NFL Week Three Serves Surprises

September 24, 2024September 25, 2024 by JohnnyMenton In Uncategorized Leave a comment

The NFL delivers AGAIN during Week Three. While contenders reaffirmed their standing, others appear to be withering under the intense regular season lights. As the rookie quarterbacks begin to establish themselves, the offensive and defensive lines build cohesion and the special teams get to grips with the new kick offs, the Gaelic Gridiron weekly review is here to run our eye over some of Week Three’s talking points.

Vikings Demolish Texans

The Vikings took the proverbial bull by the horns this week and dashed the Texans’ early season momentum. The Vikings’ fandom will breathe a sigh of relief as Head Coach, Kevin O’Connell, gave good news on Monday that QB Sam Darnold’s knee injury was not as serious as first thought: “Extensive evaluations this morning, really just revealing a knee bruise in there. A little sore.” Darnold, who has thrown for 657 yards and eight touchdowns, missed one series as he was checked by medics and was instrumental in the Vikings’ win.

CJ Stroud and the Texans offense were swarmed by another impressive display by the Vikings defense. Former Texan Jonathan Greenard stole the headlines. The outside linebacker registered three sacks and tormented his former team-mates from the very beginning.

Vikings 34 Texans 7

Ravens Return to Form

Derrick Henry ran riot over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, delivering a performance that looks set to right the Ravens’ season to an even ballast. Henry became the first running back over the age of thirty to score two touchdowns in a regular season game; since the great Adrian Peterson in 2015. These were Henry’s third and fourth TDs of the season and he was euphoric in his delight in helping the Ravens get their first win of the season: “I hold myself to a high standard. I definitely wanted to come out here and be able to have an impact to give us a chance to win by the way I played.” If Henry continues to repeat these performances, aided by the ever impressive Lamar Jackson and the formidable defense, the Ravens appear to be finding their feet after two early setbacks in the season.

Ravens 28 Cowboys 25

Bo Nix Unlocks Buccaneers

Bo Nix may yet have to throw a touchdown pass, but Broncos fans will wait patiently for that if he remains consistent and brings more wins home to Denver! Head Coach Sean Payton fawned over the rookie, who ran for his second rushing TD, and expounded upon Nix’s potential: “This guy is going to be something (special).” Payton was delighted with the progress made by the twelfth round pick: who completed 25 of 36, and avoided throwing an interception.

Broncos 26 Buccaneers 7

Daniels Delivers Commanding (Sorry!) MNF Performance
Jayden Daniels showed further progression in his rookie journey in the bright lights of Monday Night Football and lead the underdog Commanders to victory away at the Bengals. The Rookie, from LSU. was instrumental in the Commanders buildings an insurmountable lead in the opening half. The Second Pick from this year’s draft class then lead another scoring drive in the third quarter to lead 28-13 as Daniels found his form.

Joe Burrow sought to spoil Daniels best performance of the season so far: connecting with Iosivas with 9:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Daniels was unperturbed: leading the Commanders to the end zone in a highlight reel drive of 70 yards in twelve plays. The rookie displayed composure beyond his years: completing 21 of 23 throws: with 254 yards passing and 39 yards … and a hint of what’s to come in the future!

Commanders 38 Bengals 33

As another week concludes, it was yet another example of the pulsating and edge-of-your-seat joy and experience the NFL provides to the fans of the sport. As fans we must be mindful of the dangers of the game: we want to protect our players: the week two incident involving Tua Tagovaiola lead many to heed head injury safety and protocols. This week saw LA Chargers’ safety Derwin James Jr suspended for one game for “repeated” head targeting when tackling. Many fans decried the decision after one replay was used by some media outlets to clearly showcase his infractions: but many were quick to highlight he was guilty of multiple infractions. Here’s hoping the NFL will continue to educate players on protecting themselves and opponents for the future of our sport and our enjoyment of these tremendous athletes.