2024 3GML Season - Week 3

Steelers' Defense Stifles Chargers in 23-16 Victory

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers leaned on their relentless defense to secure a hard-fought 23-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Steelers’ defense made life miserable for Chargers quarterback Will Levis, sacking him four times, intercepting him once, and limiting the Chargers’ offense to just 283 total yards. Despite a late push from Los Angeles, Pittsburgh’s defense came up with a crucial fourth-down stop in the final moments to secure the win.

Levis and the Chargers (2-1) were driving late in the fourth quarter, looking to tie the game, but on a fourth down from the Steelers' 21-yard line, Levis was sacked, ending the Chargers' comeback hopes.

“Our defense was outstanding,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “They kept up the pressure and made the big plays when we needed them most.”

Pittsburgh’s ground game, led by J.K. Dobbins, was the difference on offense. Dobbins rushed for 117 yards, helping the Steelers (3-0) control the clock and maintain a balanced attack.

The Chargers’ run defense struggled to contain Dobbins, and their offense never found its rhythm against a swarming Steelers defense. Levis finished with 247 passing yards, but the constant pressure from Pittsburgh prevented him from making the key plays down the stretch.

With the loss, the Chargers drop their first game of the season at 2-1.  They will look to rebound next week against division rival Kansas City.

Packers Rally to Defeat Titans 27-20 Behind Sam Howell's Strong Debut

NASHVILLE (AP) — Playing without their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the first time this season, the Green Bay Packers rallied late to defeat the Tennessee Titans 27-20 on Sunday in a gritty road win.

Backup quarterback Sam Howell stepped into the spotlight and delivered, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns while completing 79% of his passes. Howell was poised throughout, guiding the Packers (2-1) to a come-from-behind victory after trailing for much of the game.

“It was a total team effort,” said Packers captain Justin Jefferson. “Sam [Howell] stepped up big for us when we needed him, and the team rallied behind him.”

The Packers’ offense struggled to find points early, falling behind until the fourth quarter. However, Howell’s connection with rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze sparked the comeback. Odunze had a breakout performance, hauling in six receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard score that gave Green Bay the lead.

Despite the slow start, Green Bay’s defense kept them in the game, limiting Tennessee's offensive production. The Packers finally broke through in the final quarter, scoring two touchdowns to secure the victory.

The loss drops the Titans to 1-2, while Green Bay improves to 2-1, showing resilience in their first game without their starting quarterback.

Texans Defense Shines in 38-7 Rout of Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Houston Texans dominated from start to finish, overwhelming the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 on the road in a game that was decided by the defense. Houston’s defensive unit set the tone early, scoring twice and keeping the Vikings (1-2) out of the end zone until the fourth quarter.

Texans safety Tyrann Mathieu ignited the blowout with a 34-yard pick-six in the first quarter, putting Houston (3-0) on the board. Moments later, defensive end Greg Rousseau strip-sacked Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold, scooped up the loose ball, and rumbled into the end zone for a second defensive touchdown, making it 14-0.

“We wanted to come out aggressive and set the tone,” Mathieu said after the game. “It felt like we were in their backfield all day.”

The Texans’ defense wasn’t done, as cornerback L'Jarius Sneed intercepted Darnold and returned it to the Vikings’ two-yard line, setting up a short touchdown run for Houston’s offense. The relentless pressure on Darnold was the story of the game—he was sacked seven times and threw two costly interceptions.

Houston's offense capitalized on the defensive dominance, but it was the Texans’ defense that stole the show, effectively smothering any hope the Vikings had of mounting a comeback.

The loss adds to Darnold’s early-season struggles, while Houston continues their unbeaten run with another impressive performance.

49ers Hand Rams First Loss, Win 21-12 Behind Spencer Rattler and Jamaal Williams

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers went on the road and took down the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Rams, 21-12, in a hard-fought divisional battle on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler continued his winning ways, remaining undefeated as the 49ers’ starter while filling in for the injured Jordan Love.

Rattler played a composed game, making key throws to keep San Francisco (2-1) in control. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was his top target, recording six catches for 109 yards and keeping the Rams’ defense on its heels.

The difference-maker for the 49ers came in the red zone, where running back Jamaal Williams powered in two short touchdowns to help build a lead the Rams (2-1) couldn’t overcome.

“Spencer did a great job managing the game, and Jamaal came through in those key moments,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “We knew coming into this one it would take a full team effort to get the win.”

While the Rams were able to move the ball, they struggled to find the end zone. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams’ offense couldn’t break through the 49ers' defense, which held firm in the red zone.

