2023 3GML Season - Week #3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27

Philadelphia Eagles 20

TAMPA BAY - In a hard-fought NFL clash at Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged victorious against the Philadelphia Eagles, with a final score of 27-20. The Eagles faced significant challenges on the offensive front throughout the contest, struggling to gain momentum against a formidable Buccaneers defense.

Mike Evans, the Buccaneers' star wide receiver, was a standout player in this matchup, proving nearly impossible for the Eagles' defense to contain. His remarkable performance included two touchdowns in the first quarter, putting Philadelphia on its heels early.

Eagles quarterback Will Levis commented on the team's offensive struggles, saying, "It was a tough day out there. Credit to the Buccaneers' defense; they made it difficult for us to find our rhythm."

The Buccaneers' defense, led by an impressive pass rush and tight coverage, consistently pressured Levis and disrupted the Eagles' passing game. The result was a series of incomplete passes that hindered Philadelphia's ability to close the gap on the scoreboard.

Despite the loss, Eagles head coach Eric Bieniemy remained optimistic about his team's future, saying, "We faced a tough challenge today, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger. Our guys never quit, and that's a positive we can build on."

The Eagles (2-1) will look to regroup as they head home to take on division rival Washington.

San Diego Chargers 38

Minnesota Vikings 9

MINNEAPOLIS - It may be time for NFL fans to start to take the San Diego Chargers (3-0) more seriously as they picked up their third victory in a row to start the season with a 38-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Jacoby Brissett bounced back from his three INT day a week ago with 241 passing yards and 4 TD. The veteran QB benefitted from a stout running game led by HB Jonathan Taylor who continued his hot start to the season with 164 rushing yards and a TD.

"We know the mentality we want to have," Taylor said. "Our defense is leading the way and we need to grind things out for our team."

San Diego dominated defensively again holding a dangerous Vikings team to only nine points. For the season, the Chargers have allowed only 31 points through three games.

Free agent acquisition Tremaine Edmunds was all over the field with an INT, a sack, and a forced fumble.

The Chargers will look to keep their hot start going against their division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders.

Indianapolis Colts 19

Baltimore Ravens 36

BALTIMORE - The Ravens (1-2) will not start 0-3 for the first time since 2015 even without Marlon Humphrey, Greg Newsome II and Brandon Aiyuk playing after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 36-19 on Sunday.

Jalen Hurts played like the Jalen Hurts we know after a 2 INT performance vs the Bengals.

Rookies Bijan Robinson and Myles Murphy stood out for the Ravens with Robinson scoring 3 TDs and Murphy collecting 2.0 sacks.

The Ravens will next play the Cleveland Browns in a pivotal divisional matchup.

Green Bay Packers 27

New Orleans Saints 26

GREEN BAY -  The Green Bay Packers pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory on Sunday, defeating the New Orleans Saints 34-30 in a thrilling NFL showdown at Lambeau Field.

The Packers, who had trailed throughout the game, including a 16-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, despite a rocky start, showcased his resilience and leadership by guiding his team on three scoring drives in the final period, including a clutch 4th-and-15 throw to Justin Jefferson.

Tagovailoa spoke about his team's incredible comeback, saying, "We never lost faith in ourselves. We knew we had it in us to turn things around, and that's exactly what we did today. It's a testament to the character of this team."

Receiver Amon St. Brown emerged as a key playmaker for the Packers, contributing significantly with three touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving. St. Brown's performance earned praise from his teammates and coach. Head coach Matt LaFleur remarked, "Amon was outstanding today. He made some crucial plays when we needed them the most, and that's what great players do."

On the other side, the Saints' questionable play-calling in the fourth quarter raised eyebrows. Instead of running out the clock with a lead, they continued to throw the ball, ultimately allowing the Packers to capitalize on the missed opportunities.

The Packers' dramatic comeback victory improved their record to 2-1, while the Saints dropped to 0-3 on the season. Green Bay has a short turnaround as they host the Lions on Thursday Nigh Football.

Houston Texans 34

Jacksonville Jaguars 24

JACKSONVILLE - The Houston Texans dismantled the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, putting up 500 yards of offense and at one point leading by 24 points. Houston was led by reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week Trey “Quadruple” Lance and his historic day. Lance had a perfect passer rating via a 23-25 day which including a drop, 411 yards, and 4 TD. Lance’s only blemish was a fumble, but other than that the discarded 3rd overall pick was pristine. His weapons were led by Rondale Moore and 2 bombed TD’s to the diminutive slot weapon and 2 more touchdowns to Tight End Isaiah Likely. Deebo Samuel chipped in with more than 100 yards as well but seemed to be walking gingerly after the contest. 

