What another week that comes to a close that got filled with big NFL story lines. First off, congratulations to the great Tiger Woods for winning his first PGA tournament in five years recovering from a serious back injury. But, Jimmy Garoppolo is done for the season after blowing out his knee hurting the 49ers in the process. The Rams, Dolphins and Chiefs are the only undefeated clubs so far. For the third consecutive week, Clay Matthews got penalized for roughing the passer and said that the league is getting softer with the new rules. Baker Mayfield came off the bench in place of Tyrod Taylor and the Browns to their first victory since Christmas Eve 2016.
In addition, the Vikings got embarrassed at home to the underdog Bills. The NFC South rivals Saints and Falcons got into a OT shootout. Carson Wentz made his return from an ACL tear to lead the defending champs to victory over Andrew Luck led Colts. Kerryon Johnson is the Lions’ first 100 yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013. Then, there was Vance MacDonald punishing Chris Conte with the deadly stiff arm that everybody trolled Conte about. Also, there were great player performances in their team wins. Here’s the best from Week Three and remember you have to be great and win at the same time.
Drew Brees (QB) – New Orleans Saints
Week Two stats: 39/49 passing, 396 yards, three pass TD’s, two rush TD’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWxGWZib0As
The Future Hall of Famer got into a shootout contest with Matt Ryan while making history at the same time. In the second quarter, Brees completed a pass to Michael Thomas that surpassed Brett Favre for most completions of all time. It’s such a remarkable accomplishment for the Saints franchise QB as his journey might have been different after suffering a serious shoulder injury in 2005.
Anyways, what’s more impressive wasn’t just the 396 yards on the air but what he did on the ground. Down 37-30 with 1:24 left, Brees rolled to his left and begin to run. Next, he does an impressive spin move against two Atlanta defenders for the tying touchdown. On the first possession of OT, the 39 year old led his team down the field. On second and goal, he jumped over the top for the walk off TD.
Patrick Mahomes II (QB) – Kansas City Chiefs
Week Two stats: 24/38 passing, 314 yards, three touchdowns
The rising star quarterback of the red hot Kansas City Chiefs continued on his impressive start. He added three touchdown passes on the air playing with his superb arm talent. that counts up to 13 on the season. It means it’s the most TD passes in the first three games of the season in league history. Mahomes impressive highlight came when he threw his first touchdown strike of the game.
He rolled to his left to avoid pressure and went right to throw a dart to Chris Conley at the back of the end zone. That’s impressive backyard football he displayed to continue looking his eyes down field with his escapability. In addition, his other TD throws were to Sammy Watkins and Demetrius Harris. Mahomes is the luckiest guy on the planet to have Andy Reid as his coach. The talent around him with Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt and Sammy Watkins makes his job easier.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB) – Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Two stats: 30/38 passing, 353 yards, three touchdowns, one interception
On Monday Night Football, the Steelers with all that’s going on with them finally get their first win of the season. Big Ben had a spectacular showing as he shredded the Bucs secondary. When is team needed him the most, his big arm would deliver big plays. Roethlisberger had all three touchdown throws in the first half.
His first TD pass went to Vance McDonald as he stiff armed Bucs safety Chris Conte and went 75 yards to the house. He threw one to the All-Pro Antonio Brown and to Ryan Switzer near the halftime buzzer. Hi biggest throw came with 2:31 left on second and 10 as found Juju Smith-Schuster who was guarded tightly for the first down that would seal the deal. They found a way to hold off Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s magic.
Adrian Peterson (RB) – Washington Redskins
Week Two stats: 19 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns
AP continues to show the world at age 33 that he still got juice left in the tank. The 2012 Most Valuable Player continues his impressive games against the Packers dating back to his Minnesota days. It was his ninth 100 yard game against his former division rival. AP displayed his ability to run and jump cut through the holes created by the Skins offensive line like on his 41 yard burst.
On his first TD, he walked in into the end zone against Green Bay’s goal line defense. Also, he got lucky on his second touchdown as it looked like he got stopped short. But anyways AP is still AP and could been sitting on the couch right now. The Redskins second round pick Derrius Guice tore his ACL in the team’s first preseason game. As a result, it prompted them to sign the future Hall of Famer to fill the void and it’s working so far. He’s fifth in the league in rushing yards with 236.
Earl Thomas III (FS) – Seattle Seahawks
Week Two stats: seven tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended
The Pro Bowl safety is the only player from the Legion of Boom that’s still on the Seahawks. On Sunday, he was all over the field in shutting down the inferior Cowboys offense. His first interception was unbelievable as the ball went off Michael Gallup‘s hands and Thomas pinned the ball on his left leg. Next on his second INT, ball got tipped in the air and Dallas TE Blake Jarwin tried knock it down but it came into Thomas’ hands.
After the INT, he took a bow towards the Cowboys sideline and got penalized. This was the player that said he wanted to play for. Most noteworthy, Thomas told Jason Garnett after last year’s meeting to come get him when the opportunity presents itself. Above all, they could try to get a deal for him. However, it will cost a lot to get the All-Pro safety in his prime.
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