We’re now almost a quarter of the way through the NFL season. Here’s what we learnt after a big Week 3.
Tampa Bay is going downhill
The 0-3 Buccaneers are in a state of disarray after their 20-point loss in New England. There were reports of a player-only meeting occurring earlier this season which reportedly discussed coach Greg Schiano’s militaristic style, and Schiano also met separately with star corner Darrelle Revis to discuss differences of opinion.
Coupled with their lack of success on the field, it’s a bleak picture in Tampa Bay.
They did have some success moving the ball against New England early in the game, but were poor on third down (35%) and fourth down (0-from-4). On defence they allowed 156 yards on the ground despite, being the top-ranked run defence in the league in 2012.
Giants are in trouble
Quarterback Eli Manning has a league-high eight interceptions, and the New York Giants are 0-3 for the first time since 1986.
In Week 3, the Giants were blown out 38-0 by the 1-2 Panthers. Manning was held to only 119 yards through the air – likely due to being sacked seven times – and top wide receiver Hakeem Nicks had zero catches.
There’s good news and bad news for Giants fans. The good news is that it’s still possible to make the playoffs, and teams have done it before after starting 0-3.
The bad news is that only five of 161 teams to start 0-3 have done it.
Up next for the Giants: Chiefs, Eagles and Bears.
Don’t count out the Ravens
Since their embarrassing 49-27 loss to open the season in Denver, the Ravens have been overlooked and discarded.
Since that night, however, the Ravens have not allowed a touchdown to either the Cleveland Browns or, more importantly, the Houston Texans, who are definite contenders in the AFC.
Their win over Houston was a solid 30-9 performance, including scores from defence and special teams, and achieved without starting running back Ray Rice.
Browns didn’t need Trent Richardson to win
The biggest storyline in the NFL this week was the trade of 2012 third overall selection Trent Richardson to the Colts for a first round pick.
There’s been speculation, as with any trade, of who had won or lost, and it’s far too early to tell. This week Cleveland sure looked fine without him, winning 31-27 over the winless Vikings with three touchdowns from star-in-the-making Jordan Cameron.
On the ground, Cleveland gave carries to six different rushers to get over 100 yards on the ground, and quarterback Brian Hoyer in his first start threw for 321 yards, including 146 to Josh Gordon, back from suspension.
The real hero for the Browns was their defensive line, which harried Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder all day with six sacks and a bunch of pressures.
Richardson, meanwhile, had 36 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown for the Colts.
Dolphins on a hot streak
Miami has been quietly putting together a good start to the season, but they became front-page news with a big win in Week 3 over the Atlanta Falcons, 27-23.
Second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill had two turnovers but also threw for 236 yards plus the game-winning touchdown with 38 seconds left, and Miami are now 3-0 for the first time since 2002.
They’ve also added some pressure on division rivals New England to beat the Falcons, or the Dolphins will maintain the common opponents tiebreaker.
Atlanta didn’t look great on offence, with wide receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez both under 100 percent. They’ve yet to hit their 2012 form, and have sunk to 1-2.
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