MVP Roundup: Week #4

No stats listed on this write up but it’s pretty clear there has been some movement and we’re starting to see this race play out.

1.     Dak Prescott, QB New England

Prescott leads the NFL in passing yards, not just the 3gml but the entire NFL through 4 weeks. His team is 4-0, he led a game winning drive in a simulated game, throwing for over 400 yards. He has 5 rushing touchdowns, he has a player of the week award, and he’s clearly the MVP through the first quarter of the season. He’s on pace to SHATTER the 3GML passing record this season for yardage and right now he would easily be the unanimous MVP. He’s got a big lead early in the year.

2. Tavon Austin, RB/WR Buffalo

If Prescott has a big lead for first, then Austin probably has an equally large lead for second through 4 games. His team is 3-1, Austin is up there in rushing yards in the league, closing in on 250 and is on pace for 1000 for the year. He also has been a good kick returner, and an excellent receiving threat. His overall play and his burst at the line has been a huge reason the Bills have a nice solid 3-1 start. He’s been the biggest difference maker on an offense that is usually dominated by Todd Gurley, but a solid but not exceptional start from Gurley has made this offense run through the 5’8 dynamo. Austin is putting up a year that could have him with some hardware come season’s end.

3. Jalen Ramsey, CB New York

The Jets have given up 33 points this entire season through 4 weeks. Ramsey is a big part of that, he has 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, and hasn't allowed a catch in 3 of his 4 games so far. He’s New York’s most important player and he’s playing at an unreal level through week 4. His team is undefeated and he’s the biggest reason why.

4. Jermaine Kearse, WR New England

I wrote earlier this year that Kearse has underrated tools at his disposal and he’s utilized them so far. He’s leading the 3GML in receiving yards and he was very difficult to cover in the biggest game of the year against Miami. While he might not get the accolades of other players at this point, Kearse is taking advantage of his opportunity and is posting good numbers and quietly is in the discussion for league MVP.

5. Aaron Rodgers, QB Buffalo

He’s been solid so far for the Bills, and while 2 interceptions in a game against the CPU is going to hurt, his team is 3-1 and he’s played good football. A quiet but efficient simulated game didn’t hurt his chances, and while the loss is gonna sting, Rodgers has put up nice solid numbers through 5 weeks.

6. Joey Bosa, DE New York

Bosa leads the league in sacks with 6.5 through 4 weeks and has been a complete menace. He’s a dominant force on the outside and while Wake has 5 sacks and 5 TFL, which was almost enough to get him in the top 10, it’s Joey Bosa who has played at the highest level as a pass rusher so far this season. He’s a damn good player who has a shot to set the single season sack record this season.

7. DeVante Parker, WR Miami

He doesn’t have the best numbers of other wide receivers, and his team is 2-2 but Parker has been extremely tough to handle for opposing defenses. His game has been excellent and in the sims he has really shown up. He’s quietly putting together a stellar season and the traits he has could potentially put him in the top 10 for MVP voting this year.

8. Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo

He’s played lights out and there is no reason to believe that won’t continue. He has a handful of sacks though 4 weeks and while some have been clean up, others’ have been huge. He’s been excellent and he could challenge for 15 sacks or more this year and no one would be surprised. Garrett is someone who will win numerous awards in the 3GML universe.

9. Shaq Thompson, DE/OLB Miami

Thompson has 5 sacks and has made huge plays over the past two weeks. He is a dynamic player, dropping into coverage, rushing the passer and chasing running backs sideline to sideline. He’s not a volume tackler in the role he’s playing right now, but he’s a really good player who is playing at a super high level. If he keeps making plays the way he is right now this Miami  team could sneak into the playoffs.

10. Lamar Jackson, QB New York

He almost didn’t make this list because he missed week 2 but Jackson won player of the week in week 4 and currently leads the 3GML in rushing yards. This past week he had twice the amount of touchdowns that he had incompletions and is the quarterback for a 4-0 team. If he hadn’t won player of the week he’d still be on the outside looking in but look for his star to rise if the Jets continue to dominate.

Others receiving votes:

Marquette King, Julio Jones, Mike Gesicki, Tyreek Hill, Josh Sitton, Zack Martin, Geno Atkins, Bradley Chubb

2018 Season: Week #4

MIAMI DOLPHINS 20 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 23

FOXBORO (MA) -- For 55 minutes, the New England Patriots (4-0, 1-0 AFC East) dominated their rivals from Miami (2-2, 0-2). 