With the win, the 49ers improve to 2-1 and end the Rams' unbeaten start to the season.

Reasons for Optimism and Panic for All 3GML Teams

Through 3 weeks of the NFL season, we can finally start to asses what’s real and what’s fake. While you can typically say there are some aberrations with things, you typically know where teams stand. For example - there is not a dominant team in the NFL right now. For those of you pointing to Kansas City, they are two PI calls away from being 1-2, Travis Kelce looks like a shell of himself and Patrick Mahomes has looked like the league’s most average player. 

We also know that anything can happen any given week in the NFL where guess what, everyone gets paid to play. These guys are professionals and the gap between team #1 and team #32 is as small as perhaps it’s ever been. Everyone has weaknesses and everyone has things they can rely on to win football games. With that said, in the 3GML it’s no different. So through 3 weeks of regular season action, let’s see where the GMs feel confident and where they should be worried, not just for this season but for the future.

THE LA CHARGERS

I’m going to be honest there are more reasons for worry than optimism with the Chargers. That said, there is some optimistic things here including potentially a dynamic CB room.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM:

While Patrick Surtain has taken a step back from his dominant days, he’s still a very talented corner and rookie first rounder Quinyon MItchell can ball. He hasn’t been perfect, including a rough last drive of the game in week 2, he’s been impressive and very sticky in coverage. Those two have the potential to combine for a dynamic and elite cornerback tandem in years to come.

REASON(S) FOR WORRY:

The biggest reason for worry is WTF Will as he’s known now throughout the NFL. While Levis shows flashes of brilliance, including dealing at times this weekend, he also has an NFL leading 7 turnovers including 4 beyond atrocious ones through 3 weeks. While the offensive line in Tennessee is a train wreck, even with HOF OL coach Bill Callahan there, Levis has made some awful decisions. His QBR of 29 through 3 weeks, paired with a 33 QBR last season in 9 starts is a worrying trend, and when the upside is just 193 yards per game throwing though 3 games with a good trio of WRs and duo of pass catching RB’s, you have to wonder how long his leash is going to be.

The other worrisome peace is the downfall of the GOAT Justin Tucker. Tucker is the best kicker of all time but field goals now from beyond 50 yards is now a serious issue. Tucker has missed 7 of his last 8 attempts from beyond 50 yards and missed a 47 yarder this past weekend. Considering the NFL is now nailing 50+ yarders with regularity, is this something that can get fixed or did father time catch up with the best kicker of all time?

THE SF 49ERS

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM:

The three core players the team extended not named Jordan Love are playing excellent football. The 9ers paid big money this offseason to extend Jaylon Johnson, Brian Burns, and CeeDee Lamb. Johnson and Lamb are making a legitimate case to be the best in the NFL at their respective position(s) and Burns had a masterful performance this past weekend for the Giants. When you have truly elite core players at EDGE, CB, and WR, everything else gets easier and the 49ers clearly have monsters at all 3 positions. 

REASONS FOR WORRY:

The team has bad OL depth. Zack Tom is a really good player and one of the better draft picks all time from GM CD, and James Daniels is a nice piece, but after that this team is in trouble. Robert Hainsey is on the bench now, Austin Corbett has done okay but he’s part of one of the worst OLs in football, and Alaric Jackson just came back from suspension and had an absolute dud of a game.  They simply don’t have depth nor quality at the other positions and while it may not show up in Madden sims it’s a serious issue for the roster. 

The Green Bay Packers

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM:

The easiest reasons for optimism with Green Bay will be the same every year, they have a plethora of offensive weapons that will always be among the best in the NFL. Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and even freaking Dallas Goedert all have over 200 yards receiving through 3 weeks, and after a very slow start where separation was an issue Rome Odunze had his coming out party in week 3, pushing him up over 150 yards for the season. On top of that David Montgomery is leading the NFL in PFF grade, as he’s hammered defenses consistently. The team is loaded with weapons.

REASONS FOR WORRY:

This is the easiest reason for worry for any team in the NFL, is Tua done? The rumor mill says that he has no plans to retire, but should he? This is his 4th known concussion and he’s likely had more in the past. Considering the treasure chest of money this team still owes him and the fact that the team is still very good, are the Packers going to get stuck in QB purgatory? Is Tua’s concussion issue going to hang over this franchise’s head in perpetuity? 

THE HOUSTON TEXANS:

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM:

The main reason for optimism with the Texans right now is their running game has been dominant. Derrick Henry has 281 yards and 4 TD through 3 weeks, Tyler Allgeier has been extremely efficient and at times looks like he needs more carries, running for 5.6 yards per carry, and Antonio Gibson is averaging 6.2 yards per carry behind the travesty that is the NE offensive line. The run game, along with Isaiah Likely (PFF’s number one rated TE and number one rated run blocker for the second time in his career) leading the way, the run game in Houston is deadly.

