Sunday, September 17, 2023

2023 3GML Season - Week #2

Cincinnati Bengals 38

Baltimore Ravens 30

CINCINNATI - Marvin Harrison Jr. here I come! Ravens 0-2


San Francisco 49ers 20 

Los Angeles Rams 13

LOS ANGELES -  In a highly anticipated Week Two matchup, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, and it was a hard-fought battle that resulted in a 20-13 victory for the 49ers.

The 49ers' ground game was a bright spot in their offense, with running back Dalvin Cook leading the charge by accumulating an impressive 130 rushing yards on 17 carries. Cook's ability to find gaps in the Rams' defense played a crucial role in San Francisco's success.

Quarterback Justin Fields also made a significant contribution to the 49ers' scoring efforts with a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility. Fields' ability to make plays with his legs adds an element of unpredictability to the 49ers' offensive strategy.

However, one concerning aspect of the game was the 49ers' pass protection. Their offensive line gave up a staggering nine sacks, raising questions about the team's ability to protect their quarterback. The Rams' relentless pass rush created significant challenges for Fields, making it difficult for him to find open receivers and sustain drives.

After the game, Cook expressed his satisfaction with the win but acknowledged the pass protection issues, saying, "We executed well today, and it's great to come out with a win. Our offensive line did a fantastic job opening up running lanes, but we need to work on protecting our quarterback better."

The 49ers' victory showcased their potential as they continue to improve throughout the season. The Rams provided a formidable challenge, and the concerns about pass protection serve as an area of focus for the team as they prepare for next week against the Giants on Thursday Night Football.


Philadelphia Eagles 48

Minnesota Vikings 13

MINNEAPOLIS - In a one-sided contest that quickly turned into a blowout, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to an impressive 48-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Eagles head coach Eric Bieniemy made a bold move by giving rookie quarterback Will Levis the start, after the young signal-caller led the Eagles to a thrilling victory off the bench last week in New England. Levis did not disappoint, showing remarkable poise and precision. He threw for four touchdowns and, perhaps even more impressively, committed zero turnovers, displaying a level of maturity beyond his years.

After the game, Coach Bieniemy praised his rookie QB, stating, "Will showed tremendous composure and made excellent decisions today. It's clear that he's got a bright future ahead of him."

While Levis had a standout performance, the star of the day belonged to running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey showcased his remarkable versatility, amassing an astonishing 227 yards and two total touchdowns.

McCaffrey shared his thoughts on the game, saying, "The offensive line did a fantastic job opening up lanes for me today. It feels great to contribute to the team's success in multiple ways."

The Eagles' defense played a pivotal role in their commanding victory, stifling the Vikings' offense throughout the contest. Edge rusher Haason Reddick led the defensive charge with 1.5 sacks, putting constant pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Reddick commented on the defense's performance, noting, "We set the tone early and didn't let up. It's a testament to our hard work and preparation."

The Eagles' dominant win sends a clear message to the league, highlighting their potential as a force to be reckoned with. They will try to keep it rolling next week against the Buccaneers.


Green Bay Packers 47

Atlanta Falcons 28

ATLANTA - The Green Bay Packers showcased their offensive prowess in a high-scoring showdown against the Atlanta Falcons, securing a convincing 47-28 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa emerged as the standout player of the day, delivering a stellar performance that left fans in awe.

Tagovailoa, who has steadily developed into a dynamic presence under center, had a day to remember. He threw for a remarkable 454 yards and connected with his targets for five touchdowns, all while keeping the Falcons' defense at bay with a clean slate, recording no interceptions.

After the game, Tagovailoa expressed his gratitude and credited his teammates, saying, "I've got to give credit to the offensive line for providing me with great protection and my receivers for making plays. We executed our game plan well today."

The Packers' receiving corps showcased its depth and talent. Gabe Davis led the charge with an impressive 143 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. Justin Jefferson contributed 128 receiving yards and two of his own TDs, showcasing his elite route-running and hands, while Amon Ra St. Brown was just shy of 100 yards with 97, displaying his versatility in the passing game.

Davis, reflecting on the team's performance, said, "We've got a fantastic group of receivers here, and today we were all on the same page. Tua did a great job finding us in space."

Jefferson added, "We knew we had the talent to make plays, and today we delivered. It's always special to be a part of a win like this."

The Packers' impressive victory sends a resounding message to the league about their offensive firepower, They will try to replicate this success next week in their home opener against the New Orleans Saints.


Houston Texans 49

Indianapolis Colts 20

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans delivered a stunning performance in front of their home crowd on Sunday, trouncing the Indianapolis Colts 49-20 in a Week 2 matchup that left fans in awe.

Quarterback Trey Lance was the undeniable star of the game, showcasing his multifaceted skills with an impressive stat line. Lance threw for 292 yards and a touchdown, displaying pinpoint accuracy and poise in the pocket. However, it was his incredible mobility that stole the show, as he scored three rushing touchdowns, making it clear that he is a dual-threat quarterback to be reckoned with.

After the game, Lance reflected on his performance, saying, "I've always believed in my ability to make plays with my legs when needed. It's a great feeling to contribute to the team's success in this way, and I'm thankful for the trust my teammates and coaches have in me."

Running back Elijah Mitchell also had a standout game, rushing for 148 yards and notching two touchdowns. Mitchell's explosive runs and ability to find holes in the Colts' defense proved pivotal in the Texans' victory. "The offensive line did a fantastic job opening up lanes for me," Mitchell noted. "I just tried to capitalize on those opportunities and help our team get the win."

Texans head coach David Shaw praised his team's performance, saying, "We knew what we were capable of, and today, we put it all together. We've got a resilient group of guys who work hard day in and day out. This win is a testament to their dedication."

The Texans' victory improves their record to 2-0, while the Colts drop to 0-2, leaving both teams with much to consider as they move forward in the season.


San Diego Chargers 20

Tennessee Titans 16


NASHVILLE - In a thrilling NFL matchup on Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers emerged victorious over the Tennessee Titans with a final score of 20-16, thanks to a spectacular 98-yard kickoff return by Tarik Cohen in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Cohen's electrifying play proved to be the game-changing moment that bailed out quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who struggled with three interceptions earlier in the contest, and propelled the Chargers to a 2-0 record early in the season.

Cohen's game-saving return showcased his incredible speed and agility as he eluded Titans defenders, sprinting down the field and into the end zone, sending the home crowd into a silenced shock.

After the game, Cohen commented on his remarkable return, saying, "I knew I had to make a play for my team. We were struggling a bit, but I had confidence in our defense, and I just saw an opening on that kickoff return. It was an amazing feeling to help secure the win."

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who faced adversity with three interceptions during the game, acknowledged his struggles but also expressed gratitude for his teammates. "I didn't have my best game today, but this team never gave up on me," Brissett said. "Tarik's return was incredible, and our defense played lights out. We win as a team, and I'm thankful for that."

The Chargers' defense indeed played a pivotal role in the victory, keeping Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee offense at bay throughout the game. Edge rusher Nolan Smith, in particular, had a standout performance with two crucial sacks, bringing his season total to an impressive four sacks in just two games.

Nolan Smith spoke about the defense's performance and his individual success, saying, "Our defense takes pride in making big plays when it counts. We knew we had to step up today, and I'm just doing my part to help the team win. It feels great to contribute to our 2-0 start."

The Chargers' win improves their record to 2-0, setting a positive tone for their early-season campaign. With Cohen's breathtaking kickoff return and a resolute defense, San Diego proved they have the potential to be a formidable force in the NFL this season.