2021 3GML Season - Week #3

Miami Dolphins @ Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS - After their shocking 20-23 loss to the now undefeated Las Vegas Raiders, the Miami Dolphins (1-2) opted to have what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas. 

Miami, as 7.5 point favorites, stumbled through an uninspired performance like a drunken frat boy looking for one more hand of Hold 'Em at 4:00am. Those frat boys, in their Lacoste t-shirts, open toed sandals, and puka shelled necklaces would have had more success putting points on the board than the Dolphins offense on Sunday afternoon. 

"I really have no words," Jalen Hurts said. "I don't want to be reactionary, but we need to change our mindset now or things can get bad quick."

The Miami Owner/GM, visibly upset throughout the game in the stadium, elected to take matters into his own hands after the game.

"In our first season in charge, we released our quarterback at the time, Jimmy Garoppolo, for his ridiculous display of obtuseness as he frolicked into the end zone as we were losing by double-digits," GM EP said. "Now, after this performance, we are electing to release our entire coaching staff. I mean them no ill will, but we need new direction now. This team is built to win now and I believe a change in mindset is all that is holding us back."

Rumors began swirling immediately after the press conference that the team had reached out to former Steelers Wide Receiver and current Florida International Assistant Coach Hines Ward as the team's new Head Coach. Ward, a hard nosed, lunch pail player, is also reported as having reached out to Seattle Seahawks Offensive Line Coach Keli'i Kekuewa to be his Offensive Coordinator along with controversial Baltimore Ravens Linebackers Coach Rob Ryan to become the team's Defensive Coordinator.

Ryan, who phoned into the Scott Van Pelt show after the game, was animated in his excitement to move to South Beach.

"Oh, this is going to be a damn nightmare for the other 31 teams in the NFL," Ryan said. "This team is a (expletive) Ferrari that has been driving like a (expletive) tractor plodding through a pile of (expletive)."

Miami, and their new coaching staff will look to turn their season around next week at home against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

In what was definitely the game of the week, the Green Bay Packers (3-0) outlasted the San Francisco 49ers (2-1) 40-35 on Sunday Night Football.  Things looked slow early with the teams exchanging punts through the first quarter of play.  It then went from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye.

With San Francisco poised to move down the field after a Drew Lock fumble, Green Bay forced fumble of their own resulting in a Devin Bush scoop and score making in 7-0 Green Bay early.  Before the Packer offense made it back to the bench, San Francisco had answered with a Justin Fields deep touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd.

From there, the teams continued to exchange blows in what was truly a back and forth affair.  By the time the game had reached the fourth quarter, Green Bay was leading 31-28.  The Pack looked like they put the game away after a field goal and a Hunter Henry touchdown made it 40-28.  San Francisco wasn't done however, as they quickly marched down the field and scored on a Justin Fields pass to Boyd making it 40-35. James Robinson wasn't about to let the 49ers see the ball again after two tough first down runs and the game was over.

San Francisco's defense struggled in this one after a dominant two game start.  Stefon Diggs went off for 193 yards receiving and Robinson moved the chains in key moments, finishing with a 103 yards with two touchdowns.

"Yards were touch to come by tonight," Robinson said.  "That's a tough team.  We might seem them again."

San Francisco showed they can play with anyone behind Fields and MVP frontrunner Alvin Kamara.  That duo rushed for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns combined.

"We didn't do enough today," Fields said. "It's disappointing to take a L at home, but we'll look at the tape, learn, and get ready for Seattle next week."

Green Bay heads home to take on Pittsburgh while San Francisco welcomes the Seahawks for their first division game of the season.

Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans

The Houston Texans continued their hot start with a slaughter of the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football.  Houston (3-0) blew the game wide open early and went on to win 44-17.  With quarterback Andy Dalton sidelined with a knee injury, Gardner Minshew took advantage of his time as QB1, throwing for 392 yards, 2 touchdowns and added a rushing TD for good measure.

"We're going to enjoy this one," Minshew said. "Felt like I could have thrown the football over the mountains tonight."

Not lost in the shuffle was the dominant Texans defense.  Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers (1-2) looked out of sync on offense and struggled to move the ball.  The icing on the cake for Houston was a pick six by cornerback Kyle Fuller.