But a late Dolphins surge, coupled with the game's only turnover, knotted the score at 20 apiece, giving QB Dak Prescott the chance to lead his team on a potential game-winning drive.

"We had our timeouts left after our defense held," Prescott said. "We just needed to get it in (Dan Bailey's) range and he would do the rest."

Prescott was cool and collected as he methodically led his team down the field. WR Jermaine Kearse picked up a crucial 32 yard reception to cross midfield while Alex Collins took a 3rd-and-2 handoff nine yards with only seconds remaining to setup the game-winning kick as the Patriots prevailed 23-20 to keep their perfect record intact. 

"Always good to win," Bill Belichick said. "Hate how we let it go there at the end, but proud of our guys for getting the job done."

For the game, Prescott, the front-runner at the season's quarter pole for league MVP, finished 24-39 with 406 yards, 2TD and an INT.

HB Alex Collins was solid with 88 yards rushing. 

Rookie DE Bradley Chubb did not fill up the box score, but made timely plays throughout with four tackles and a sack. 

For the visitors: The team now rests at .500 in a loaded AFC East. 

QB Ryan Tannehill kept his team in the game with a strong performance while connecting with his speedy WR Kenny Stills seven times for 146 yards. 

LB Shaq Thompson racked up another 2.0 sacks to get him to 5.0 on the season. 

The Dolphins were rewarded after starting 2nd year CB Jamal Agnew who picked up the 4th quarter INT in his first ever start out of the slot. 

The Patriots will next host the Indianapolis Colts while the Dolphins head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. 

NEW YORK JETS 48 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 7

JACKSONVILLE (FL) -- Even before kickoff it seemed like a given that the New York Jets (4-0) were set to overwhelm the winless Jacksonville Jaguars on their home field. The Jets did not disappoint as they rolled over the Jags 48-7 Sunday morning.

Newly minted starter Lamar Jackson was electric going 19-21, with 306 passing yards and four TDs through the air. The rookie also racked up 96 yards rushing on the day. 

"Coach (Todd) Bowles is giving me more and more trust," Jackson said. "I just want to put my stamp on this league for this team."

CB Jalen Ramsey took an interception to the house to open the game's scoring before finishing with three tackles and three pass breakups to go along with the INT.

"It looks like we're on a collision course with the Pats," Ramsey said. "I see ESPN and NFL Network singing Dak's praises, but he's not it man. You'll see."

The Jets will now head home to take on the Denver Broncos. 

BUFFALO BILLS 34 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS 20

GREEN BAY (WI) -- The Buffalo Bills (3-1) picked up one of the more unique seven-spots in NFL history in the first quarter after QB Josh Allen pulled a Dan Orlovsky and ran out of the back of the endzone to open the scoring. After a field goal, the Bills blocked a punt which then scooted out of the back of the endzone for another safety. Two-Three-Two to make seven. 

From there, the Bills utilized a punishing defense and surgical offensive attack to run away from the Packers 34-20 in historic Lambeau Field. 

Tavon Austin continued his dominant run as the team's change-of-pace back with 66 yards rushing and a TD to go along with 36 receiving yards. 

Myles Garrett again made life miserable for his opponents with five tackles and a sack.

That sack caused Allen to be rushed to the locker room (and to miss the rest of the game).

"Football is a violent sport," Garett said. "I'm just glad they kept that flag in the pocket. I've seen some of these other calls and I thought I'd get one for the sack there."

Punter Marquette King was the true star for the game with an incredible three punts downed at the 1-yard-line (leading to both safeties and a fumble recovered for a TD by John Johnson). 

"Punters need love too," King said. "I am honestly the greatest. Yes."

The Bills will now head home to take on the Tennessee Titans. 

2018 Season: Week #3

NEW YORK JETS 45 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 10 (TNF)

CLEVELAND (OH) -- A week after defeating the Miami Dolphins 19-13 in an AFC Championship rematch, the New York Jets (3-0, 1-0 AFC East) kept the train rolling with a 45-10 dismantling of the Cleveland Browns. 

QB Derek Carr was the latest Jets QB to be benched after a rough outing against Miami (see: Newton, Cam, 2015). 

Rookie Lamar Jackson put to bed any doubts that he is the man to lead New York with an impressive line of 247 passing yards and 2 TD through the air to go along with 93 rushing yards and 3 TD on the ground.

