MVP Roundup: Week #1

1.  Ryan Tannehill, QB Miami

           

You simply can’t vote against a guy who won the AFC offensive player of the week award in week 1. His team relies on him a ton to make plays and with a stagnant running game he managed to pick up a few first downs with his feet, as well as toss 4 touchdowns through the air. He was very solid and the team was 1-0 with him making zero mistakes. In a league where you’re penalized more for the mistakes you make more than the points you score, Tannehill gets the nod in week 1.

Stats through week 1: 234 Yards 4 TD 0 INT  80% comp.   Passing

                                      27 Yards 0 TD Rushing

2. Aaron Rodgers, QB Buffalo

Rodgers was outstanding in week 1, throwing for 3 touchdowns over 300 yards and completing 84% of his throws. Normally this would be an easy vote as he was the preseason favorite for the award. However, he did toss a pick and he threw one early that went right through Suggs’ hands that could have made that a different game. That being said, he didn’t do anything to hurt his chances in week 1 as he turned in a typical dominant A-Rod performance. If he’s healthy he’ll shatter every league passing record in Madden 19.

Stats through week 1:  320 Yards. 3TD 1 INT 84% comp. passing

                                         0 yards rushing

3. Dak Prescott, QB New England

Prescott is arguably the biggest x-factor in the 3GML this season. If he can bounce back from a mediocre first 3GML season the Patriots could play a major role in the 2018-19 season. Prescott was outstanding in week 1 and played a really good football game. He leads the 3GML in passing yardage through week 1 and completed 84% of his throws.  On top of that he also ran for a score and used his legs for 48 more yards. The top 3 guys in this voting are essentially tied through week 1, these ratings are extremely close.

Stats through week 1:  323 Yards, 1TD 1INT 84% comp. passing

                                        48 yards 1TD rushing

4. Rashaan Melvin, CB New England

Nothing in the madden universe matters as much as takeaways and Melvin nabbing two off Deshaun Watson was a major contributing factor to the Patriots starting 1-0. He graded out as the number one rated defensive player through the first week in the league and his playmaking ability was paramount. Odds are he doesn’t stay up here throughout the year but someone always surprises in the 3GML universe with outstanding years on defense, like last year’s darling James Bradberry.

Stats through week 1: 3 tackles 2 INT

5. Brandin Cooks, WR Buffalo

The former Jet and offseason addition got paid mightily by the Bills and paid immediate dividends to ownership and to Aaron Rodgers. Cooks’ speed was way too much for a Ravens team without Jimmy Smith due to injury and Tavon Young due to the Jets’ GM being a damn genius and using him as their dime back. Cooks had 166 yards on 6 catches including 76 RAC yards and his deep route running and productivity is going to be huge for the Buffalo to hoist a Lombardi. This season we think will be the first in 3GML history where a running back doesn’t win MVP, everyone was thinking QB, maybe Cooks nabs the award with a monster 19’ season.

Stats through week 1: 6 Receptions 166 rec. yards 2 TD

6. Julio Jones, WR New England

Julio is a dominating player and he turned in another great performance opening weekend. Jones had 7 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown and is a force in opening up running lanes. A touchdown and 48 RAC yards plus the constant scrutiny he is under as the focal point of an offense leads Julio to be down at the schoolyard and in our 6th position.

Stats through week 1: 7 receptions 108 rec. yards 1 TD

7. Devante Parker, WR Miami

Parker was another former Jet who looks to have found a permanent home in the schematic genius of Adam Gase. Parker caught contested passes, ran away from defenders and managed to average 21 yards per catch through the first week. It was a strong showing on a bevy of routes from someone who struggled to create separation early, maybe his development will lead to Miami sneaking out of the rugged AFC East.

Stats through week 1: 5 receptions 105 rec. yards 1 TD

8. Vita Vea, DT Buffalo

Not very often you’ll find someone who after their first game turns into an MVP candidate but it’s what you found here with Vea. He played 60 snaps for Buffalo, a staggering sum for a zero technique type player, but he came away with 3 tackles and 2 sacks. While Garrett will end up with more sacks and they both had a pair this game, Vea’s were when the game was on the line and tight early and his pressure and constant eating of double teams was a major factor in Baltimore getting nothing going on the ground. Dominant performance from the big guy.

