Around the NFL in Week 3

Multiple teams around the NFL got their first win of the season this week. However, a couple teams suffered losses no one expected them to lose.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals

Considerably low expectations for the Arizona Cardinals this season, and they just so happened to be facing the juggernaut that is the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys’ defense is the highlight of their team, but they struggled to maintain that title this week. In the first two games the Cowboys gave up 10 points total. In their game against the Cardinals, they gave up 21 in the first half.

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals’ offense were able to hang up a total of 400 yards against the Cowboys defense. The third quarter looked as if the Cowboys had figured out the Arizona offense as they shut out the Cardinals in the quarter. However the Cardinals were still leading 21-13 heading into the fourth quarter.

Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey started the fourth quarter by sinking his third field goal of the game to bring the score to 21-16. But, Arizona would quickly answer as Dobbs would find Marquise Brown for a two-yard touchdown. The Cardinals would win 28-16.

https://twitter.com/azcardinals/status/1706080861438062611?s=51&t=OYQ7pVE94EAk1HF-bWeekQ

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings

In a game where both teams were looking to win their first game, the Chargers and Vikings both brought out the fireworks.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert seemed to find Keenan Allen with every throw he made. Allen had 18 receptions for 215 yards. The Chargers found a 21-10 lead late in the third quarter, but Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense quickly responded with a 36-yard touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn to bring the score to 21-17.

Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson started to get going in the second half of this game. Following their last scoring drive, Cousins linked up with Jefferson for a 52-yard touchdown pass to increase the Vikings’ lead to 24-21. With 11:20 left in the game, the Chargers had plenty of time to respond. Justin Herbert and the Chargers moved down the field with ease, and Herbert found Joshua Palmer for what should have been an interception but was a touchdown. The Chargers took the lead 28-24.

After the Chargers went for it on fourth down on their own 24-yard line and failed, the Vikings had 1:51 left in the game to score a touchdown. The Vikings reached the six-yard line with 12 seconds left to go, but Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray picked off Cousins in the end zone to end the game. The Chargers would win 28-24.

K9 CAME UP CLUUTTCCHHHHH pic.twitter.com/SemU9gDfu8

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 24, 2023

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

After Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left last week’s game with a concussion, it was time for Gardner Minshew to back up his winning performance against the injury-ridden Ravens. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was without his No. 1 receiver, both starting running backs and his starting center. However, the Ravens held their own against a young Indianapolis team.

The Ravens and Colts went back-and-fourth all game and would see most of the excitement in the fourth quarter. Colts kicker Matt Gay would kick four field goals in regulation, including the one he made with 57 seconds left in the game to tie the Ravens at 19 a piece.

Going to overtime, each team shared two possessions but to no avail. It wasn’t until the Ravens went for it on fourth down to make OT interesting. On fourth-and-3 at the Colts 47-yard line, the Ravens decided to try their luck by going for it. Lamar Jackson dropped back to pass and would try to get the ball to receiver Zay Flowers but did not complete the pass resulting in a turnover on downs.

The Colts would get the ball at their own 47-yard line and it would take them four plays to set up Matt Gay for the game-winning field goal. The Colts would win 22-19.

https://twitter.com/colts/status/1706043451525992477?s=51&t=OYQ7pVE94EAk1HF-bWeekQ

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

In a game that has much history and tension, this Sunday Night Football game did not disappoint. The Steelers were up 23-7 at the end of the third quarter and they were clearly dominating. However, Jimmy Garoppolo and the Raiders were not done yet.

With 5:41 left in the game, Garoppolo found his No. 1 weapon in Davante Adams. This would be the second time these two found each other for a touchdown and the score would be 23-13. The Raiders would go for two and would succeed, bringing the score to 23-15. The Steelers would go three-and-out and quickly punt the ball back to the Raiders.

Las Vegas would respond on its following drive with a field goal from Daniel Carlson. The Steelers would get the ball back leading 23-18 with 2:22 left in the game and hoping to seal the deal. However, they would punt again, but this time, they would only leave 22 seconds on the clock for the Raiders. Garoppolo would throw an interception to defensive back Levi Wallace to end the game. The Steelers would win 23-18.

https://twitter.com/steelers/status/1706314993627525438?s=51&t=OYQ7pVE94EAk1HF-bWeekQ

Raiders’ Head Coach Josh McDaniels on his decision to go for it on fourth-and-5  on Pittsburgh’s 29-yard line down 23-15: