Week three is almost in the books with the exception of the Monday Night game featuring the Tennessee Titans against the New Orleans Saints. We saw several teams maintain their undefeated status, while other teams were able to finally get a win. The Patriots continued to dominate and remain perfect along with the Colts and the Steelers. Here is a rundown of Sunday’s action:
Buffalo Bills v. NE Patriots
Most would agree that the New England Patriots have established themselves as the elite team of this young season. Their 38 – 7 victory over the Buffalo Bills was achieved through the machine-like execution of the offense and the brutal efficiency of the defense. The Brady-Moss connection continued and Asante Samuel notched his first interception.
Miami Dolphins v. NY Jets
The Jets are showing signs of life with a 31-28 decision over the Dolphins. Chad Pennington answered critics with a 15 for 21 performance netting 124 yards and TDs through the air and the ground. Despite the loss, Miami’s Ronnie Brown impressed with 112 yards on the ground and 2 rushing TDs and one reception TD.
San Diego Chargers v. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers improved to 3-0 win a surprise win over San Diego. Brett Favre tied Dan Marino’s TD record with the last of his three TD throws. The Chargers have to regroup as they fall to 2-1. Norv Turner is starting to feel the heat as many feel that this is one of the most talented rosters in football. LT has had a disappointing season so far with rushing totals far below those of last year. Could all the endorsements and hype following his MVP season affecting his focus?
Cincinnati Bengals v. Seattle Seahawks
Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals feel to 1-2 despite strong performances from TJ Houshmanzadah and Chad Johnson. Although the offense was good between the 20’s, they were not able to punch it in and convert for points. Turnovers by Palmer sealed their fate. Seattle was able to take advantage of defensive breakdowns and secure the win, 24-21.
St. Louis Rams v. TB Buccaneers
The reinvigorated Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 2-1 with their win over the St. Louis Rams. Earnest Graham shocked the Rams with two fourth quarter touchdowns. Steven Jackson had a better day running the rock with 115 yards with no touchdowns. Although picked by many to be a play-off contender, the Rams fall to 0-3.
Arizona Cardinals v. Baltimore Ravens
Kurt Warner looked like he was back in MVP form after he replaced Matt Lienart in the Cardinals loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 26-23. After replacing the struggling Lienart, Warner threw 2 TDs to tie the game. Kyle Boller, who came in for Baltimore’s starting QB Steve McNair, led the game winning drive that resulting in a field goal from Kicker Matt Stover.
Carolina Panthers v. Atlanta Falcons
Jake Delhomme left the game early after throwing 2 TDs, while Deshaun Foster added two more as the Panthers defeated the Falcons 27-20. Joey Harrington, with recently acquired QB Byron Leftwich breathing down his neck, had a great game with 2 TD passes of his own. CB DeAngelo Hall hurt the Falcons’ chance of winning this game by drawing several penalties which led to one of Delhomme’s scores.
New York Giants v. Washington Redskins
With an explosion of second half points, the Giants avoided a 0-3 start by defeating the Redskins, 24-17. Eli Manning entered this season under the spotlight and has risen to the challenge, throwing a crucial touchdown to Plaxico Burress. Journeyman Reuben Droughns made his three carries count with two plunges scoring. Washington squandered the chance to go 3-0 when they failed to punch the ball in from the 1 yard line in the waning minutes of the game.
Dallas Cowboys v. Chicago Bears
In a matchup where the Bears’ defense was the star attraction, the Cowboys defense ended up stealing the show. Rex Grossman is now officially on the hot seat after throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns. Cedric Benson was also shut down rushing for less than 50 yards and averaging less than three yards per carry. Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, and Marion Barber III continued their offensive dominance. With TE Jason Witten having another great game, the Cowboys seem to have reclaimed their position among the NFC’s elite teams.
Minnesota Vikings v. KC Chiefs
Damon Huard led the Chiefs from the winless column with a TD in their victory over the Vikings, 13-10. In the defensive struggle, Minnesota was able to take heart in the continuing contribution from their first round pick, Adrian Peterson, who ran for 102 yards and a TD. KC’s Larry Johnson’s frustrations continued with another poor outing.
Indianapolis Colts v. Houston Texans
Houston Texans will have to wonder what might have been after facing the undefeated Colts without their star wideout Andre Johnson. Peyton Manning continues to benefit from Joseph Addai’s spectacular running in their 30-24 victory over the Texans. Manning threw for one TD while Addai added 2 more.
Detroit Lions v. Philadelphia Eagles
After a week of sport commentators speculating whether Philadelphia’s QB comments would be a distraction to the team, Donovan McNabb’s four TD performance put to rest any doubt. The Eagle’s 56-21 dismantling of the Detroit Lions sent a statement to the rest of the league to not count Philly out yet. Although exposed defensively, the Lion’s offense continued to put up big yardage with Jon Kitna throwing for over 400 yards with 2 TDs.
Jacksonville Jaguars v. Denver Broncos
The Jaguars upset the favored Broncos 23-14 by shutting down Travis Henry and coming up with a late interception of Denver QB Jay Cutler. Although scoring a touchdown, Henry ran for under 40 yards, with only 6 in the first half.
SF 49ers v. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers remained undefeated and handed the 49ers their first loss in their 37-16 victory over SF on Sunday. It was a tale of two runners as Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker ran for 133 yards while SF’s star rb Frank Gore was held to under 40 yards. Gore played with a heavy heart after the death of his mother last week.
Cleveland Browns v. Oakland Raiders
Fresh off their shootout victory over the Bengals last week, the Browns came back to earth in their 24-26 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Led by Lamont Jordan and Duante Culpepper, the Raiders got their first win of the season and the first win for their rookie coach, Lane Kiffin. Brown’s QB overcame a shaky start to bring his team into field goal range for the win. However, after a strategically called time out, the kick was blocked.