suboptimal draft choices, failed to invest adequately in defensive improvements, and became overly reliant on Burrow’s presence to secure victories.
Jake Browning has thrown five interceptions across the two games in which he has participated, and he has not even completed two full games. The Bengals appear to lack the necessary personnel to effectively overcome Burrow’s absence for an extended period, which will likely result in another playoff miss.
If this transpires, it could reflect negatively on Taylor, although he should not be held solely accountable for poor front office decisions. The Bengals are simply not a strong team without Burrow, irrespective of their coach. Taylor’s position may be in jeopardy if the season takes a downward spiral, but Cincinnati currently holds a 2-1 record.
The Bengals retain control over their own destiny, and their season has not yet veered off course.
C.J. Stroud’s Position as the Starting Quarterback in Houston Should Be Re-evaluated
Exaggeration or Veracity: Exaggeration
The season is rapidly deteriorating for the Texans, who have stumbled to an 0-3 start and find themselves at the bottom of the AFC South. Houston is expected to be a more competitive team, and Stroud is also expected to perform at a higher level. In Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars, he completed 25 of 38 passes for 204 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions (66.1 rating).
The Texans have managed to score only 38 points through three games, during which Stroud has thrown two touchdowns and three interceptions, resulting in a 76.9 rating. His interception with 27 seconds remaining in a 17-10 game was detrimental to the offense. This interception, where pressure from the outside caused his pass to be tipped, epitomizes the challenges posed by the team’s inadequate offensive line.
Consequently, Stroud has thrown 15 interceptions since the beginning of 2024 and has an 85.6 passer rating with just 7.0 yards per attempt. The Texans’ offensive strategy is not conducive to their franchise quarterback’s success. Instead, it places Stroud in situations where he must perform heroically to win games.
Stroud is a competent quarterback, but the Texans have failed to create an environment where he can thrive since his rookie season.
Coverage Insight: C.J. Stroud’s 2 Interceptions Contribute to the 0-3 Texans’ Decline; Highlights of Week 3
Tyler Sullivan
The Buccaneers Will Dominate the NFC South Division
Exaggeration or Veracity: Veracity
Which teams pose a legitimate threat to the 3-0 Buccaneers? The Falcons are uncertain about their quarterback situation (and the Buccaneers have already defeated them). The Panthers are underperforming, and the Saints are arguably one of the weakest teams in the NFL. Has the NFC South title been effectively decided?
The Buccaneers’ situation is indeed remarkable. They boast a 3-0 record and have become the first team in NFL history to secure a game-winning score in the final minute of the fourth quarter in all three of their games. Their combined margin of victory is the lowest (six points) for a team with a 3-0 start to a season in NFL history, yet they hold a two-game lead in the division.
Are the Buccaneers a truly elite team? This will be determined in their upcoming game against the fellow 3-0 Eagles. However, they are unequivocally the strongest team in a relatively weak NFC South. Their standing in the broader NFC landscape remains to be seen.
The Falcons Should Revert to Kirk Cousins as Their Starting Quarterback
Exaggeration or Veracity: Veracity
The Falcons already benched their second-year quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., during the fourth quarter of a 30-0 defeat against the Panthers. Indeed, the Falcons failed to score a single point against Carolina.
Penix’s performance was dismal, completing just 18 of 36 passes for 178 yards and two interceptions (40.5 rating). While this marked Penix’s first game with multiple interceptions in the NFL, his overall performance in the three games this season has been subpar, completing only 58.6% of his passes for a 78.3 rating.
Although Penix is likely to start next week, the Falcons should provide their $180 million backup quarterback with an opportunity to reclaim his starting role—more than a year after he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Cousins could potentially ignite the Falcons’ offense, which has struggled to generate momentum throughout the year.