"They kicked our butts tonight," McCaffrey said. "One of the best in the league I'd say."

Houston hasn't lost a game since week 12 last season.  They'll look to keep rolling next week against Buffalo in upstate New York.

2021 3GML Season - Week #2

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - The Buffalo Bills (2-0, 1-0 AFC East) humbled the Miami Dolphins (1-1, 1-1) on the road with a convincing 27-19 victory. 

Miami's Jalen Hurts came back down to Earth after his AFC Offensive Player of the Week award last week tossing a pair of costly INTs including a pick-6 in the first quarter.

"That put us behind the 8-ball early," Hurts said. "I got to take care of the ball."

Hurts finished with 328 passing yards with a TD, but was sacked 8 times on the day by a relentless Buffalo defense.

"We expect this division to go down to the wire," Sean McDermott said. "To get a win, in the division, is huge even in Week 2."

A late Julio Jones TD gave Miami fans some hope late, but the team couldn't get close enough for a realistic Hail Mary as time expired. 

"We are 1-1," Jones said. "We now need to focus on the Raiders."

Miami will now prepare to take on Jon Gruden's Las Vegas Raiders.

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA - The San Francisco 49ers (2-0) rode their stifling defense to a 22-3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles (1-1).  The 49ers defense could do no wrong and had rookie quarterback Trey Lance seeing ghosts all day.  San Francisco sacked Lance seven times, including five from defensive lineman Bilal Nichols.

"Uh, that was awesome," Nichols said.  "I don't know if I've ever had a game like that before."

Offensively, San Francisco stuck to their game plan of healthy doses of Alvin Kamara.  Kamara carried 30 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns and was instrumental in getting the chains moving in the second half.

"Anything to help this team win," Kamara said.  "I feel like I'm more of that veteran presence on this team so I need to set the example every day."

The Niners have allowed just 10 total points through two games.  However, their defense will get a bigger test next week at home when they open against 3GML rival Green Bay.

Houston Texans @ Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND - The Houston Texans (2-0) came back from a 10-0 deficit to dominate the Cleveland Browns (1-1) 48-30 Sunday afternoon.  Things looked bleak early when all-pro defensive end Myles Garrett sacked quarterback Andy Dalton on Houston's first two drives, forcing the Texans to punt.  Garrett gave right tackle Bobby Evans fits, forcing the Texans to make a change.  In came rookie Quinn "The Belly" Meinerz and the Houston offense never looked back.  While it looked like Meinerz had a difficult time with Garrett, he didn't allow a sack and gave his quarterback just enough time to get the ball out.

"Quinn played his butt off today," Coach David Shaw said.  "We knew he played some tackle in college and with Bryan [Bulaga] and Christian [Darrisaw] out, we needed someone to step up."

With the offense allowed to find its groove, running back Marlon Mack had perhaps the game of his career.  Mack topped the century mark on both the ground and in the air, finishing with 100 yards rushing and 102 receiving.

"They were taking our other guys out of the game so I knew the ball was going to come my way," Mack said.  "It was rough missing last year so I'm just glad I have the opportunity to prove what I can do."

Of note in this one was the Texans continued to find success with their two-quarterback system.  Both Andy Dalton and Gardner Minshew played meaningful snaps on the day.  However, Dalton took a shot to the knee and couldn't finish the game.  Early reports are he avoided major injury, but with a short week and the Carolina Panthers looming on Thursday night, odds are Minshew Mania is back.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Detroit Lions (0-2) were outmatched 45-13 on Monday Night Football by an impressive Green Bay Packers team.  The Lions were down numerous players and just didn't have the weapons to keep up with a Packers team loaded with talent.

Green Bay (2-0) amassed over 500 yards of offense against a Lions secondary that looked confused all night.  Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was impressive, throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns.  However, he took a hard sack from linebacker Jamie Collins in the 4th quarter and was seen wincing on the sideline.

"He took a shot to the ribs and is pretty sore," Coach Eric Bieniemy said.  "We'll see what the tests show tomorrow."

Collins was all over the place for the Lions in the losing effort but coach Dan Campbell wasn't having it.

"We lost," Campbell said.  "Jamie needs to play better if he wants to be here.  His bench press numbers were sub par this week too.  Can't have that."