REASONS FOR WORRY:

This is one that I don’t think many people saw coming but the trio of corners in Houston has played poorly to start the season. While the matchups have been tough for Deonte Banks, he’s gotten beaten up. Banks has given up 3 TD this season and 183 yards through 3 weeks. While L’Jarius Sneed was better this week, he definitely hasn’t been lock down for the Titans and uncharacteristically has missed tackles. Again a better week for Asante Samuel Jr this week but he also hasn’t been dynamic this season. Samuel has given up over 100 yards through 3 games - but he a lot of that was him getting picked on week one by Davante Adams. That said, the team invested a lot of money and resources in draft capital to get this trio together and through three weeks the returns have been lukewarm - and that’s putting it very generously.

 

2024 3GML Season - Week 2

Texans Edge Bears 18-17 on Late Drake Maye TD to Brandon Aiyuk

HOUSTON (AP) — Rookie quarterback Drake Maye found Brandon Aiyuk for a last-minute touchdown, lifting the Houston Texans to a gritty 18-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

In a game dominated by defense, Houston (2-0) struggled to find offensive rhythm for most of the afternoon, but Maye came through when it mattered most. With the Texans trailing 17-11 late in the fourth quarter, Maye orchestrated a clutch drive that culminated in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Aiyuk with less than a minute to play.

Aiyuk was Maye’s go-to target throughout the game, finishing with 12 receptions for 144 yards and the game-winning score.

“We just kept fighting,” Aiyuk said after the game. “The defense gave us a chance, and Drake made a great throw when it counted.”

Chicago (0-2) controlled the tempo for most of the game, leading from the first quarter behind a strong defensive effort. However, the Bears' offense couldn’t put the game away, allowing Houston to hang around just long enough.

Both defenses shined in what was largely an ugly offensive battle. Maye threw for 323 yards, while Bears quarterback Caleb Williams struggled to generate consistent offense..

The Texans’ victory improves them to 2-0 on the season, while the Bears fall to 0-2, still searching for their first win of the year.

Colts Cruise Past Packers 32-21 as Green Bay Struggles, Tua Injured

GREEN BAY (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts dominated from start to finish, defeating the Green Bay Packers 32-21 in a game that was never in doubt on Sunday.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson shredded the Packers’ defense, passing for 409 yards and keeping Green Bay (1-1) on the field with long, sustained drives. The Packers' defense couldn’t contain Richardson, while their offense struggled to find any rhythm.

Green Bay’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a rough outing, throwing two costly interceptions that stalled any hopes of a comeback. To make matters worse for the Packers, Tagovailoa suffered a concussion late in the game, casting doubt on his availability in the coming weeks.

"We just couldn’t get anything going," said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. "Losing Tua is tough, but we’ve got to regroup and figure things out on both sides of the ball."

The Colts (1-1) held a commanding lead throughout the game, never allowing the Packers to threaten. Green Bay's lone bright spot came in the form of two late touchdowns, but by then, the game was already out of reach.

With Tagovailoa's injury looming large, the Packers face an uncertain path ahead, while the Colts bounced back in a big way to even their record at 1-1.

49ers Haunt Vikings with 32-Point 4th Quarter, Cruise to 41-10 Victory

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold might have been seeing ghosts again, but this time it wasn’t just the New England Patriots haunting him. The San Francisco 49ers conjured up a spooky 32-point fourth quarter to demolish the Minnesota Vikings 41-10 on Sunday.

With rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler making his first NFL start in place of an injured Jordan Love, the 49ers (1-1) looked to be in trouble, trailing 10-9 heading into the final quarter. But Darnold’s night took a paranormal turn, and it wasn’t just Halloween approaching that had him seeing things—San Francisco’s defense gave him nightmares.

Darnold, who had been steady for three quarters, completely unraveled in the fourth. First, he threw a gift-wrapped interception to linebacker Drue Tranquill, who returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. As if that wasn’t enough, Darnold followed it up with another pick-six, this time to cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who jogged 59 yards into the end zone. At that point, Darnold might have been wondering if the 49ers were fielding a team of invisible defenders.

By the time Darnold could blink, what had been a 10-9 Vikings lead turned into a 41-10 rout in favor of San Francisco. The Vikings’ offense, which had looked passable for three quarters, vanished as if pulled into the Upside Down.

“It was like déjà vu,” Darnold admitted after the game. “One second you’re in control, and the next... well, you’re not. I’ve been there before.”

