Week three is in the books and boy if there was a theme to this slate it was how you finish games. We had 12 one score games Sunday, a league record, so the theme felt constantly prevalent. Not just on the scoreboard, but are you fundamentally sound in your execution? Are you solid in all three phases so you can’t be undone by unforeseen error? We’re moving out of the data gathering phase and are starting to establish a bit of a baseline expectation about these teams. Now Sean and I don’t have time for a recording this week, so I’m flying solo here. But don’t worry, we are still going to give you some thoughts on every game, including four featured contests and the New York locals. Now, let’s get after it!

Jets

Mark this down as the second consecutive game the Jets would like back. There were positives in the 31-24 defeat, like the team’s resilience and Kenyan Sadiq’s seven catchers for 105 yards and a score, and Geno’s solid outing. But special teams let them down again, the offensive unexpectedly faltered for the second week in a row and the defense couldn’t tackle Jahmyr Gibbs if it tried. This was just too sloppy of a performance for Gang Green who are a disappointment at 1-2 so far. They have been far more competitive through three games than all of last year, but moral victories only take you so far. Next week it’s a trip to Chicago, a winnable game if Caleb Williams is out, but Glenn has to clean up his pride and joy of a defense.

Giants

It may have felt early for some, but I felt this was a fork in the road game for the Giants. I wanted to see how they’d respond to Jaxson Dart’s season ending injury, and to their credit they battled through the adversity and the nor’easter. It wasn’t pretty at all, but this 12-7 win stops the bleeding, even if Brian Burns went down with a nasty injury. The offense was hampered by the weather, so credit Jevon Holland who played hero at the buzzer by picking off Cam Ward in the end zone to save the game. It sure felt good to beat Dabol and find a way to win this one, and they’ll get a chance to repeat the feat when they host Arizona next week. Now let’s see if they add a QB in free agency or trade to signify some intent to keep this going.

The Giants weren’t done making news this week as they acquired quarterback JJ McCarthy to add to their mix with Jameis Winston from the Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round pick. The move was met with heavy skepticism, and I do understand why as McCarthy hasn’t been particularly since he left Michigan in the draft…and he had the plays back then. But I don’t blame the Giants for adding him, as it’s far too early in their season to punt on trying to win games, especially given their 2-1 start. The cost to acquire any better option was prohibitive in the case of Mac Jones, or those better options weren’t available in the case on Kirk Cousin and Jacoby Brissett. We won’t see McCarthy for a bit still as Harbaugh confirmed this is Winston’s job for now, but I’m sure we’ll see him in a game sooner rather than later and maybe John can get something out of Jim’s national title winning signal caller.

First Down

“WHOSE PLAYING WORSE THAN US?”: “NOOOBODY!” Jim I had to do it to ya, because right now no one is playing worse than the Chargers. After two absolute no shows at home against the Cardinals and Raiders, they were playing for their lives Sunday in Buffalo. They got off to a good start up 10-0 and their defense forced five Bills turnovers…yes you read that right, so surely they won right? You forgot you were dealing with the Chargers, who find ways to lose. And find a way they did as the Chargers threw this game in the second half, falling to 0-3 with a 24-16 loss. I know the Texans made the playoffs after starting 0-3 last year, but the LA teams look lifeless. The Mike McDaniel hire hasn’t worked and Justin Herbert hasn’t pulled this team together at all. It ain’t quite over for them…but the ink is starting to dry on the obit.

Second Down

Patriot Panic Meter: Normally we would say it’s only three games, but Mike Vrabel himself dispelled that as an excuse. The Pats head coach said his “concern level” for the team is “very high,” following their 35-6 loss to the Jaguars. This was the third straight contest where the Pats have looked awful, especially on offense. What’s at the root of that struggle, to be blunt, Drake Maye looks absolutely horrendous so far this year. It’s not just the turnovers, it’s the under thrown deep balls, the bad reads, and the dear in the headlights look. So far he’s regressed under center and if he doesn’t pull the nose up, the Pats are going to regress along with him. They’re 1-2 and off to Buffalo next week, so it’s not getting easier anytime soon.