When asked about his coaches comment, Collins said, "Was he watching the game?  I gave it my all.  Man, I'm calling my agent.  Green Bay seems like they have something good going on over there, maybe they'll want me."

Adam Schefter is reporting that GM SD was admiring Collins' play throughout the game.  Considering Collins' comments, could there be a move coming soon?

Green Bay looks to keep it rolling next week against the 2-0 San Francisco 49ers.

2021 3GML Season - Week #1

San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions

DETROIT - The San Francisco 49ers (1-0) got their season off on the right foot in dominant fashion with a 27-7 win over the Detroit Lions (0-1) Sunday at Ford Field.  It was the first start for rookie quarterback Justin Fields and it didn't take long to see why the 49ers took him at 3rd overall in the draft.  On his first drive, Fields was electric, going 4 for 4 and scrambling for multiple first downs to keep the drive alive.  He capped it off with a rushing touchdown to put the Niners up 7-0.

From there, San Francisco used a steady dose of Alvin Kamara to run the clock and keep Detroit off the field.  Kamara was given the heaviest work load of his career, rushing 32 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

"I'm tired." Kamara said after the game.

The San Francisco defense also did their part forcing quarterback Jared Goff the throw three interceptions on the day.  Byron Murphy had two of those picks, including one on the opening Lions drive in the end zone.

"Feeling really confident this year.  I'm seeing the offense really well and coach has put me in a position to succeed.  You're going to see a lot more of that from me this year." Murphy said.

Of note, Detroit inexplicably asked injured tackle Taylor Decker to fill in at punter.  When asked about it, coach Dan Campbell stated Jack Fox missed arm day in the weight room.  

"Jack missed his assigned workout and we do things right here.  Taylor was willing to step up." Campbell said.

When pressed about how arm day mattered when it came to punting, Campbell said, "Bro. You don't skip arm day."

San Francisco stays on the road next week to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

FOXBOROUGH - The Miami Dolphins (1-0, 1-0 AFC East) outclassed the New England Patriots (0-1, 0-1) in every possible way Sunday afternoon at the home of the 6-time Super Bowl champions in the 45-24 Miami win.

Second year quarterback Jalen Hurts had a day for the ages in the romp. The Alabama and Oklahoma product finished 28-32, 488 yards, and 4TD through the air. Hurts also added 77 rushing yards and another TD.

"Like I said before, we aim to get better every day," Hurts said. "We still left some points out there today and we will keep working to get 1% better each practice."

Miami was aggressive over the past year and a half collecting offensive firepower. For a franchise that has prided itself on a 'ground-and-pound' approach, many pundits worried that the team could not commit to an air-raid approach. But with Julio Jones and Allen Robinson III producing 164 and 153 yard receiving through the air, the Dolphins offense has officially evolved.

"Jalen Hurts and the receivers were unstoppable today," Assistant GM TP said. "Mac Jones and the Patriots didn't stand a chance."

The new look Dolphins will head home next week to take on another division rival in the Buffalo Bills. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans (1-0, 1-0 AFC South) picked right up where they left off last season, pushing their winning streak to six games with a 30-3 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1, 0-1 AFC South).  While the end result of this game felt similar to how Houston finished last year, the team is quite different.  General Manager TH brought in many new faces this offseason and it was clear early they are going to have an impact.

One of those faces was Clelin Ferrell who was acquired via trade with the Las Vegas Raiders during training camp.  Ferrell was disruptive all game, finishing with four sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.

"Man, it feels good to be wanted.  I couldn't wait to get out of there [Las Vegas].  Appreciate the Texans for giving me a fresh start." Ferrell said after the game.

On offense, new (old) addition Brandin Cooks made his presence felt with two touchdown catches on the day.  Interestingly enough, one was from Andy Dalton and the other Gardner Minshew.  Coach David Shaw gave both quarterbacks playing time throughout the game even though Dalton was the starter.

It appeared as though Minshew had the better game of the two, going 13 of 17 for 119 yards and a touchdown with a quarterback rating of 114.5.  Dalton on the other hand was just 6 of 14 for 94 yards and a touchdown with a quarterback rating of 89.5.