"It was just a great feeling to start with the guys," Jackson said. "Derek's been a great mentor for me. Hopefully I can keep it going."

DE Joey Bosa picked up another 1.5 sacks on the night for a Jets defense that did not budge until late (with backups in).

"We want to crush people," Bosa said. "That's all there is to it."

The Jets next head to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. 

BUFFALO BILLS 43 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS 21

MINNEAPOLIS (MN) -- After a devastating home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Buffalo Bills (2-1) took their collective frustrations out on a shell-shocked Minnesota Vikings squad with a 43-21 beatdown.

Despite the three TDs surrendered, the Bills defense was smothering throughout, yielding only 22 yards on the ground and 236 through the air while collecting a pair of takeaways. 

"We gave up a few big plays, but overall it was a performance we needed," Sean McDermott said. "We are starting to click."

Sophomore Jamal Adams picked up an INT while leading the team in tackles.

"We got #12 out here man," Adams said. "Our job on D is to get him the ball back so he can work."

Aaron Rodgers was solid, completing 76% of his passes for 225 yards and 3 TDs.

But the star of the game was HB Tavon Austin.

Austin, newly acquired from the New York Jets, rushed for 137 yards with 2 TDs.

The West Virginia product gave the Bills attack a speed element the team has been missing over the past few seasons.

"It's new," Austin said. "Being primarily in the backfield. But it's fun, I'll tell you that."

The Bills will now face the Green Bay Packers at historic Lambeau Field. 

OAKLAND RAIDERS 10 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS 23

MIAMI (FL) -- The Miami Dolphins (2-1, 0-1) quickly got themselves back on track with a workman-like 23-10 victory over Sam Darnold and the previously unbeaten Oakland Raiders.

Miami's defense kept the Raiders under 100 total yards until very late when the game was out of reach (Oakland ended up with only 22 yards rushing and 214 through the air while yielding four sacks).

Linebacker Shaq Thompson was all over the field, securing three sacks and six tackles on the night.

"With Reshad (Jones) going out late, someone had to step up," Thompson said. "It was me tonight and next week it'll be someone else. We are a team; Next man up."

QB Ryan Tannehill was not asked to do much through the air, but he was able to punch in a pair of short rushing TDs in the first half.

Rookie HB Kalen Ballage shouldered most of the load on the night with 31 carries for 119 yards.

After the game, the Dolphins announced they had reunited with 2017 3rd rounder D'Onta Foreman (who had previously been dealt to the Jets). This is in anticipation of the potential Dion Lewis to New York rumors that have been swirling.

Miami will now fly to Foxboro, MA, to take on the New England Patriots.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 50 @ DETROIT LIONS 21

DETROIT (MI) -- The New England Patriots (3-0) obliterated the Detriot Lions 50-21 on the road on Sunday Night Football to keep their perfect record intact. 

Dak Prescott threw for a healthy 365 yards with a TD and an INT while also rushing for 58 yards and a trio of TDs.

"We are just out here to win," Prescott said. "We are in a tough division, so each game is crucial."

With Prescott playing at an MVP level, the Pats defense was able to pin their ears back and pressure Matthew Stafford throughout.

DE Carl Lawson had a pair of sacks while rookie Bradley Chubb picked up a sack of his own.

"We came into this season with one goal in mind: Lombardi," Chubb said. "Three wins off the bat is great, but we are just getting started.

The Patriots will now head home to take on the Miami Dolphins. 

MVP Roundup: Week #2

1. Dak Prescott, QB New England

Has he been perfect, no of course not, but he engineered a fourth quarter win in week two against a very competitive Jaguars team and currently leads the 3GML in passing yards and has scored 5 total touchdowns. The biggest factor though, is the Pats are 2-0 and are tied for the division lead. Four total turnovers isn’t going to help his cause, but his running ability coupled with almost 300 yards per game through the air puts him in spot 1 in week 2.

Stats through week 2: 586 yards, 3 TD, 76% comp, 9.3 YPA, 3 INT passing

72 yards 13 carries (5.5) 2 TD rushing

2. Rashad Jones, S/LB Miami

The week 2 defensive player of the week was dominant for Miami in week 2 and solid in week 1. He has two interceptions and leads the league in both tackles and tackles for loss through week 2. He’s simply been outstanding as one of the most underrated and under appreciated players in the league. Without him the Dolphins don’t have a chance to win week 2 and he was dynamic and could find himself as the first defensive player to win league MVP.

