The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
opinion
San Antonio-(RYM)-What can I say about week 3 but WOW!! Even my puppies were speechless (joke 100% intended), but as always another week in the NFL means another The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
Panthers 24, Texans 9
The Panthers lost CMC and rookie Jaycee Horn but even with both players out they still manage to pull a W vs the Texans.
Good:
The Panthers are on pace to repeat what they did in 2015 when they made the Super Bowl and had The League MVP at the helm. Sam Darnold is looking like a former 3 pick (finally) and with the defense ranking first, in almost every category we can say yeah they are looking like they were in 2015.
Davis Mills played 100x better than expected 19/28 168 yards and 1 TD with 0 INT. What a debut especially since he went against a top defense, overall I am happy with Mills his not the future but he will do for now.
Bad:
They lost CMC and Jaycee Horn to injuries, how will they set themselves up to battle these huge hits to both the offense and defense.
The Texans looked great in the first half then all the momentum was lost in the second yes the defense got to Sam and caused fumbles but nothing more of that came or was even able to recover the ball so not a very good overall performance.
Ugly:
Sam Darnold although played great had to many close calls and missed throws that could have gone towards really deflating the Texans and taking over the game 100%.
Overall:
The Panthers are looking good with a 3-0 start but it still early in the season for us to say they are Super Bowl bound. The Texans after 3 games are what we expected specially with playing a 3rd round pick at QB but with all that is going on in the organization lets be happy they are at least trying to play well.
Colts 16, Titans 25
Titans are either very happy or very sad. I am not sure anymore about them.
Good:
As long as King Henry has 24+ touches the Titans are undefeated, so basically the key here is as long as they feed Henry and get him going there is no way they can lose.
Rodrigo Blankenship seems to be the only good thing the Colts have going for them with Wentz and Quinton both hurt in the lineup.
Bad:
Are the Titans relying too much on Henry? That is the real question we need to ask because we have seen what happens when they can't get Henry going (Sunday night football vs Packers last year) they have a great young WR corps so not sure why they can even out the game plan to make them more than 1 dimensional.
The Colts have allowed 2+ TDs in 7 straight games, that is way too many TDs. They will never win games if they keep allowing that to happen.
Ugly:
Wentz is hurt, Quinton is hurt, Kwity Payne is hurt and CB Willis is hurt as well. Plain and simply put too many injuries to be able to overcome.
Overall:
Titans are playing well and have a plan moving forward. Can The Colts overcome so many injuries? I am not sure.
Falcons 17, Giants 14
From 0-2 to 1-2 finally, someone got a win
Good:
Matt Ryan finally looks like the MVP we knew him to be, especially with the way he engineered two drives late in the game to become back and win the game.
Eli Manning was honored at halftime with the retirement of the No. 10 jersey and his name in The Ring of Honor at Metlife Stadium, which was the only good thing for The Giants today.
Bad:
The Falcons were down early and had to come up with a two TD drive to be able to set up the winning field goal which is possible vs The Giants but not vs someone in their division. I cannot sit here and be happy with the win when they escaped the lose because the other team pull the same stuff they do.
The Giants took a 14-7 lead with 12 minutes left in the game, yet they could not muster a way to stay ahead. With two great drives stopped by simple mistakes that caused them to stall, if Gano was not as good as he is they would not have the lead they did. Just not a good game for The Giants.
Ugly:
The Giants decided to implode and if they keep this going they will be 0-17, that will make John Maras boos during halftime have a hire meaning to not only John but HC Joe Judge and QB Daniel Jones.
Overall:
The Falcons are still bad but at least they won and The Giants pulled a Falcons so it evens out.
Chargers 30, Chiefs 24
I did not see that coming at all!!
Good:
Brandon Staley wanted to create an offense that could withstand anything in the 4th quarter, and boy did he do it. With the defense playing very well, we can see a bright future in LA.
The Chiefs were almost shut out in the first half but they came back and made it a close game, this tale simply does not count them out till the clock strikes zero.
Bad:
Penalties were still an issue for The Chargers, and they couldn't get the run game till the 4th quarter. They need to get those penalties down and the run going otherwise the play-action setup they have going is going to run out of luck faster than they think.