Jacksonville moved the ball at times, and had a few key plays from star running back Travis Etienne but 14 of the 24 points were scored in essentially garbage time. Former number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence had time to throw, only being sacked twice and hit four times all game, but there were quite a few checkdowns on an aggressive top down Texans defense. Jimmie Ward made his presence felt coming back from injury for Houston, picking up a couple of PBUs and racking up double digit tackles. 

Houston is now averaging more than 40 points per game through 3 weeks and goes to take on a dynamic Pittsburgh defense next week. Jacksonville travels to perhaps their new home in London for a 6:30 AM contest. Houston’s win pushed them to a 3-0 record and Jacksonville to 1-2, leaving Houston up 2 games overall in a weak AFC South. Also - David Shaw is a god. 

San Francisco 49ers 27

New York Giants 3

SANTA CLARA - In a highly anticipated NFL matchup, the San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious in a dominant display of defensive prowess, defeating the New York Giants with a final score of 27-3.

The 49ers' defense stole the spotlight in this contest, led by a standout performance from defensive lineman Zach Allen, who terrorized the Giants' offensive line with 2.5 sacks, consistently applying pressure on the opposing quarterback. Allen's relentless pursuit of the quarterback disrupted the Giants' passing game throughout the matchup.

Not to be outdone, the 49ers' secondary also made a significant impact, as both JC Jackson and Damone Clark managed to come up with interceptions. These timely takeaways halted any potential momentum for the Giants' offense and underscored the 49ers' commitment to maintaining control of the game.

It was the 49ers' suffocating defense and efficient offensive performance that secured their commanding 27-3 victory over the Giants, leaving no doubt about their dominance on the field. The win showcased the 49ers as a formidable force in the NFL and left their fans eagerly anticipating their next matchup against the Arizona Cardinals

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.

2023 3GML Season - Week #1

San Diego Chargers 34

Miami Dolphins 6

SAN DIEGO - After a six year absence, the San Diego Chargers (1-0) returned home to defeat the Miami Dolphins (0-1) 34-6 at a rebuilt and rocking Jack Murphy Stadium. 

New Head Coach Nick Sirianni had his team prepared and hungry to face the Dolphins as the Chargers dominated in all three phases of the game. 

“We knew what this return meant to our fans,” Sirianni said. “I’m proud of our effort and looking forward to what is next.”

San Diego’s rookies and new acquisitions showed up throughout the game in major ways. 

Rookie Linebacker Nolan Smith was a force throughout with 7 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.

“This is a team people have been sleeping on,” Smith said. “You’ll get this every week - We were made for this.”

Fellow rookie Joey Porter Jr. made enough plays against WR Tyreek Hill to keep him mostly out of the game while newly acquired HB Jonathan Taylor carried the ground attack with 164 yards rushing and 2 TD. 

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the leader brought in by the new SD ownership group previously led the Miami attack that lost the famous 3GML AFC Championship “Snow Game” back in 2016.

“I knew beating Miami would be big for our owner,” Brissett said. “He showed a lot of faith in me to bring me in to earn a starting spot - I didn’t want to let him down.”

Brissett finished with 309 passing yards and 2 TD to go along with an INT.

The Chargers will now travel to face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

Chicago Bears 45 

Green Bay Packers 16

CHICAGO - The Packers lost 45-16.  That's it.  That's the story.

San Francisco 49ers 33

Pittsburgh Steelers 21

PITTSBURGH— In a rain-soaked showdown at Levi's Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) with a final score of 33-21 during their Week 1 clash on Sunday.

49ers quarterback Justin Fields delivered a solid performance in his debut, throwing for 234 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Fields remained calm under pressure and showcased his potential as the team's leader.

After the game, Fields commented on his debut, saying, "It was a great feeling to get out there and compete with this team. We've been working hard, and I'm just glad we got the win today."

Wide receiver Tyler Boyd was a standout for the 49ers, hauling in seven receptions for an impressive 111 yards, providing Fields with a reliable target throughout the game. Boyd's ability to make clutch catches in challenging weather conditions was pivotal in securing the victory.