Stats through week 1: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 60 snaps

9. Derek Carr, QB New York

Finally a Jet makes the list but it wasn’t what Carr did that gets him on this list as much as what he didn’t do. Yes he missed a 60 yard touchdown to Cam Meredith but he controlled the line of scrimmage, and didn’t turn the football over. He even showed glimpses of how good of a runner he can be when challenged. He only threw 13 times but posted solid rating and ypa numbers while also rushing for 51 yards and a 28 yard scamper. No his redzone eficiency wasn’t good but he was solid and his team is 1-0.

Stats through week 1: 112 yards, 0TD 0 Int 69% comp. Passing

                                       51 yards 1TD   Rushing

10. Joey Bosa, DE New York

Bosa gets on the list because his defense was absolutely dominant on Monday night. Bosa scored two points himself and his entire defense only gave up 3 for the game. He had two sacks on the night and a number of pressures.  You had to include the Jets defense somehow in the MVP voting and on night one Bosa gets the nod.

Stats through week 1:  3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 safety.

2018 Season: Week #1

HOUSTON TEXANS 8 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 23

FOXBORO (MA) -- The New England Patriots (1-0) started their season in style with a businesslike 23-8 victory over the Houston Texans Sunday morning in Foxboro.

Rashad Melvin picked off a pair of Deshaun Watson passes while Alex Okafor notched a pair of sacks on a day where the Pats kept Houston off the scoreboard until the 4th quarter.

"Team win," Melvin said. "We are 1-0. We gotta keep grinding."

Dak Prescott played well, targeting Julio Jones early and often. Jones finished with seven catches for 108 yards and a TD.

New England next takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

BUFFALO BILLS 33 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS 14

BALTIMORE (MD) -- Aaron Rodgers and the Buffalo Bills (1-0) dominated the Baltimore Ravens 33-14 in Maryland. 

Rodgers finished 21-25 with 320 passing yards to go along with 3 TDs and an INT.

"Would love to have that pick back," Rodgers said. "But overall we played well. We need to keep on it all year to put ourselves in the best position to get back to the playoffs."

Brandin Cooks paid immediate dividends for the Bills with 166 receiving yards and 2 TDs.

Rookie first rounder Vita Vea picked up a pair of sacks from his defensive tackle spot. Second year phenom Myles Garrett also picked up two sacks late.

"I expect our team to be right there in January," Garrett said. "This is a good start, but we have a long way to go."

The Bills now head home to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

TENNESSEE TITANS 20 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS 28

MIAMI (FL) -- The rebuilt Miami Dolphins (1-0) defeated the Tennessee Titans 28-20 on kickoff Sunday in south Florida. 

Ryan Tannehill led his team to a 28-10 first half lead with four 1st half touchdowns. The Texas A&M product finished 17-21 with 234 passing yards to go along with the 4 TDs and 24 rushing yards. Tannehill was also named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

"We made it a goal to not turn the ball over today," Tannehill said. "We are going to have to win these close games if we are to reach our goals this season.

DeVante Parker finished with 106 receiving yards and a TD while rookie TE Mike Gesicki led the team with seven receptions in addition to a TD catch.

Fellow rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick racked up seven tackles while his DB mate Bobbie McCain was the team's defensive leader with five tackles and an INT.

"One down," McCain said. "We know we are the underdogs. We wanna show people we got some bite."

Miami will now head to New York to take on the defending Super Bowl Champion Jets. 

NEW YORK JETS 32 @ DETROIT LIONS 3 (MNF)

DETROIT (MI) -- The Super Bowl Champion New York Jets (1-0) ran away from the Detroit Lions in the Motor City 32-3 on Monday Night Football.

The win was not without a cost as the team lost starters Marshal Yanda (Turf Toe), Forrest Lamp (Dislocated Shoulder), and David Johnson (Abdominal Tear) which could leave the team without some key players on offense for the next few weeks.

"I'm devastated," David Johnson said. "Last year and now this. It's just not fair man."

Joey Bosa picked up a sack and safety early in the game while the rest of his teammates on defense overwhelmed the Lions throughout.

"It's next man up for us," Bosa said. "Our GM has loaded us up for this championship run and we need to lean on our depth and strength on defense while those guys are out."

Lamar Jackson was impressive in certain packages with 108 rushing yards. As a team the Jets rushed for 327 yards.