Third Down

Ravens Win in Rio: This game wound up being a classic finish after being sloppy early on. The Ravens and Cowboys took it international, staging a thriller in Rio De Janeiro Brazil, at the Maracana Stadium. A lot of attention was rightfully paid to the quality of the field, but I’m glad postgame we’re talking about the quality of the game. This back and forth affair looked like it was about to be an uplifting win for the Cowboys, who had first and goal from the one trailing by three with a timeout, but as we said, it’s about how you finish the game.

From that point on, Dallas threw a couple of low percentage fade routes that fell incomplete and a critical false start penalty that backed them up. Now even at 31 all with seven seconds left, the Dallas defense, which had had a pretty good day so far, gives up a 27 yard strike to Zay Flowers which set up Tyler Loop’s redemptive game winning kick. It’s a game of fine margins…and in the end all those small things mean two big things, Dallas is 1-2 and Baltimore is 2-1.

Fourth Down

The Land is Alive: Man we were treated to a special scene in Cleveland on Sunday. The Browns returned home off an uplifting win in week two, so the crowd was charged up for this one! The game wasn’t pretty, as the Browns and Panthers played a physical contest that held the offenses in check. But it really heated up late and trailing 18-13 late, Deshaun Watson took the home team on drive, and found Harold Fannin for the go ahead score to send the crowd into a frenzy.

From there their defense finished the job and you couldn’t help but smile for the ever tortured Browns fans as their squad went to 2-1. Two things are apparent early for Cleveland. 1, Todd Monken seems like a sharp hire as head coach here early on. 2, this young core of players in northeast Ohio feels like the real building blocks of success on both sides of the ball.

A Fresh Set of Downs

Worth the Wait: I often joke that, contrary to Carrie Underwood’s opinion, no one is “waitin all day for Sunday night.” By the time the game kickoff we’ve just completed watching 7 hours pro football, plus college on Saturday, it’s a wonder our spouses and families even speak to us by this point. Of course, with our eyes nearly bleeding we watch along to sometimes mixed results as the games are of varying quality. But this Sunday night was different, or at least in the second half it was.

This week were treated to a thrilling battle between two Super Bowl hopefuls, as the Broncos hosted the Rams. It wasn’t particularly intriguing for a half as LA was in control up 16-0, but then Denver’s much maligned offense came to life. Bo Nix and Matt Stafford traded blows and eventually Denver won this contest 30-26. This was maybe the best half of football between two teams yet this year. If you want an under the radar MVP of this game, look no further than Denver safety Talanoa Hufanga, who had become one of the most fun defensive players in the league the last few years. His ferocious and energetic style was on full display in this one as had a 67-yard pick six and game ending INT in the end zone as time expired. Sign me up for a February rematch!

Sweet Home Chicago for Case: Just when you think you have sports figured out, they throw a total curveball at you, and Monday night was one of those nights. Just off Lake Shore Drive, the Bears hosted the Eagles at Soldier Field and were down to their third string quarterback with Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent (who was cleared pregame) out. So, Ben Johnson turned veteran backup Case Keenum and then a bit of magic happened to the 38-year-old, as he went 24-34 for 247 yards, with two passing touchdowns and one running touchdown. He combined with the Chicago defense to dominate the Eagles and win the game 27-7, a win that is a true testament to the quality of the Bears roster and the coaching of Ben Johnson. The Eagles have some questions to answer following a second straight shaky outing, while the Bears host the Jets this week and if Caleb isn’t ready to come back…they can survive with the Windy City’s new hero for now!

Quick Hitters

I am feeling generous so here are some quick hitters on a fresh set of downs to touch on the other games on the card.