The Chief's defensive problems are still very much alive and far from over, they cant rush the passer or stop the passing game and do not even get me started on the horrible Red Zone defense.
Ugly:
The Chiefs need to turn around the season but can they do it is the real question. The defense needs to step up which they haven't in 3 games, and opposing defenses are stopping the big plays from the offense and turnovers are killers simple as that.
Overall:
If you make Herbert mad expect the next week to be a long day for whoever they play. Is this the end of the Chiefs? Only time will tale.
Bengals 24, Steelers 10
Cinci is coming for Pitt.
Good:
The Bengals have been bad for so long that to consider them contenders for the AFC North title is hard to believe but going on the road to Pittsburgh and beating them both with big plays and short passes, add on to that a solid defense. Very happy for The Bengals.
A new norm in Pittsburgh is coming.
Bad:
Last week play calling was a big issue which was fixed this week.
With TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, we can see how bad the defense is.
Ugly:
The offense cannot get it together and the defense is spotty at best, I can say safely that The Steelers are done from contentions in the AFC North.
Overall:
The Bengals are as legit as they can be after 3 weeks. Bye, Bye Steelers.
Bears 6, Browns 26
Justine Fields did you like your welcome package from Myles Garrett?
Good:
Myles Garrett's 4.5 sacks were not only a Brown's single-game record but one hell of a way to welcome a rookie QB to the NFL. I mean The Browns were just firing on all cylinders it was just good overall
All one can say is Andry Dalton clear to play again? Well, the defense did try their best so they have that going for them.
Bad:
The Browns did stall on some drives but had issues protecting Mayfield but these are small easily fixed issues.
When your first start in the NFL is a 100% dumpster fire, one can question comes up and that is were you worth it? yeah, nothing more you can say.
Ugly:
Jeff Dickerson of ESPN said it best "The Bears' offense is simply offensive."
Overall:
I am more confident in The Browns through 3 games. The Bears better hope Andy Dalton can come back soon cause Fields is not ready to start for the future.
Ravens 19, Lions 17
I am angry with the Ravens running game due to fantasy value, that is all I have to say about that.
Good:
I have picked Justine Tucker in fantasy football since 2016 and today solidified why I will keep picking him in fantasy. He had a game-winning NFL Record 66 yard field goal. In reality, as long as he and Lamar Jackson are on the field it does not matter how bad the defense is they can win games
I am very impressed with The Lions backfield who would have thought that the mix of Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift would actually work. If they can figure out the passing game and mix it with this great run game we can see some W in Detroit.
Bad:
The defense is just decimated by injuries and allowed 2 TDs to The Lions it makes us question if they did not have Lamar or Tucker can they win with the way the defense is playing add on to Brown cant hold on to the ball.
The Lions did nothing wrong. They just ran out of time.
Ugly:
Another Heartbreaker for The Lions we saw the potential The Lions have today against Lamar and The Ravens but still hurts so much.
Overall:
Baltimore knows how to win the question is how long can they keep it going? An L in the books, yes but, if The Lions keep playing like they did today things will change.
Saints 28, Patriots 13
It was an ugly win for the Saints but a Win is a Win even if it's ugly.
Good:
After 3 games we can say The Saints are the real deal, even after a bad game last week they came back to win this week, even as depleted as they are due to injuries and suspensions they have come up with Ws. If they keep this up then the decision to go with Jameis Winston will be a good one.
The Patriot's issues are not on Mac Jones, he is playing as well as a rookie can. When Jones had time and was protected Jones looked like the best rookie in the draft class.
Bad:
Jameis Winston is playing great but has shown a multitude of highs and lows which depending on what team they are facings they can hurt you with the lows. He is doing better and improving but still something to worry about.
Jones was pressured on 12 of his first 21 dropbacks, which I do not care if you are Aaron Rodgers if you are pressured 57% of the time in just the first half you are going to play badly simply as that.
Ugly:
Blocked Punts, kickoffs kicked out of bounds, lack of QB protection, and zero ball security to many issues for a rookie QB to overcome, I do not see The Patriots moving forward this year.
Overall:
The Saints are going to be okay now that Drew Brees is retired. The Patriots are beating themselves.
