Analysis
9/25/23
5 min read
NFL Week 3 Expert Analysis and Takeaways
Following Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season, The 33rd Team's experts analyzed the biggest storylines and applied their unique perspective to each team's outlook. Do the Bears need a new quarterback? What makes the Dolphins offense so special? Who is to blame for the Jets' woes?
Here are their expert takeaways from Week 3:
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Zach Wilson Not Solely to Blame for Jets Offensive Mess
Mike Martz thinks the New York Jets’ offense is a mess, but it shouldn’t all be on QB Zach Wilson’s shoulders. Martz explains what went wrong in New York’s Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Chargers’ Brandon Staley Committed ‘Coaching Malpractice’ vs. Vikings
Rich Gannon doesn’t mince words about Brandon Staley’s fourth-quarter decision-making. Gannon thinks the Los Angeles Chargers won Sunday despite their head coach.
Miami Dolphins vs. Denver Broncos
Team Speed, Play Calling Set Miami Dolphins’ Offense Apart
The Miami Dolphins hung 70 points on the Denver Broncos without star WR Jaylen Waddle, leading Samari Rolle to come away impressed with coach Mike McDaniel’s play calling. But what sets the Dolphins apart from the San Francisco 49ers for the NFL’s top offense, Rolle says, is their speed.
Sean Payton Doesn’t Need to Show Broncos Players Film From Blowout Loss
Samari Rolle says Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton can watch the film himself from the Miami Dolphins‘ 70-20 blowout win. However, Rolle believes Payton shouldn’t show his players this week and should move on to next week instead.
Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Commanders
Commanders QB Sam Howell Took ‘Major Step Back’ In Week 3 Loss
Former NFL MVP Rich Gannon explains why Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell regressed in his development this week against LB Terrel Bernard and a dominant Buffalo Bills defense.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
Resilient Indianapolis Colts Maximize What Baltimore Ravens Give Them
The Indianapolis Colts weathered a few storms against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s gameplan, the play of backup QB Gardner Minshew and the Colts’ overall resilience impressed Chuck Pagano.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals Exposed Dallas Cowboys’ Weakest Link on Defense
The Arizona Cardinals‘ strategy of using the Dallas Cowboys‘ defensive aggressiveness against them worked to a tee, Mike Martz explains. The Arizona ground game exposed a major hole in Dallas’ defense in Week 3.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears
It’s Time for Chicago Bears to Bench QB Justin Fields
As badly as things are going for the 0-3 Chicago Bears, Mike Martz believes they will only get worse if the team doesn’t bench QB Justin Fields. The longtime coach believes Fields’ hesitancy and inconsistency in the passing game is demoralizing the Bears.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett Cook Up Winning Recipe for Offense
Matt Canada's gameplan for QB Kenny Pickett and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense worked masterfully, Jay Gruden explains. The combination of rollouts, runs and play-action passes sustained long drives, opened the playbook and kept the defense fresh in a Week 3 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Raiders Should've Gotten Davante Adams the Ball on Fourth Down
Jay Gruden cannot understand why the Las Vegas Raiders opted to kick a field goal — especially with a red-hot Davante Adams on the outside — after the Pittsburgh Steelers gifted them an opportunity to get a touchdown on fourth down in the final three minutes.