The 49ers took full advantage of Darnold’s meltdown, turning a close game into an absolute laugher. And while the defense stole the show, Rattler quietly enjoyed his first career win, managing the game efficiently and avoiding the big mistakes. He finished with 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

"Man, it feels great to get my first win," Rattler said with a smile. "Especially when the defense decides to go all ‘ghostbusters’ in the fourth quarter.”

As the Vikings (1-1) try to recover from the loss, the 49ers celebrate a much-needed victory in which the defense made life miserable for Darnold, who might be thinking twice about playing the Niners again—lest he face the ghosts of interceptions past.

With Jordan Love’s return still in question, Rattler will likely get another chance to lead the 49ers, who now seem to have found a new weapon: terrifying opposing quarterbacks.

Chargers Defense Dominates Panthers in 33-15 Victory

CHARLOTTE (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers leaned on a suffocating defense, forcing four interceptions—including two returned for touchdowns—in a commanding 33-15 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young struggled against the relentless Chargers defense, throwing four costly picks that derailed Carolina's offense. Cornerback Mike Hilton set the tone early with a 37-yard pick-six, giving the Chargers (2-0) an early boost.

But it was rookie Quinyon Mitchell who delivered the game’s decisive blow. With the Panthers (1-1) threatening in the fourth quarter, Mitchell intercepted Young at the goal line and raced 95 yards for a touchdown, sealing the victory and putting the game out of reach.

“Our defense came up huge today,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We knew we needed to make things difficult for their quarterback, and the guys executed perfectly.”

In addition to the turnovers, the Chargers’ defense held the Panthers to just 15 points, stifling any momentum Carolina could generate. 

With the win, the Chargers improve to 2-0 on the season, while the Panthers fall to 1-1.

2024 3GML Season - Week 1

Chargers Hold Off Raiders 34-25 in Season Opener Behind Will Levis’ Strong Performance

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Levis threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns as the Los Angeles Chargers kicked off their season with a 34-25 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Levis, making his debut as the Chargers' starting quarterback, connected with A.J. Brown six times for 151 yards, including two touchdowns. Brown’s big-play ability set the tone for Los Angeles, which built an early lead and held off a late Raiders rally.

Las Vegas (0-1) quarterback Gardner Minshew led the Raiders on a late surge, closing the gap to 31-25 in the fourth quarter. However, the Chargers sealed the win with a 47-yard field goal by Justin Tucker, putting the game out of reach in the final minutes.

“It’s great to start the season with a win,” Levis said. “We made some big plays, but there’s still a lot to clean up. We’ve got a long season ahead, but this was a good first step.”

Minshew finished with 341 yards and a touchdown, but the Chargers’ defense came up with key stops when it mattered most.

The Chargers (1-0) now head East for week two to take on the Carolina Panthers.

Texans Survive Colts' Comeback, Win 41-38 on Last-Second Field Goal

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Rookie kicker Joshua Marty drilled a 53-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Houston Texans to a thrilling 41-38 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Houston (1-0) stormed out to a commanding 27-10 halftime lead behind an impressive debut performance from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who threw for 475 yards and three touchdowns. Maye found Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk early and often, with Samuel racking up 192 yards and two scores, while Aiyuk added 132 yards receiving.

The Colts (0-1), however, mounted a furious second-half rally, fueled by quarterback Anthony Richardson’s dynamic play. Richardson rushed for 146 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns, bringing Indianapolis back to tie the game 38-38 late in the fourth quarter.

With the game on the line, Maye led the Texans on a final drive, setting up Marty’s game-winning kick as time expired.

“It’s a dream come true to hit that in my first game,” Marty said. “The team played hard, and I’m just happy I could do my part.”

Richardson’s dual-threat performance nearly stole the show, but Houston’s high-powered offense, led by Maye and his star receivers, proved too much for the Colts to overcome.

Packers Dominate Eagles 48-7 in São Paulo Behind Stifling Defense, Tagovailoa’s 5 TDs

SÃO PAULO (AP) — The Green Bay Packers put on a clinic in their season opener, dismantling the Philadelphia Eagles 48-7 on Sunday in a game played at Estádio do Morumbi in São Paulo, Brazil.

Green Bay's defense was relentless, intercepting Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts five times and shutting down Philadelphia’s offense from start to finish. The Packers (1-0) capitalized on the turnovers, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 253 yards and five touchdowns.

“We just executed at a really high level today,” Tagovailoa said. “Our defense set the tone, and we were able to keep our foot on the gas all game.”