Cardinals 31, Jaguars 19
I am both angry and happy with the Cardinals.
Good:
The Cardinals are deep both AJ Green, and Christian Kirk had 100 yards in the game, so long as Murry stays healthy and is given time by the OL they will be hard to beat.
The Jags had a 109 yard TD on a missed field goal they got the run game going and were able to hold The Cardinals on 3rd down which gives us hope for what they can do but till they can do it consistently through 4 quarters, it is nothing more than a dream.
Bad:
Even as deep as they are they still struggle and had a 9 point deficit yes they came back and won but it worries me because can they come back and beat better teams when they are down that is yet to be seen.
So much inconsistent play from one half to the other that I just can't see them get any better.
Ugly:
Everyone is worried about Trevor Lawrence? I say, do not worry right now let us not forget both Alex Smith and Peyton Manning (first-ballot Hall of Famer) have more INT (8) in the first 3 games than he does now with that being said if he does not fix his passing game then we will worry.
Overall:
The Cardinals are resilient and deep which leads to real concern when they should not be down by 9 to the lights of Jacksonville. The Jags are playing inconsistent football simple as that. I mean if played Alabama every week I would play inconsistent as well.
WTF 21, Bills 43
MVP!!! MVP!!!! MVP!!!
Good:
Josh Allen had one hell of a game, 32/45 for 358 and 4 TDs. Allen was just the MVP of the game, so long as he keeps playing like at this caliber they will be a huge pain to everyone in the AFC.
Like I said last week Taylor Heinicke is someone that can be a starting QB in the NFL but he is not the future of the franchise, yes he is a great story but nothing more. He tries so hard like his 4-yard diving TD run but is trying to save a team that is drowning without the defense.
Bad:
Offensively they did amazing but what happen to the defense? They should have had a record sack game vs Heinicke. They played so inconsistently that it will be a huge topic of question vs stronger teams.
We all know that WTF wins come from the defense putting the offense in position to get points but today they were non-existent, especially since they have a whole D-Line made up of 1st round picks.
Ugly:
If WTF does not figure out what is going on with Chase Young and the defense then it is going to be a long season for them.
Overall:
As long as Josh Allena and the offense can stay healthy and on all cylinders I have full confidence they will be okay. Heinicke is great but not the future and the defense is playing poorly so I have very little hope for them to repeat what they did last year.
Jets 0, Broncos 26
Goose Egg!!!!
Good:
Teddy Bridgewater and the offense have improved through 3 games and the defense is showing how dominant they can be. Last year they were playing a lot from behind which did not let the defense do what it does and they did not allow the offense to commit to the run but now that everything is flowing we can see how good The Broncos can be.
Come on guys let's not overreact to the Goose egg, they are rebuilding and a rookie can only do so much, so let us pump the breaks and see how they do next year.
Bad:
I am very happy with The Broncos, but we have to ask can they overcome the OL injuries that are still to be answered. They struggle to protect Teddy at times vs The Jets and with The Raven up next I am not sure if they can handle that pass rush.
It's all bad for The Jets, just all bad.
Ugly:
Per Elias Sports, The 2021 Jets are the only team to never hold a lead in the first 3 games in back-to-back seasons in the Super Bowl area. Yeah! It is bad and not one thing will make them better, all one can say is just let the season go and look to the future because you can't go anywhere but up after a bad game like this.
Overall:
When you add up all the injuries for The Broncos one can get very discouraged but even then Teddy and the defense are playing well so stay hopeful fans. Jets Fans things will be okay just stay hopeful.
Dolphins 28, Raiders 31
What a game?!!!!! I did not see it coming.
Good:
The Raiders played great on both sides of the ball, it was not perfect by any means but they are for real.
Jacoby Brissett was the shining light for Miami in the game without it there would be nothing in this part for Miami.
Bad:
The main question here is can The Raiders OL fix the issues, I understand they have young guys in the lineup but it was just bad which is leading to them not being able to run the ball.
What did not go wrong for Miami? I mean a high school football team could play than they did.
Ugly:
When Jacoby Brissett was playing at 100% it gave hope to Miami but he played at 50% at best for 90% of the game and OT. As long as he plays like this there is no hope for Miami.
