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Coming into Week 3 of the NFL season, seven teams boasted an undefeated 2-0 record. As Week 3 winds down with only Monday Night Football left to play, there are five teams without blemish. Without a doubt, the team that has been the most surprising is the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a season where the Eagles were anticipated to be in a rebuilding stage, they have proven to be in anything but that. First-year head coach Doug Pederson and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz have led the team to three consecutive victories over the Cleveland Browns (0-3), Chicago Bears (0-3), and their most impressive win came yesterday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1).
In the battle of the undefeated teams, Wentz continued the notable start of his rookie season by completing 23-of-31 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers in their 34-3 win. The Eagles have a bye week this weekend and will prepare for their next matchup on October 9 against the Detroit Lions (1-2).
.@Eagles QB @cj_wentz proves he is no ordinary rookie.
See every throw from Week 3 👇 https://t.co/SdSAkSFkNG
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2016
Another team who has turned heads thus far is the Minnesota Vikings. Vikings starting quarterback Sam Bradford, ironically traded from the Eagles prior to the start of the regular season, has also helped his team remain unbeaten.
Playing their first game of the season without star running back Adrian Peterson (torn lateral meniscus), the Vikings handed Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers (1-2) their second loss of the season. Bradford completed 18-of-28 passes for 171 yards and one touchdown.
After scoring a quick ten points, the Panthers’ run stopped there after a safety was caused by the Vikings defense—which continued to smother Cam Newton. The Vikings caused Newton to throw three interceptions in their 22-10 win, showing why they are among the best defenses in the league. The Minnesota Vikings’ next contest is against the New York Giants (2-1) on October 3.
.@terencenewman will take that! pic.twitter.com/h3Tp2o5xek
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 25, 2016
The New England Patriots were also able to extend their streak as they shutout the Houston Texans (2-1) 27-0 with their third string rookie quarterback, Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett proved to be a threat on the ground, scoring a touchdown on a 27-yard run to give the Patriots a 10-0 lead. He would finish the game 11-of-19 for 103 yards and zero interceptions. Running back LeGarrette Blount carried the team with 24 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite injuries to second string quarterback Jimmy Garappolo (AC joint sprain) and Brissett (thumb), the Patriots are optimistic about having both of them back for their game against the Buffalo Bills (1-2) on October 2.
