Examining key elements in Week 3 of the NFL's regular season
Since the NFL shifted to a 14-team playoff format in 2020, 32 teams have commenced their season with a 0-2 record, and barely 2 out of them (6%) made it to the playoffs; the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 and the Houston Texans last year.
As we venture into Week 3 of the NFL season, here are five aspects to keep an eye on.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are in dire necessity of a victory in Texas
The Baltimore Ravens were taken aback at home by the Las Vegas Raiders just last Sunday with a scoreline of 26-23, subsequently dropping them to a 0-2 start in the season.
Before the start of the season, Baltimore was one of the frontrunners for the Super Bowl title, but these prospects are now up in the air, and in real danger after the loss to the Raiders. It's a historical fact that no team has ever progressed to a 0-3 record and gone on to win the Super Bowl.
Post the loss, head coach Jim Harbaugh assured his team that they would rebound from the demoralizing loss to the Raiders, stating, "We're not going to be defined by everyone that's going to say that we're not any good. That we're done. That the season's over after two games. That's what's going to be said, but they're not here. They're not inside. No one inside is going to say that."
However, the schedule isn't offering Baltimore any leniency, as they travel to Arlington, Texas, to face off against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Dallas suffered a massive 44-19 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, having been outplayed by Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara in the process.
Dak Prescott and company will be highly motivated to avoid a third consecutive home loss, having suffered two straight defeats at AT&T Stadium, the last one being the heavy loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs in January. Whoever loses on Sunday will be under immense pressure, as both teams had ambitions of reaching the Super Bowl ahead of the season.
‘Who Dat’ will be defeated by the Saints?
After demolishing the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, it was widely believed that the Saints weren't serious contenders anymore. But after an overwhelming performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, that perception has surely changed.
Derek Carr is playing arguably the best football of his career under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Saints scored on each of their first 15 possessions this season under Carr's leadership, a remarkable feat indeed.
“The efficiency that he’s operating, that is really impressive and really that goes back to the end of last year,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen said. “I think he’s been really playing exceptional football for us and we’re going to need him to continue to do that.”
The Saints will now host the Philadelphia Eagles – who suffered a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last-minute – at the Superdome on Sunday, in an atmosphere that's sure to be electric.
Currently, the Saints are still considered long shots to win the Vince Lombardi trophy, coming in at 26-1 odds. But if they manage to beat the Eagles and extend their win streak to 3-0, the odds are likely to drop significantly.
Dolphins to rely on Skylar Thompson instead of Tua Tagovailoa
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was officially placed on injured reserve by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday following a third diagnosed concussion against the Buffalo Bills last week. He will be ineligible to play for at least the next four games, with the earliest possibility of his return being against the Arizona Cardinals on October 27.
In his absence, the Dolphins will be starting Skylar Thompson at quarterback on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Thompson, a seventh-round pick in 2022, didn't see any game time during the previous 2023 season, nevertheless, he has experience, having started three games as a rookie in 2022, including a playoff loss against the Buffalo Bills.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his confidence in Thompson's ability to step up and lead the team proficiently, stating, "I think his game has developed since he's had a starting opportunity in the National Football League. I think all his teammates can feel his command and his growth, and I think he put together some winning football as a rookie."
Can Mahomes and the Chiefs continue their dominance in Atlanta?
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs managed to pull off a narrow 26-25 victory over the Bengals yet again in another tight encounter. The Chiefs have now defeated two preseason AFC title contenders in consecutive weeks, solidifying their position as favorites to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl win.
However, starting running back Isiah Pacheco will be out for an extended period after he sustained a fractured fibula in Sunday's triumph. To bolster their running back corps, the Chiefs signed Kareem Hunt to their practice squad, who was once a standout player for the Chiefs back in 2017.
Hunt was dismissed by the Chiefs after a video of him kicking and shoving a woman at a Cleveland hotel surfaced in 2018, following which he joined the Cleveland Browns for the next five seasons.
The Chiefs will be heading to Atlanta for their Week 3 match against the Falcons, where Mahomes will experience his first-ever game in the city, with the Falcons catching momentum after their win against the Eagles last Monday night.
Can quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, who used to get criticized for his performance in high-profile matches, outperform Patrick Mahomes in this week's Sunday Night Football?
Coach Raheem Morris stated that the late-game triumph against the Eagles boosted the team's morale.
"For me, it's not as emotionally charged as it is for some of the players, but for some of them, it ignites more belief in them," Morris said to journalists.
"You know, we often talk about it, but when players actually execute it and put it into action, it's something that just invigorates those guys. They start to believe that they can achieve anything at any moment, just like they demonstrated last night.
"For us, I carry that belief in them at all times, but when they can go out there and display it to themselves and do it for themselves, I think that's a bit more impactful when those guys do it together and the way they did it last night."
Fans attending the Mercedes-Benz Stadium game on Sunday will receive complimentary food as the team celebrates owner Arthur Blank's induction into the team's Ring of Honor.
Blank is well-known for his decision to keep concession prices affordable, so in honor of him, every fan, even those rooting for the Chiefs (and maybe even Taylor Swift?), will receive two free hot dogs, two bags of complimentary chips, and an endless supply of Coca-Cola in a souvenir cup.
Monday Night Doubleheader
On Monday night, viewers will witness the first prime-time doubleheader of the 2024 season.
First, the Bills will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and shortly after, the Bengals will square off against the Washington Commanders.
This is the first of four prime-time doubleheaders this season, following Disney increasing its number of games from 17 to 23 in their most recent media rights deal.
The following Monday night will also feature a doubleheader, with the Dolphins hosting the Tennessee Titans and the Detroit Lions hosting the Seattle Seahawks.
After a dismal start to the season, Monday's games carry extra significance for the Jaguars and Bengals.
Week 3's complete schedule of games
Away vs. home
Thursday
New England Patriots (1-1) @ New York Jets (1-1) – 8:15 p.m. ET
Sunday
New York Giants (0-2) @ Cleveland Browns (1-1) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears (1-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Houston Texans (2-0) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-0) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) @ New Orleans Saints (2-0) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Denver Broncos (0-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Green Bay Packers (1-1) @ Tennessee Titans (0-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
Carolina Panthers (0-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) – 4:05 p.m. ET
Miami Dolphins (1-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (2-0) – 4:05 p.m. ET
Detroit Lions (1-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-1) – 4:25 p.m. ET
Baltimore Ravens (0-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – 4:25 p.m. ET
San Francisco 49ers (1-1) @ Los Angeles Rams (0-2) – 4:25 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – 8:20 p.m. ET
Monday
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) @ Buffalo Bills (2-0) – 7:30 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders (1-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) – 8:15 p.m. ET
After the Baltimore Ravens' disappointing start with a 0-2 record, head coach Jim Harbaugh emphasized the importance of bouncing back against the Dallas Cowboys. Regardless of the Dallas' loss in Week 2, both teams hope to turn their season around in their upcoming game.
Apart from football, fans attending the Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be treated to complimentary food to honor their owner Arthur Blank's induction into the team's Ring of Honor.
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