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Vikings prove their strength as Chargers and Dolphins face major setbacks
As another week of NFL football wraps up, this Sunday was full of excitement and surprises. The New Orleans Saints faced their first defeat in front of their passionate fans at the Superdome. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers secured their second consecutive victory in the absence of Jordan Love. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers remained unbeaten, defying expectations despite challenging quarterback situations leading up to the season.
This brings us to the major winners and losers from Week 3.
The standout winner this week is undoubtedly Vic Fangio’s defense. Just six days after Kirk Cousins delivered an impeccable game-winning fourth-quarter drive against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fangio’s unit stood strong against the New Orleans Saints’ high-powered offense. The Saints, known for their explosive play, struggled significantly on the ground and in the red zone. Without the support of the Eagles’ defense, Philadelphia could very well be sitting at 1-2 right now.
On the flip side, the health of the Los Angeles Chargers has taken a hit. The team aimed for a 3-0 start against the Steelers but ended up losing both the game and several key players due to injuries. Quarterback Justin Herbert, along with tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, and pass rusher Joey Bosa are facing injury concerns. Although coach Jim Harbaugh fosters physical play, losing star players presents a considerable challenge for the team moving forward.
The Minnesota Vikings are another major winner this week, improving their reputation with a strong start to the season. After initially surprising fans in the first two weeks, they secured back-to-back victories over strong contenders—first against the San Francisco 49ers and then against the Houston Texans. Sam Darnold’s performance showcased elite control of a deep roster, while Brian Flores’ defense is proving to be one of the most versatile and physical units in the league.
The situation in Carolina reflects a change in strategy as well. Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, made headlines for not receiving adequate support from the Panthers. Coach Dave Canales’ decision to bench Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton, who threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, appears justified. Dalton’s strong performance contributed significantly to the Panthers’ first win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Turning to the Tennessee Titans, Will Levis finds himself facing scrutiny regarding his job security. Despite coach Brian Callahan’s statement to retain Levis after their defeat to the Packers, his grip on the starting role seems precarious. While Levis possesses considerable talent, his struggle with turnovers has become a worrying trend, with five interceptions over three games without a victory.
Lastly, Mike Tomlin’s leadership has garnered positive attention. The Pittsburgh Steelers surprise many by sitting at 3-0 following a significant victory over the Chargers. Justin Fields has been steady under center, enabling Tomlin’s defense to take control of games. With Russell Wilson providing veteran backing on the roster, the Steelers look poised to remain competitive in the playoff race.
As teams navigate the competitive landscape of the NFL, the performances observed this week have undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting season ahead, where injuries and strategic decisions will play crucial roles in shaping outcomes.
Source: Various NFL Reports