The Packers' ground game was just as dominant, with Isiah Pacheco rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown, while David Montgomery added 118 yards. Green Bay’s balanced attack overwhelmed the Eagles (0-1), who had no answers on either side of the ball.

The Eagles' lone bright spot came with an early touchdown, but soon after the game became out of reach. The Packers led 27-7 at halftime and never looked back.

With the win, the Packers continue to build on their momentum as defending champions, starting their season with an emphatic victory in front of a Brazilian crowd.

Jets Outlast 49ers 41-31 in Monday Night Shootout

NEW YORK (AP) — Breece Hall rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the New York Jets to a 41-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in a high-scoring Monday Night Football clash.

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers put up 351 yards and three touchdowns. Rodgers and the Jets (1-0) matched the 49ers drive for drive in the second half in what turned into an offensive showcase.

San Francisco (0-1) found themselves in a shootout behind quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns and had one interception. However, Love went down late in the fourth quarter with a knee injury.  There was no update on his status after the game.  

“Both offenses were clicking, but our ground game really made the difference,” Rodgers said. “Breece [Hall] was incredible, and that gave us the edge when we needed it.”

Hall’s two touchdowns, including a 36-yard burst in the second half, proved to be the difference in a game dominated by big plays. Love kept the 49ers in the fight, but San Francisco’s defense struggled to contain Hall and the Jets’ high-powered attack.

The loss puts the 49ers at 0-1 to start the season, while the Jets open their campaign with a statement win at home.

3GML Season Preview: Celebrating a Decade of Football Excellence

As the 3GML kicks off its 10th season, the excitement and anticipation have never been higher. Over the years, we’ve witnessed unforgettable moments, dramatic victories, and heartbreaking losses. This milestone season promises to be no different, with each team entering the fray with something to prove. Let’s dive into what’s in store for the 3GML’s historic 10th season.

Green Bay Packers: Defending the Crown

The Packers enter the season as the reigning champions, with a target squarely on their backs. Fresh off their title run, they’ve spared no expense in securing the future of their star-studded offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, alongside wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, have all been locked into long-term deals, ensuring that the offense remains one of the most potent in the league.

However, as formidable as the Packers' offense may be, questions loom on the defensive side of the ball. The pass rush, a crucial element in any championship defense, is the biggest concern. Harold Landry and Carl Granderson are the key players tasked with getting after the quarterback, but there are doubts about whether they can consistently generate pressure. If the defense can rise to the occasion, the Packers have every reason to believe they can defend their title. If not, their journey to repeat as champions could be in jeopardy.

San Francisco 49ers: Rebuilding Without Tearing Down

The 49ers are embarking on a delicate balancing act this season. While it’s clear they’re entering a rebuilding phase, they’ve resisted the urge to tear everything down and start from scratch. Instead, the team has strategically moved on from several high-salary players while avoiding a full-scale youth movement.

The cornerstone of their rebuild is quarterback Jordan Love, who recently inked a long-term deal after the team traded away Justin Fields in the offseason. Love will be the focal point of the 49ers' offense, and the team’s success will largely hinge on his development. Alongside Love, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been locked up as the franchise’s premier pass-catcher, ensuring that the young quarterback has a top-tier target to rely on. The 49ers may not be the same team they were, but they’re laying the foundation for future success without completely sacrificing the present.

Houston Texans: All In with a Rookie at the Helm

The Texans have adopted a bold strategy for this season: go all-in at every position, even with a rookie quarterback leading the charge. Drake Maye, the highly-touted rookie, has been handed the keys to an offense loaded with talent. The team made big moves in the offseason, including the signing of defensive lineman Christian Wilkins and the acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who was promptly rewarded with a lucrative contract extension.

The Texans’ aggressive approach suggests they believe the time to win is now, despite the inexperience at quarterback. If Maye can quickly acclimate to the speed and complexity of the 3GML, the Texans could be a dark horse contender. However, relying on a rookie in such a competitive league is always a gamble, and it remains to be seen whether Maye can rise to the occasion under the intense pressure.

Los Angeles Chargers: A New Era Begins

For the Chargers, this season marks the beginning of a new era under general manager BD. The team boasts an impressive array of star power, with the likes of Christian McCaffrey, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Patrick Surtain II, and Xavier McKinney headlining the roster. The Chargers have the talent to compete with anyone in the league, but their success will ultimately come down to one key factor: quarterback play.

Will Levis has been named the starting quarterback, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can be "the guy" for the Chargers. If Levis can perform at a high level, the Chargers could be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. If not, it could be a challenging season for the new GM as he tries to navigate the highs and lows of 3GML competition.