Stats through week 2: 16 tackles, 2 INT, 3 TFL, 2 PBU & DPOW (week 2)

3. Brandin Cooks, WR Buffalo

Cooks speed is the big x-factor in the NFL and his contributions in week 1 was paramount to a win. A quiet week 2 slowed his role but he’s still averaging over 100 yards a game and has a pair of touchdowns. In a wide open MVP race he’s as good as anyone in the 3rd slot for this race.

Stats through week 2: 11 receptions, 210 yards, 2 TD

4. Devante Parker, WR Miami

He was unstoppable when flexed out. The team used a variety of formations so he was never matched up one on one with Jalen Ramsey Parker has had two consecutive outstanding games and was tough in a simulation to handle. His consistency is a big reason Miami might surprise the NFL this year.

Stats through week 2: 9 receptions, 190 yards, 1 TD

5. Myles Garrett, DE Buffalo

He’s simply a dominant player and when teams continue to try to block him one on one he’s going to get a ton of sacks. While Vea pushes the pocket, Garrett comes from the outside and wreaks havoc. He’s equally skilled against the pass and the run. 

Stats through week 2: 4 sacks, 9 tackles, 2 TFL

6. Rashaan Melvin, DB New England

His week 2 was quiet but his attributes in week 1 carry over for a 2-0 Patriots team. He has a handful of tackles and added a PBU this week as well and his 2 picks still are tied for the league lead. He might not hang around here this season but he’s the second biggest reason the Patriots lead the division. 

Stats through week 2: 2 INT, 5 Tackles, 1 PBU

7. Tavon Austin, ATH Buffalo

Austin has been a game changer and it’s clear that him as a change of pace back is more of a he needs to play most of the time role. He’s the only player in the league with 50 yards rushing, receiving, punt returning, and kick returning and his impact on the offense and special teams typically adds juice to a lackluster Todd Gurley so far.

Stats through week 2: 6 PR, 65 yards, 5 KR 130 yards, 53 yards rushing, 68 yards rec. 1 TD

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB Miami

You can’t knock the guy who was number one off the list as he still has an OPOW award to his name and is playing good football. A couple turnovers in a sim against the Jets wasn’t the reason they lost. He’s played fairly well and continues to battle and play good complimentary football.

Stats though week 2: 479 yards, 4 TD, 9.2 YPA, 73% Comp, 2 INT Passing

8 rushes, 27 yards rushing

1 Offensive player of the week award

9. Duke Johnson, RB New York Jets

He’s not fancy and hasn’t done a ton yet but the Jets loss of David Johnson was a big loss as the former MVP will miss 5.5 games. Duke stepped up and leads the 3GML in rushing yards and had a really quality game against the tough Dolphins team. While they are going committee approach to rushing Duke has been steady and solid for a team looking for an offensive identity. 

Stats through week 2: 27 Rushes, 137 yards, 0TD

  3 Receptions, 10 yards

10. Zach Martin, G New York Jets

I can’t believe I don’t have a Jets defender on this list but I gotta go with Martin, he hasn’t allowed a sack in 131 downs and is the best lineman on the best line in the league. There’s nothing much more to say but this team is likely going to set records in rushing this season and Martin might be the most important player on that offense.

Stats through week 2: 131 downs, 0 sacks, team leads NFL in rushing yards

Just missed the cut: 

A. Rodgers, J. Bosa, V. Vea, J. Kearse, M. Gesicki, T. Hill, C. Wake, J. Hankins, R. Darby

MVP Roundup: Week #1

1.  Ryan Tannehill, QB Miami

           

You simply can’t vote against a guy who won the AFC offensive player of the week award in week 1. His team relies on him a ton to make plays and with a stagnant running game he managed to pick up a few first downs with his feet, as well as toss 4 touchdowns through the air. He was very solid and the team was 1-0 with him making zero mistakes. In a league where you’re penalized more for the mistakes you make more than the points you score, Tannehill gets the nod in week 1.

Stats through week 1: 234 Yards 4 TD 0 INT  80% comp.   Passing

                                      27 Yards 0 TD Rushing

2. Aaron Rodgers, QB Buffalo

Rodgers was outstanding in week 1, throwing for 3 touchdowns over 300 yards and completing 84% of his throws. Normally this would be an easy vote as he was the preseason favorite for the award. However, he did toss a pick and he threw one early that went right through Suggs’ hands that could have made that a different game. That being said, he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances in week 1 as he turned in a typical dominant A-Rod performance. If he’s healthy he’ll shatter every league passing record in Madden 19.

