NFL Week 3 Quick-Hitters

by Ryan Mercier

Russ, Rodgers, Bucs Rule the NFC

Russell Wilson has thrown 14 touchdowns in three games. THREE GAMES! The Seahawks have won all three and the last two have been in the typical heart-pumping fashion Seattle is accustomed to. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are averaging over 40 points per game in their 3-0 start. There’s one thing missing from Green Bay and Seattle, though: defense.

Notice the headline did not include the name of the greatest QB of all-time, Tom Brady. The point, here, is Brady is not at the height of his powers at age 43 but his 2-1 Buccaneers have a real defense. While Tampa Bay has only defeated lowly Carolina and Denver, they may become a force to reckon with if the old man under center gets his new offense really clicking.

A Reckoning is Coming for the Chicago Bears

Here’s the good news Bears fans, Chicago is 3-0. The bad news, and this is a promise, is there will be a day of reckoning. Those three wins include a dropped TD-winner by the Lions, nearly giving up a game to the anemic Giants, and now the latest proof the Atlanta Falcons are allergic to winning.

After finally, FINALLY, benching Mitch Trubisky the Bears have the right QB under center in Nick Foles. Unfortunately, it’s well known that at some point Foles will get hurt. It will be a near-miracle if Foles makes it through all 13 remaining games healthy and upright.

Will the Bears razor-thin luck soon change from victories to losses? If Foles were playing literally any team but the Falcons on Sunday would they have plucked his many interceptable passes that became completions? Will Foles end up on IR? The causes may or may not be known but enjoy these first three weeks, Chicago. The reckoning is coming.

Pittsburgh is a Super Bowl Contender

If Ben Roethlisberger were five years younger or had no history of injury, the Steelers would have been a hotter Super Bowl pick coming into the season. Even with the mighty Ravens in their division they would have garnered more attention.

Pittsburgh has the best defense in the NFL. Whether or not the stats say it (and their league-leading 15 sacks do), that will be true by the end of the year. Big Ben is having a great year so far especially considering how much time he has missed. If the Steelers can avoid seeing Mason Rudolph or anyone else under center all season, this is a team that can disappoint fans in Kansas City or Baltimore by taking a deep run into January.

Final Notes

• The Browns are 2-1, how about that?
• Washington, Miami, Jacksonville, and Carolina are a few notable teams with better records than the Vikings and Texans
• Hey Jets, the season started