Boyd expressed his satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I knew we needed some big plays in these conditions, and I was determined to do my part to help the team win."

On the opposing side, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett put up a valiant effort, amassing 338 yards through the air, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite the loss, Pickett demonstrated his resilience and ability to lead the Steelers' offense.

Pickett reflected on the game, saying, "We didn't get the result we wanted, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger next week. We have a lot of talent on this team, and we'll work to put it all together."

In a somber note, 49ers safety Marcus Williams suffered an injury during the game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Williams would undergo further evaluation, and the team is hopeful for a swift recovery.

Shanahan commented on Williams' injury, stating, "Our thoughts are with Marcus right now. He's a vital part of our defense, and we're hoping for the best in terms of his recovery."

The 49ers (1-0) will look to build on their Week 1 success next week on the road against the Los Angeles Rams.

Philadelphia Eagles 24

New England Patriots 23

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Philadelphia Eagles staged a thrilling comeback against the New England Patriots on Sunday, overcoming a 23-10 deficit to win 24-23, thanks to a quarterback switch and a stellar performance by running back Christian McCaffrey.

With the Eagles struggling to move the ball, head coach Eric Bieniemy made a bold decision to replace starting quarterback Mac Jones with rookie Will Levis in the third quarter. The move proved to be a game-changer as Levis led two touchdown drives that secured the victory for Philadelphia.

"It was a tough decision, but we needed a spark," said Coach Bieniemy. "Will (Levis) came in and gave us the energy and precision we needed to turn things around. It was the right call."

Levis, who had limited NFL experience prior to this game, showed remarkable composure and accuracy. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, including a game-winning strike to wide receiver Darren Waller in the final minutes.

"I was just ready to step in and do my job," Levis said after the game. "This team has great talent, and I knew we could come back and win. It's a special feeling."

Running back Christian McCaffrey also played a pivotal role in the Eagles' victory, scoring two crucial touchdowns, including a one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter that put Philadelphia back in the game.

"This team never gave up, and I just did my part to contribute," said McCaffrey, who finished the game with 68 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who struggled to move the offense in the first half, expressed his disappointment after being benched. "It's always tough to watch from the sideline, but Coach made the decision he thought was best for the team," Jones said. "We'll learn from this and come back stronger next week."

Philadelphia will look to build on this thrilling win as they continue their season next week at home against the Minnesota Vikings.

Houston Texans 40

Baltimore Ravens 17

BALTIMORE — In a stunning turn of events, the Houston Texans (1-0) emerged victorious in their Week One matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, upsetting their heavily favored opponents with a resounding 40-17 victory at M&T Bank Stadium.

Backup quarterback Trey Lance stepped into the spotlight for the Texans, taking the reins from an injured Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a devastating Achilles injury in the week leading up to the game.

However, it was running back Tyler Allgeier who truly stole the show for Houston. Allgeier was a workhorse throughout the game, rushing for a whopping 177 yards and finding the end zone four times on 34 carries. His relentless ground attack left the Ravens' defense grasping for answers and provided the Texans with a much-needed offensive spark.

"The offensive line did an incredible job today, and I just tried to make the most of every opportunity," Allgeier humbly remarked after the game. "I'm grateful for the trust my teammates and coaches have in me, and I'm happy I could contribute to this win."

The Texans' defense also played a pivotal role in the upset, limiting the Ravens to a mere 248 yards of total offense. They relentlessly pressured Ravens quarterback Jalen Hurts, finding their way into the backfield all game.

Hurts, despite showing flashes of excellence, struggled to find consistent rhythm against the Texans' stout defense. He finished the game with 18 completions on 29 attempts for 194 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

"I need to be better," Hurts admitted in the post-game press conference. "We made some good plays out there, but we didn't execute consistently. Credit to the Texans for their strong defensive performance."

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was a bright spot for the Ravens (0-1), hauling in eight catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. Aiyuk's chemistry with Hurts showed promise, and the duo could be a key factor in the Ravens' offensive resurgence in the coming weeks.

Amid the disappointment of the loss, rumors swirled about potential changes in the Ravens' defensive coaching staff. Allowing 40 points in the season opener was certainly a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen if the organization will make any adjustments in response.

While the Texans celebrated their improbable victory, the Ravens will regroup and look for ways to bounce back in Week Two as they aim to put this surprising loss behind them.