Tuesday Takeaways: NFL Week 3 Reactions

 Another week of NFL play means another weekly Hoops and Stuff recap! We discuss things that stood out to us during a crazy Week 3 that was highlighted by comebacks and insane last second plays! Comment below some of your biggest takeaways from Week 3!


1. The Dawg Pound Is For Real

The Cleveland defense is making a very strong claim that they are the best unit on that side of the ball in the league. Through three weeks they allow the fewest amount of yards to opponents in the National Football League and are second in the league in sacks. They absolute stifled Joe Burrow and the Bengals in Week 1, they slowed down Derrick Henry and the Ravens in Week 2 until a late fourth quarter push from Baltimore, and they stuffed Jordan Love and the red-hot Green Bay offense. While the offense has predictably struggled, Myles Garrett and Co. might just be good enough to make Cleveland a pesky out for lots of opponents.

2. Big Payday = Big Payoff In Buffalo

There was some offseason drama in Buffalo between the organization and star running back James Cook. This carried over into training camp as Cook had a "hold-in" that saw Cook miss some of the preseason. Cook was eventually rewarded with a 4 year $48 million dollar extension but there was some concern it might take Cook some time to get back to game speed and shake off rust. Through the early weeks of the season Cook is second in the league in rushing yards on an explosive 5.4 yards per carry, while leading the league in rushing touchdowns. This is the best Cook has looked running the ball in his young career and gives the Bills a dynamic look to pair with reigning MVP Josh Allen.

3. All Roads Lead to Rome

During the offseason there was debate over who was going to be WR1 in Chicago, DJ Moore or Rome Odunze. So far the answer appears to be Odunze. Odunze is top 10 in receiving yards, has the 7th most amount of targets, and has scored 4 times over 3 weeks, which is tied for the most receiving touchdowns in the NFL. Odunze is proving to be the favorite weapon for Caleb Williams, who is on pace to be the first Chicago QB to eclipse the 4,000 yard mark. If the sophomore duo keeps this up, the Williams x Rome connection could end up being one of the most dynamic in the league!

4. Defensive Performance for the Ages

Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers had one of the greatest defensive stat lines you will ever see. Rodgers had two forced fumbles, a 67 yard fumble recovery touchdown and an 87 yard pick six. Rodgers was seemingly everywhere, particularly in the first half against the Bengals and had the performance of a lifetime.

5. Will The Cousins Be Invited Over?

It is still early days, but I have seen desperate fans in Atlanta wondering if it is time to turn back to veteran Kirk Cousins. Michael Penix Jr. has looked very subpar the past two weeks. He is missing throws, looks uncomfortable pre snap, and is not fully utilizing his weapons. Penix has just thrown as many touchdowns to opposition as he has Atlanta pass catchers. The Falcons did just fire their WR coach after the early season struggles on offense, so we will see if that makes a difference. I can't imagine the team bailing on their future franchise QB this early, but the questions will be there. Atlanta has perhaps the most capable backup in the league and by far the most decorated in Kirk Cousins. If the offense continues to flounder and they want to make a playoff push, then may we see Kirk back to the starting lineup?

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