Week 3 of the NFL season delivered a whirlwind of unexpected results, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to make sense of the chaos. Blocked field goals became the theme of the day, deciding multiple games in dramatic fashion. The Green Bay Packers, touted as Super Bowl contenders, suffered a shocking 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a defeat largely attributed to a blocked field goal attempt in the final minutes and a costly interception by quarterback Jordan Love. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, despite a dominant first half against the Philadelphia Eagles, also fell victim to a blocked field goal in a stunning comeback loss. Even the New York Jets, despite a blocked field goal return for a touchdown, couldn't secure a victory.
However, the unpredictable nature of the week extended beyond special teams. Backup quarterbacks shone brightly, with Carson Wentz (Vikings), Marcus Mariota (Commanders), and Mac Jones (49ers) all leading their teams to victory. This unexpected success highlighted the depth of talent across the league and the importance of strong coaching and team dynamics.
Perhaps the most significant storyline of the week was the stellar performance of Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. In a dominant display against the Dallas Cowboys, Williams showcased his skills, throwing four touchdowns without an interception and posting a career-high passer rating. Analysts were quick to praise not only Williams's individual performance but also the effectiveness of coach Ben Johnson's offensive scheme, which seemed perfectly tailored to Williams's strengths. The 19-play, fourth-down conversion touchdown drive in the third quarter showcased the potent offensive synergy between Williams and his coaching staff. The question remains whether this performance marks a turning point for Williams or a single peak in an otherwise inconsistent season.
Elsewhere, the Indianapolis Colts, powered by Daniel Jones's exceptional play and Jonathan Taylor's resurgence, remain undefeated at 3-0, securing impressive victories against weaker opponents and pulling off a gutsy win against Denver. The 49ers also boast a 3-0 record, their success even more impressive given their significant injury woes and reliance on backup quarterback Mac Jones. The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, stand at 3-0 after three challenging AFC West matchups, demonstrating their mettle and Justin Herbert's MVP-caliber performance. The Chargers' running game, however, remains a concern following Najee Harris' injury.
The consistent question throughout the week revolved around which team emerged most impressive: The Colts' resounding victories, the 49ers' resilience despite injuries, or the Chargers' dominance in a brutal division? Each team offers a compelling case, highlighting the varied paths to early-season success.
Finally, the Patriots' five-turnover performance in a loss to the Steelers, and the Rams' near-miss against the Eagles, presented a compelling discussion on missed opportunities. While the Patriots' loss represents a setback for a team still finding its identity under a new coaching staff, the Rams' defeat carries heavier implications due to the significance of losing a game against a direct playoff competitor.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6649188/2025/09/21/nfl-takeaways-week-3-scores-results/