Stats through week 1:  320 Yards. 3TD 1 INT 84% comp. passing

                                         0 yards rushing

3. Dak Prescott, QB New England

Prescott is arguably the biggest x-factor in the 3GML this season. If he can bounce back from a mediocre first 3GML season the Patriots could play a major role in the 2018-19 season. Prescott was outstanding in week 1 and played a really good football game. He leads the 3GML in passing yardage through week 1 and completed 84% of his throws.  On top of that he also ran for a score and used his legs for 48 more yards. The top 3 guys in this voting are essentially tied through week 1, these ratings are extremely close.

Stats through week 1:  323 Yards, 1TD 1INT 84% comp. passing

                                        48 yards 1TD rushing

4. Rashaan Melvin, CB New England

Nothing in the madden universe matters as much as takeaways and Melvin nabbing two off Deshaun Watson was a major contributing factor to the Patriots starting 1-0. He graded out as the number one rated defensive player through the first week in the league and his playmaking ability was paramount. Odds are he doesn’t stay up here throughout the year but someone always surprises in the 3GML universe with outstanding years on defense, like last year’s darling James Bradberry.

Stats through week 1: 3 tackles 2 INT

5. Brandin Cooks, WR Buffalo

The former Jet and offseason addition got paid mightily by the Bills and paid immediate dividends to ownership and to Aaron Rodgers. Cooks’ speed was way too much for a Ravens team without Jimmy Smith due to injury and Tavon Young due to the Jets’ GM being a damn genius and using him as their dime back. Cooks had 166 yards on 6 catches including 76 RAC yards and his deep route running and productivity is going to be huge for the Buffalo to hoist a Lombardi. This season we think will be the first in 3GML history where a running back doesn’t win MVP, everyone was thinking QB, maybe Cooks nabs the award with a monster 19’ season.

Stats through week 1: 6 Receptions 166 rec. yards 2 TD

6. Julio Jones, WR New England

Julio is a dominating player and he turned in another great performance opening weekend. Jones had 7 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown and is a force in opening up running lanes. A touchdown and 48 RAC yards plus the constant scrutiny he is under as the focal point of an offense leads Julio to be down at the schoolyard and in our 6th position.

Stats through week 1: 7 receptions 108 rec. yards 1 TD

7. Devante Parker, WR Miami

Parker was another former Jet who looks to have found a permanent home in the schematic genius of Adam Gase. Parker caught contested passes, ran away from defenders and managed to average 21 yards per catch through the first week. It was a strong showing on a bevy of routes from someone who struggled to create separation early, maybe his development will lead to Miami sneaking out of the rugged AFC East.

Stats through week 1: 5 receptions 105 rec. yards 1 TD

8. Vita Vea, DT Buffalo

Not very often you’ll find someone who after their first game turns into an MVP candidate but it’s what you found here with Vea. He played 60 snaps for Buffalo, a staggering sum for a zero technique type player, but he came away with 3 tackles and 2 sacks. While Garrett will end up with more sacks and they both had a pair this game, Vea’s were when the game was on the line and tight early and his pressure and constant eating of double teams was a major factor in Baltimore getting nothing going on the ground. Dominant performance from the big guy.

Stats through week 1: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 60 snaps

9. Derek Carr, QB New York

Finally a Jet makes the list but it wasn’t what Carr did that gets him on this list as much as what he didn’t do. Yes he missed a 60 yard touchdown to Cam Meredith but he controlled the line of scrimmage, and didn’t turn the football over. He even showed glimpses of how good of a runner he can be when challenged. He only threw 13 times but posted solid rating and ypa numbers while also rushing for 51 yards and a 28 yard scamper. No his redzone eficiency wasn’t good but he was solid and his team is 1-0.

Stats through week 1: 112 yards, 0TD 0 Int 69% comp. Passing

                                       51 yards 1TD   Rushing

10. Joey Bosa, DE New York

Bosa gets on the list because his defense was absolutely dominant on Monday night. Bosa scored two points himself and his entire defense only gave up 3 for the game. He had two sacks on the night and a number of pressures.  You had to include the Jets defense somehow in the MVP voting and on night one Bosa gets the nod.

Stats through week 1:  3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 safety.