Just Win Baby: And that they have, as the Raiders took their new look team on the road to New Orleans and beat the spunky Saints in a good one to go to 3-0. Hell of a job by new coach and QB combo Clint Kubiak and Kirk Cousins to lead this squad in a gash in that would make Al Davis proud!

Vikings Top Pirates: I guess Pirate ships and their cannons are no match for Viking long ship after all. Minnesota went down to Tampa and sent the Bucs to Davy Jones locker at 0-3 with Baker hurt. Minny meanwhile looks like a well rounded and well coached 3-0 outfit.

Bengal Blunders: The game is played in three phases and special teams (the third) cost the Bengals today. A running into the kicker penalty, followed by a muffed punt handed Pittsburgh 10 points in a game where Cincy’s offense out performed Pittsburghs…yeah they’ll want this one back as Cincy falls to 2-1.

What The Hells Going on Out There?: Who knew just how valuable Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs were. Green Bay looks utterly broken through three games, as they get blown out by Atlanta on TNF at Lambeau. The clock is ticking on LaFleur as this team should really be 0-3.

Ponies Herd Cattle: The Colts and Texans came into this one at 0-2, and man it wasn’t pretty. Indy did just enough late to steal a lead and CJ Stroud gave him team basically no chance to win the game late, for the second year in a row, the Texans are 0-3…the question is can they rally from that spot like last year?

Ho-Hum for KC: The Dolphins tank was a match made in heaven for the Chiefs revamped machine, especially with Devon Achane banged up. Stick a fork in Miami, as KC hits 3-0, this one was never really in doubt at 24-10.

A Rare Road Loss: Give Washington credit this week, as they manage to rally behind Marcus Mariota and knock off Seattle. Sam Darnold came back to the lineup and mostly played well, but Dan Quinn’s defense did enough to help them get their first win on the season at home, handing Seattle just the third road loss of the Mike McDonald era, 33-31

Walking Wounded Win: San Francisco just cannot keep this roster healthy. Brock Purdy and company won 36-30 over the Cards, but had Trent Williams and Mike Evans go down along the way. This team will be a force the rest of the way…if they’re all on the field.

The Picks

Before we wrap, it’s time for the picks! Coming into week four, I have a one game lead on Sean after going 10-6 last week while he honored Jason Garrett by going 8-8. That has us at 32-16 and 31-17 overall on the year. The competition rolls on so let’s see how we fair after this week’s slate.

Game	Nick	Sean
Steelers @ Browns (TNF)	Browns	Steelers
Colts vs Commanders (London)	Commanders	Commanders
Titans @ Ravens	Ravens	Ravens
Patriots @ Bills	Bills	Bills
Jets @ Bears	Bears	Bears
Jaguars @ Bengals	Bengals	Bengals
Cowboys @ Texans	Cowboys	Cowboys
Cardinals @ Giants	Giants	Cardinals
Rams @ Eagles	Eagles	Rams
Packers @ Buccaneers	Packers	Buccaneers
Dolphins @ Vikings	Vikings	Vikings
Chiefs @ Raiders	Chiefs	Raiders
Chargers @ Seahawks	Seahawks	Seahawks
Broncos @ Niners	Niners	Niners
Lions @ Panthers (SNF)	Panthers	Panthers
Falcons @ Saints (MNF)	Saints	Saints

This is a fun card with some intriguing games on it. Denver at San Francisco, KC at Vegas, and New England at Buffalo have my attention in the non-primetime portion of the card as it feels like we’ll learn a lot from those contests. We’ve got a London game this week so you can quite literally spend all day watching ball, and the primetime slate features a couple of squads we don’t always see in those slots, a few of whom happen to have played well so far this year. Just promise me all of you will pick New Orleans Monday night on the 20th anniversary of one of the most important games in Saints history.

That’s all I got for this written edition of four downs, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed putting together, go enjoy the games everyone! Check out our Instagram feed for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Check out our friends on the The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon.