3GML Voters Name Co-MVPs

For the first time in the seven-year history of the 3GML, the league has named co-MVPs.  San Francisco quarterback Justin Fields and Houston tight end Mike Gesicki will share the honor this year after leading their respective teams to division titles.

Fields, the 3rd overall pick in last spring's draft, becomes the second rookie to win the award (Todd Gurley II won it for the 3GML back in 2015).  A possible foreshadowing of things to come, Fields won the starting job at 49ers camp after one week.  Once cemented as the starter, the Ohio St. prospect took command of Kyle Shanahan's offense throwing for over 3500 yards and 22 touchdowns.  It was his legs, however, that took the San Francisco offense to the next level.  Fields rushed for 750 yards and six more touchdowns in his 15 games played.

"I'm honored.  To win this award as a rookie is unbelievable,"  Fields said.  "I have to give credit to my coaches and teammates.  I also want to thank GM CD for taking a chance on me.  Finally, I want to thank the voters.  To share the award with Mike Gesicki just reinforces what they thought of my play."

Gesicki becomes the first tight end in 3GML league history to win the award.  He made it impossible for voters to overlook his contributions to the Texans offense.  Gesicki tied the tight end receptions record held by Zach Ertz with 116 catches for the year.  Many of these catches came at crucial moments in games  including multiple on 3rd down.  When all was said and done Gesicki racked up 1289 yards and nine touchdowns.

"Wow, man.  What an honor," Gesicki said.  "When I was traded here, I knew I was heading to a young franchise and wasn't sure what to expect.  It was clear early on this team was special and headed for big things.  I want to thank my teammates and coaches for setting me up for success.  I also want to acknowledge how special it is to have a great connection with both Andy [Dalton] and Gardner [Minshew].  Most tight ends are lucky to have rapport with one guy, I had it with two."

Fields and Gesicki now get an opportunity to take their legacies to new territory, as both enter the playoffs for the first time in their careers.  Could we see a MVP showdown in Super Bowl LVI?  It's possible, but both San Francisco and Houston will only go as far as these two players take them.

Vote Breakdown:

(27 Votes): Justin Fields (San Francisco 49ers)

(27 Votes): Mike Gesicki (Houston Texans)
(24 Votes): Patrick Surtain II (Green Bay Packers)

(21 Votes): Stefon Diggs (Green Bay Packers)

(17 Votes): Quinnen Williams (Green Bay Packers)

(14 Votes): Alvin Kamara (San Francisco 49ers)

(14 Votes): Clelin Ferrell (Houston Texans)

(11 Votes): Bilal Nichols (San Francisco 49ers)

(3 Votes): Denzel Mims (Houston Texans)

(3 Votes): Devin Bush (Green Bay Packers)

2021 3GML Season - Week #18

 San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams

LOS ANGELES - The San Francisco 49ers took care of business and walked away with the NFC West title after a 31-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams.  San Francisco (11-6, 4-2 NFC West) looked like their early season selves with a dominant run game that set up Justin Fields in the passing game.

The Rams (5-12, 1-5) looked disinterested all afternoon as their season came well short of their goals.  They finish last in a tough NFC West division.

San Francisco now the 4 Seed will host the Washington Football Team in the first round of the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

DETROIT - The Green Bay Packers finished off their regular season with a win, their 7th in a row, as they beat the Detroit Lions 38-21.  The win was meaningless for Green Bay (13-4, 6-0 NFC North) as they were firmly locked into the 3-seed heading in. 

"We talked as a team and wanted the momentum heading into the playoffs." Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said.

The Packers who made a huge change at quarterback this offseason when the traded Aaron Rodgers to the Denver Broncos, find themselves in position to defend their title with his replacement Tua Tagovailoa.  The quest to for back to back Super Bowls begins next week when they host the Seahawks in wild card weekend.

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Texans were the last team standing after a fist fight of a game with the Tennessee Titans, winning 27-20 Sunday.  The win gave Houston (11-6, 5-1 AFC South) the division title and a home playoff game.  Once again the two quarterback system of Andy Dalton and Gardner Minshew proved successful and Dalton was hot early and the Minshew came in late and gave the Texans the lead.

"Hell of a win." Minshew said.

Now the Texans will take on 2020 MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Denver Broncos at home in the wild card round.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - The EP Miami Dolphins era came to an end with a thud after the 'Fins dropped the finale 55-23 to the New England Patriots.  The loss was the Dolphins 6th in a row and dropped them to 5-12 on the year.  Considering the final retirement of EP this season, things will likely look much different in Miami next year.  The 3GML is forever grateful for his contributions and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

2021 3GML Season - Week #17

 Houston Texans @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - The last regular season 3GML matchup proved to be a thrilling one as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Houston Texans 41-27.  The win for San Francisco was huge as they clinched a playoff spot, while the loss for Houston was equally large.  The Texans now play week 18 for their playoff lives.

San Francisco was excellent offensively as Justin Fields started the game 18 for 18 and finished with 305 yards passing a three touchdowns as the 49er offense could not be stopped.

For Houston, the loss is disappointing as they had hoped to clinch a playoff spot as well.  The offense moved the ball decently and a late surge got the Texans within seven in the 4th.

"We have to play better.  Period."  Coach David Shaw said.

San Francisco now plays for seeding and a potential NFC West title as they take on the Los Angeles Rams.  Houston, however, is playing for their lives as they take on the Tennessee Titans with the winner taking the AFC South title.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - Green Bay won their 6th game in a row Sunday with a 34-14 victory over the visiting Minnesota Vikings.  The Packers (12-4, 5-0 NFC North) used their stifling defense combined with an efficient offense to put the Vikings (5-11, 1-4) away in this one. All Pro Dalvin Cook couldn't find daylight to run most of the day and it made the offense one dimensional.

With Cook bottled up, the Vikings turned to the air and that didn't turn out much better as Kirk Cousins threw 5 interceptions.  Patrick Surtain II continued his impressive rookie season, hauling in two of the picks.

Green Bay finishes out their season on the road against the suddenly hot Detroit Lions.

Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans

TENNESSEE - The 2021 season can't end fast enough for the Miami Dolphins as they dropped their 5th game in a row, this time 27-20 to the Tennessee Titans.  Once again the Dolphins (5-11) saw the game slip away in the 4th quarter as the Titans scored late on a Ryan Tannehill to Marcus Johnson touchdown. 

The Dolphins will try to end the season on a high note next week as they take on New England Patriots at home.

2021 3GML Season - Week #16

 San Francisco 49ers @ Tennessee Titans

TENNESSEE - The San Francisco 49ers snapped their four game losing streak in unbelievable fashion, demolishing the Tennessee Titans 42-28.  Justin Fields obviously shook off the rust after his first game back last week, throwing for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown to the stat sheet as well.

"Derwin [James] said it last week, we're making the playoffs." Fields said.

San Francisco hopes to keep it going next week when the host the Houston Texans.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans housed the Los Angeles Chargers 52-10 led by Andy Dalton.  Houston (10-5) came out hot and never let up.  Dalton was absolutely electric throwing for 460 yards and 6 touchdowns.  His favorite targets on the day were the massive Denzel Mims and the reliable tight end Mike Gesicki.  Mims caught 5 passes for 125 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Gesicki had 8 catches for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Combined with the Tennessee loss, Houston now has a two game lead in the AFC South with two games to go.  If they can win the division title, it would be massive considering they were just holding their expansion draft 18 months ago.

Next up is a home matchup against fellow 3GML team, the San Francisco 49ers.

Cleveland Browns @ Green Bay Packers 

GREEN BAY - Green Bay kept things rolling with a 16-10 win over a tough Cleveland Browns team.   Green Bay (11-4) rode the defense this week holding a excellent offense to 10 points.  Harold Landry lead the charge with four sacks.

"This team is getting hot at the right time," Landry said. "We want to repeat as Super Bowl Champs.  Everything is still in front of us."

Green Bay stays home and takes on division rival Minnesota next week.

Miami Dolphins @ New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - The losing streak continued as the Miami Dolphins (5-10) dropped another game 35-32 to the New Orleans Saints.  Injuries have been the downfall of this Dolphins team, who at the beginning of the season were in the Super Bowl conversation.

"Every year, there is just a team that gets hit hard with injuries," Coach Hines Ward said. "This year, that team is us."

Miami will move on next week to take on the Tennessee Titans.

2021 3GML Season - Week #15

 Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - The Houston Texans took care of business against division foe Jacksonville, winning 27-20.  Houston (9-5, 4-1 AFC South) keeps pace in the division race while Jacksonville (1-13, 1-4) will be competing for the number one overall pick in the draft.  

Frustrated with their season, the Jaguars fired coach Urban Meyer after the game.  The breaking point appeared to be when he challenged Houston Coach David Shaw to a bare-chested fist fight to prove his manhood.  

Houston meanwhile still needs some help to get in to the playoffs in a very crowded AFC race.  They will work to keep pace next week when they host the Los Angeles Chargers.

Green Bay Packers @ Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE - The Green Bay Packers erased an early 14 point deficit against the Baltimore Ravens (9-5) and emerged victorious Sunday afternoon.  Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had arguably the best game of his young career, throwing for 423 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception.  

Green Bay (10-4) fell in a hole early after a 80 yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Hollywood Brown followed by a 78 yard Jackson touchdown run.  The Packers didn't panic and fought to stay within arms reach all game.

Entering the 4th quarter down 27-21, Tagovailoa orchestrated a long scoring drive capped by a N'Keal Harry touchdown reception, giving Green Bay their first lead of the game.  The catch was one of eight for Harry who had a breakout performance with 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Baltimore looked poised to answer and had entered deep into Green Bay territory when Lamar Jackson took off to scramble on 2nd down.  Jackson made the first man miss but wasn't ready for the second when Devin Bush leveled him forcing a fumble that safety Damontae Kazee scooped up and took back 77 yards for a touchdown.  A late field goal gave the Packers 17 points in the quarter and a 38-27 win.

Receiver Justin Jefferson was also electric catching 6 passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns on the day.

The Packers are hoping they are finding their stride as the postseason approaches and will look to stay hot next week when the Cleveland Browns come to town.

Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - Heartbreak in the bay as the San Francisco 49ers lost on a last second field goal to the Atlanta Falcons 23-21.  What looked to be a heroic comeback after a 4th and goal touchdown pass by Justin Fields to put the Niners (8-6) up 21-20 was quickly spoiled when Matt Ryan led the Falcons down the field with 49 seconds to go.

The loss is the 49ers 4th in a row and is hard to swallow for a team that knows they are a playoff caliber football team.

"We're better than this," Safety Derwin James said. "This is bulls---.  We're getting in the playoffs.  I won't allow us to fail."

The good new for San Francisco is the NFC playoff race isn't as crowded as the AFC and they are still in the top 7 even after this loss.  The bad news is their last three games are against quality football teams; Tennessee, Houston, and the Los Angeles Rams.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - The downward spiral continued for the Miami Dolphins (5-9, 2-3 AFC East) as they dropped their third straight game and essentially were eliminated from postseason contention.  The franchise has been reeling ever since GM EP announced his retirement from the league.  The Dolphins have been banged up and a shell of their projected selves.

Rumblings are this franchise will hit the reset button this offseason after such a disappointing 2021 campaign.

The Dolphins will head down to New Orleans next week to take on the Saints.

2021 3GML Season - Week #14

 San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI - The San Francisco 49ers dropped their third straight game Sunday, this time 28-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals.  San Francisco (8-5) looked out of sorts offensively all day with Justin Fields taking six sacks on the afternoon.  The Niners found themselves in 2nd or 3rd and long most of the day and didn't find the end zone until the 4th quarter.

"Terrible performance," Coach Kyle Shanahan said. "Guys will be held accountable and we will get better."

San Francisco is hoping this season isn't deja vu all over again after rushing out to a 7-1 record last year only to falter down the stretch and miss the playoffs.

The 49ers will try to snap their losing streak next week when they return home to host the Atlanta Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Seattle Seahawks dominated the Houston Texans 51-23 Sunday in a game where Houston was down multiple starters due to injury.  The Texans (8-5) struggled to stop the powerful Seahawks offense and couldn't move the ball enough to keep up.  It was a lop-sided affair and Houston will likely burn the tape.

Houston will look to get healthy and take advantage of an awful Jacksonville team next week.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers clinched the NFC North Division with a 29-10 win over their oldest rival, the Chicago Bears.  Green Bay (9-4, 4-0 NFC North) controlled the clock most of the game and even though it wasn't pretty offensively, took care of business.  With the loss, Chicago (3-10, 2-2) slipped into last place in the division. 

"Man, it was awesome watching Aaron [Rodgers] have this moment last year," Tua Tagovailoa said. "But for that to be me on the field this year means a lot.  We have the same goal this year, win the Super Bowl.  This is just the first step."

Green Bay will now turn its attention to seeding and will look to improve their ranking next week at the Baltimore Ravens.

2021 3GML Season - Week #13

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans pulled into a tie for first place in the AFC South after their 19-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts (4-9, 2-3 AFC South).  Houston (8-4, 3-1) dominated the time of passion as their offense put up 436 total yards of offense including 300 yards passing.

"You look at the stat sheet and we outplayed them in every facet of the game," Coach David Shaw said. "However, the only stat that matters is the final score and we didn't do a good enough job putting the football in the end zone."

Houston who looked committed to quarterback Andy Dalton during the week used a quick hook after three series and turned the keys over to Gardner Minshew.  That proved to be the right move as Minshew was electric, throwing for 287 yards and a touchdown.  

"My job is to provide a spark," Minshew said.  "I'm going 110% every time I step on the field."

The Texans are right in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt now and will turn their attention to the Seattle Seahawks next week.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE - A furious comeback by the San Francisco 49ers fell just short as the 49ers dropped one Sunday 41-30 to the Seattle Seahawks.  Seattle (8-4, 2-2 NFC West) came out firing on all cylinders as the Russell Wilson to D.K. Metcalf combination helped the Seahawks put up 35 points in the first half.

San Francisco (8-4, 3-2) was once again down starting quarterback Justin Fields but backup Jordan Love found his grove in the second half and found a way to get the Niners back in the game.  Love ended up with 383 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, and an interception on the day.  His favorite target CeeDee Lamb had a breakout game catching 12 passes for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"Doesn't matter without the win," Lamb said. "Dang, I hate the Seahawks."

San Francisco split the season series with Seattle and the two teams are deadlocked at the top of the division at 8-4.  The race should be a tight one down the stretch, but some good news is on the way as San Francisco believe Fields will be back in the lineup next week when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

New York Giants @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - The disappointing season continued for Miami (5-8) as they lost their second game of the year in overtime, this time 26-20 to the New York Giants.  The Giants (7-5) were able to hang 17 points on the Dolphins in the 4th quarter including the game tying touchdown with 27 seconds left in the game.  They won the coin flip in overtime and rode the momentum down the field to victory.

"This one stings," Coach Hines Ward said. "We are still technically in the hunt down two games with four to go."

Miami finally gets it bye next week and will look to get healthy before the home stretch.

2021 3GML Season - Week # 12

 Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - The injuries finally caught up the the San Francisco 49ers (8-3) as they dropped their game Sunday to the Minnesota Vikings 32-30.  Minnesota (4-7) used a furious 4th quarter where they scored 19 points to put away a hot San Francisco team that was just undermanned.  The Niners were down starting quarterback Justin Fields, all pro running back Alvin Kamara, and young star receiver CeeDee Lamb in this one and it showed.

Backup quarterback Jordan Love played admirable in place of Fields, throwing for 225 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

"No excuses," Love said. "We expect to win every time we step on the field.

Defensively, San Francisco didn't have an answer for running back Dalvin Cook who shredded the 49er defense at the worst times including a 97 yard touchdown run right before the half.

The Niners will look to get healthy and back on track next week when they take on division rival Seattle.

New York Jets @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans (7-4) held on in a nail-bitter to defeat the New York Jets 31-24.  Up 17 in the fourth quarter, things starting getting a little too close for Houston's liking when Zach Wilson found Jaylen Waddle for a 64 yard touchdown pass and followed it up a field goal a little later in the quarter to make it a one score game.  After another Houston punt, the Jets looked poised to tie things up but stalled out in the red zone sealing a Texans win.

For the Jets (3-8), Waddle was out of this world, amassing 271 yards and three touchdowns.  Nothing Houston threw at him could slow him down.

"That stings a bit,"  Coach David Shaw said. "I'm not sure how two rookies like he and Zach Wilson ended up on this roster."

For the Texans, the pass rush returned after a multi-week absence and both Clelin Ferrell and Melvin Ingram had two quarterback sacks.

"Felt good to finally get one in this uniform." Ingram said after being traded by Pittsburgh earlier in the season.

Houston currently sits in the 8th seed and just outside the playoffs if the season ended today.  They will look to continue their playoff push next week agains fellow AFC South foe Indianapolis.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Los Angeles Rams fell flat losing 30-10 to the Green Bay Packers Sunday after hyping up their all-star roster heading into the game.  The Rams, who were pre-season darlings by the media, have now fallen to 4-7 on the year and currently reside in last place in the NFC West.

It was the Packers (8-4) in this one who looked like the contender with a sharp defensive performance holding Los Angeles to 282 yards and 10 points.

"Locking in at the right time," Defensive back and team captain Casey Hayward said. "We know this defense can hang with anyone.  It's just a matter of showing it each week."

Green Bay heads into their bye week with a comfortable 3.5 game lead in the NFC North.

Carolina Panthers @ Miami Dolphins

MIAMI - The Achilles heel of the Miami Dolphins all season has been the health of their amazing wide receiver trio, Julio Jones, Allen Robinson, and Corey Davis.  It has been a rarity that all three have been on the field at the same time.  That weakness reared its ugly head three-fold Sunday with all three players missing the game due to injury. 

Miami (5-7) paid for it with a disappointing 34-3 loss to the visiting Carolina Panthers.  The Dolphins only gained 197 yards on the day and running back James Conner was their leading receiver with five catches for 31 yards.

The good news for Miami is that no one seems to be pulling away in the AFC East.  Both Buffalo and New England lost, keeping the Dolphins only one game out of the division lead with six weeks left.

The Dolphins have one more game next week against the New York Giants before they finally get their week 14 bye.