The weekly article where we look at the biggest winners and losers of Week 3 in the NFL.
The Winners
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 for the first time since 2016. After a scare with the Lions in week 1, the Birds have won in convincing fashion in the last two weeks against Minnesota and Washington. Not only has the offence looked dynamic, but Nick Sirianni has the defence firing on all cylinders as well. Philly has allowed just 15 points against in the last two weeks and will look to continue that trend against an up and coming Jaguars team. With other top teams in the NFC looking a little rusty to start the season, the Eagles are currently the best team in the conference.
Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush remained undefeated as a starter on Monday night as the Cowboys beat the Giants in New York. Rush hasn’t been flashy, but his ability to take care of the ball and be an efficient passer has not gone unnoticed. Although this wouldn’t work for every team, Dallas has a great defence that can keep the Cowboys in most games as long as the offence doesn’t become a liability. Rush has given them exactly what they need to win close games so far and will have another chance to do so against the lowly Commanders next Sunday.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has more touchdowns than every other team in the NFL through three weeks. If it wasn’t for an insane Miami Dolphins comeback, the Ravens would be 3-0. Jackson’s passing TD to interception ratio is 5:1. Amidst contract negotiations, Lamar is betting on himself this year and so far, SO good. The dynamic quarterback was fantastic in New England last weekend, and if he can shine again in Buffalo this Sunday, Lamar may be at the forefront of the early season MVP conversation.
The Losers
L.A. Chargers
The Chargers came into the season with an outstanding roster and Super Bowl expectations. So far in 2022, it hasn’t gone quite according to plan. The team is 1-2, just got blown out at home by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has a ton of injuries to star players already. Keenan Allen has missed two weeks, Justin Herbert is already banged up, JC Jackson has been in and out of the lineup and now the team will be without Jaylen Guyton and Rashawn Slater for the rest of the season. In an already difficult spot due to their division, things have gotten considerably tougher for the Chargers after just three games.
Las Vegas Raiders
Only one team in the NFL is 0-3 right now and that team is the Las Vegas Raiders. What may be even more frustrating than the record, however, is how the Raiders are losing these games. The offence had high expectations after the signing of superstar Davante Adams, but it hasn’t quite clicked yet for the Raiders even after Davante’s explosive Week 1. In the two games after his debut, Adams had just seven catches for 48 yards. The defence has also been a concern, allowing more than 20 points in each game so far this season. Unfortunately for Vegas, it won’t get any easier in the coming weeks as the team will play the division rival Broncos and Chiefs before a bye in week 6.
Urban Meyer
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the biggest surprises so far this season. After a tough loss in the opener, the Jags took down the Colts and Chargers and are currently first place in the AFC South. With all this success under Doug Pederson, last year’s performance from Urban Meyer is looking even worse. The team has thrived without Meyer on the sideline, and this success may be something that potential employers of Meyer are looking at, even with a resume as extensive as his. As for the current Jaguars, it seems as if they are all relieved to be able to leave last year with Urban and all the drama that came with it in the rear view mirror.