When asked about the plan moving forward, Shaw was coy, simply stating, "We'll see."

Houston travels to Cleveland next week to take on the Browns.

Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - The Green Bay Packers (1-0) overcame a sluggish start to beat the New Orleans Saints  (0-1) 30-14.  With the offense struggling to move the ball early and the Saints up 6-3 late in the second quarter, cornerback Patrick Surtain II intercepted a Jameis Winston pass and ran it back for a touchdown to completely shift the momentum in Green Bay's favor.  

"That's it.  You just have to hang around and that big play is going to happen.  This defense kept us in the game and I was able to make a play when my team needed me." Surtain said.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was getting his first start for the Packers, struggled in the first half, throwing an interception and multiple incompletions.   However, Tagovailoa looked like a different man in the second half, leading Green Bay on two scoring drives (including one for 97 yards) that never gave the Saints a chance to catch up.

"Tua looked a little tight in the first half and I just told him to play his game when we talked at the half.  He loosened up a bit in the third quarter and did what we know he can do." Coach Eric Bieniemy said when asked about his quarterback's play.

Green Bay will look for a smoother start to the game on Monday Nigh Football next week against the Detroit Lions.

The 2021 3GML Season is Here!

Anticipation is at unprecedented levels for the 7th 3GML season.  For the first time in the history of the league, there is no super team or clear-cut Super Bowl favorite.  Each and every team has its strengths and its weaknesses heading into the season.  Let's take a look at how these teams stack up and give our final predictions for wins and losses.

Green Bay Packers:

Biggest Strength: Wide Receiver - Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, and JuJu Smith-Schuster make a trio no defensive coordinator wants to plan for.  The Packers would be wise to run 11 personnel frequently to ensure all three playmakers are on the field at the same time.

Biggest Weakness: Tackle - Green Bay may have a big problem on its hands when it comes to protecting new starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.  Tyrell Crosby and Liam Eichenberg are currently penciled in as the starters.  Crosby has been a backup swing tackle most of his career and Eichenberg hasn't seen a regular season NFL game.  Lucas Niang could play a bit as well, but he too doesn't have a NFL game under his belt.

Record prediction: 11-6

Houston Texans:

Biggest Strength: Offensive Line - Imagine a world where you can take a reliable left tackle like Jake Mathews and play him at guard because you are set at the two tackle positions.  This is the exact scenario Houston finds itself in with Christian Darrisaw and Bryan Bulaga anchoring the edge.  Put Brandon Linder at Center and you have a team ready to dominate the trenches.

Biggest Weakness: Quarterback - Don't get us wrong, Andy Dalton and Gardner Minshew can hold their own in the league.  But in reality, the Texans have two backup quarterbacks splitting time as the starter.  The good news for Houston?  Both men won't have to do too much with the solid roster GM TH has constructed around them.

Record prediction: 10-7

Miami Dolphins:

Biggest Strength: Wide Receiver - This trio may be better than the one mentioned above in Green Bay.  Julio Jones, Allen Robinson, and Corey Davis will give the Dolphins plenty of playmakers this season.  Quarterback Jalen Hurts could roll the dice with a throw in the direction of any of these three and more often than not be rewarded.

Biggest Weakness: Cornerback - The failed physical of Stephon Gilmore spoiled Miami's blockbuster trade last week.  This puts a lot of pressure on Tre Flowers, DJ Reed, and Taron Johnson.  Miami is going to score a lot of points, but when they play teams with elite receivers, they could find themselves in a shoot out with no lockdown guy on the roster.

Record prediction: 12-5

San Francisco 49ers:

Biggest Strength: Defensive End - The duo of Brian Burns and Bradley Chubb will result in countless quarterback hurries, hits, and sacks this year.  Burns is a dark horse defensive player of the year candidate and Chubb has shown when he's healthy, he's one of the best in the game.

Biggest Weakness: Defensive Tackle - The 49ers are the youngest team in the NFL by far with an average age of 24.4 years.  The inexperience definitely contributes to question marks on this roster.  However, the defensive interior stands out among the rest.  Andrew Billings and Bilal Nichols will be tasked with dominating the interior line this season.  GM CD is hoping the two men playing on either side of them (Chubb and Burns) will relieve some pressure.

Record prediction: 9-8