Overall:
The Raiders are struggling do not get me wrong but it's nothing that cannot be fixed with time and practice. Miami has no future without Tua but even that future is gray at best.
Seahawks 17, Vikings 30
I was wrong on my pick.
Good:
Last week everyone wanted Kirk Cousins out as QB and were done with him. Today he is the golden child, Cousins played great and were rocking on offense. Let's just hope they can keep it up.
The defense is trying but they cannot get it together when they need it.
Bad:
The Viking's defense played great in the second half, but when they go against much more well-rounded teams playing half and half will not work, they got saved in the first half by the offense but it won't always be that way.
Defensively they are playing badly, offensively worse Seattle is all-around bad right now and with more CB down I am not sure how things can get worse.
Ugly:
The Seahawks are overall bad and if they keep it up then good luck in the NFC West who is much improved.
Overall:
The Vikings played well, but they're still a lot left to be desired. The Seahawks are bad plain and simple.
Bucs 24, Rams 34
WOW!!! Just WOW!!!!
Good:
What a win for Matthew Stafford and The Rams. Sending away those picks now seems to be paying off. The Rams look brand new with him under center and here I thought it was a huge mistake, well I was wrong.
The Bucs were short-handed and did the best they could to make it as close to a game as possible.
Bad:
As good as The Rams played on both sides of the ball, they were not perfect. The run game left a lot to be desire, Sony Michel is looking good since Darrell Henderson JR was out but still not a very balanced game that needs to be fixed.
The Bucs need help at CB, no question about it. Cooper Kupp and DeSean Jackson made that secondary look like if I was in the lineup.
Ugly:
The Bucs were short-handed and that can cause any team to lose a game, with that being said they still need to fix the secondary before we have to press the panic button on the Super Bowl Champs.
Overall:
Once The Rams fix the run game they will be the team to beat in the NFC. No Panic button for The Bucs just yet.
Packers 30, 49ers 28
TOO MUCH TIME!!!! YOU CANNOT GIVE RODGERS THAT MUCH TIME!!!!
Good:
Coming into the game the OL was a big issue because it was decimated by injuries and an LT that has only had 14 NFL snaps to his name, but somehow they figured it out by getting the ball out faster, running the ball if they keep that going they will be dangerous.
Everyone is wondering if they should replace Jimmy G with Trey Lance but let us not forget Jimmy was the one that led the drive to set get the lead at the end of the game, as long as they play as they did in that last drive they will be contenders in the NFC.
Bad:
The Packer's offense is great so long as Rodgers is at the helm, but the defense allowed the 49ers to come back and take the lead with 30 seconds left in the game. If they want to win close games they need to fix the defense for sure.
The 49ers need to figure out the run game, it was just not there outside of Kyle Juszczyk if they do not get someone back soon or sign a real RB out of FA, I am not sure how they can contend. Being one-dimensional is not a good thing in the NFL.
Ugly:
Nothing ugly here (maybe the 49ers running game) but it was a great game overall.
Overall:
As long as they have Rodgers The Packers will be dangerous. If the 49ers want to contend and make the playoffs the run game needs to be fixed.
Eagles 21, Cowboys 41
HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS?!!!!!!!
Good:
Dallas dominated the Eagles simple as that, they have found the right plan to win with more runs than passes, on Monday night football The Cowboys ran the ball 41 times to only 26 times passing it and now are 26-0 when they run the ball more than the pass. So long as they keep this plan they will be contenders.
They scored two TDs on Dallas and got a fumble recovery in the endzone but outside of that, I see nothing good.
Bad:
The defense had 2 INTs and one went to for 6, which is great but they still gave up 2 TDs to the Eagles the passing defense is still hurting if we can get that fixed then we will be in a better position with the defense.
When Jalen Hurts had time they scored two TDs but he was under pressure the whole game. If they cannot get him back on track then good luck winning any games.
Ugly:
They also set a new franchise for penalties with 35, the OL injuries came back to bite them in the behind and it showed. If they do not figure out the injury bug soon I do not see anything good coming for The Eagles.
Overall:
The Cowboy's offense is winning on both sides of the game and defense is coming along, I am one happy fan. The Eagles are spiraling down with no way of getting out of it.