Derek Carr also played well finishing 9-13 for 112 yards and rushing TD.

"It was not our best game," Carr said. "But we'll take the W."

KR Jakeem Grant returned a kickoff 97 yards for a TD in the 2nd quarter. 

The Jets will now head home for an AFC Championship Rematch with the Miami Dolphins.

Preseason Wrap-Up AFC East Version

NEW YORK JETS

The defending champions finished the preseason 4-0 to the surprise of no one.
What was of note: The play of Lamar Jackson.
The rookie QB finished the preseason with 385 yards rushing with four TDs on the ground.
New York has done nothing to disprove the fact that the team is poised to hoist their second consecutive Lombardi.

BUFFALO BILLS

Similar to the Jets, the Buffalo Bills rolled through a perfect preseason, but not without their set up hiccups along the way (particularly in the Week #3 tuneup game against the Bengals).
But this team seems like a real contender with their wide array of offensive weapons and their young and hungry defense.
Most pundits expect the AFC's trip to the Super Bowl will be played on the home turf of the defending champs or these Bills.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

A frenetic last week of the preseason saw the team make a flurry of additions to their roster while having one of the most dramatic cutdown days in recent history. Many Twitter reports from prominent NFL writers incorrectly leaked stories of released veterans only to later find out the players had made the squad. Many fans were concerned that this team would punt on the 2018 season, but with the final 53 Miami unveiled Saturday night: The team looks poised to challenge for a Wild Card seed.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Like the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, the New England Patriots looked strong throughout their 53-man roster with a perfect 4-0 preseason record. Dak Prescott and Julio Jones look to be in sync with their pair of early long TD connections to start their final preseason game. A Week #1 showdown with the Houston Texans will prove if the Patriots are ready to contend for the AFC East crown or they are still behind the rest of the division.

AFC East Notes: Preseason Week #3

EAST RUTHERFORD (NJ) -- We are on site this week with the defending Super Bowl Champion NEW YORK JETS as the team heads closer to beginning their title defense.
With an under-the-radar signing this week of recently released WR/KR Jakeem Grant, the Jets now possess a skill position unit that could arguably field a pair of Olympic 4x100 relay teams.
Tyreek Hill, Braxton Miller, Tavon Austin, Jamison Crowder, the afore-mentioned Grant, and not-to-mention their QB2 Lamar Jackson are all burners that head coach Todd Bowles plans to utilize often.
"It's all about stretching the field for us," Bowles said. "We were in a fortunate situation this offseason to legitimately reload for the title defense."
With the speed on the outside coupled with Rob Gronkowski and Tyler Eifert slicing defenses apart in the middle, look out for this offense to make a name for itself alongside their already feared (and known) defensive counterparts.

Now, for the rest of the AFC East:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
With a deluge of talent in the safety room at Patriots place, Bill Belichick will have some potentially unhappy players once his final depth chart is released prior to Week #1.
First round pick Derwin James has been as advertised during these early weeks in August. But with returners Tre Boston, Morgan Burnett, Xavier Woods, and Marcus Williams all fighting for playing time, Belichick will be tasked with finding creative ways to get all five on the field.
"We have packages that use the strengths of all our players," Belichick said. "You can never predict injuries. We are constantly looking to bring in new talent."

MIAMI DOLPHINS
The purge of bad contracts continued last night as news was released that the team had parted ways with DE Andre Branch and S TJ McDonald. The cuts cost the Dolphins over $17 million in dead cap (Branch's contract was fully guaranteed, but the 9th year pro had been running with the third team).
"We want to retain the best players and those who can help us turn this thing around," Adam Gase said. "It's up to our bookkeepers to help keep us on track financially - I refuse to coach around contracts."
Miami's roster is getting younger by the day and the team seems willing to let their youth take their lumps in game action once the regular season rolls around.

BUFFALO BILLS
As Aaron Rodgers gets closer to signing his contract extension, the team also informed HB Todd Gurley that he most likely will not get a new contract by the end of this season. The Bills are unwilling to re-define the HB market despite the rare talent that is Gurley.
"He's amazing," Sean McDermott said. "But this is a business. We have him this year and can keep working with him through 5th year options and franchise tags. Todd's a pro and will play hard for us."
The team has also been in talks with future Hall of Famer Geno Atkins to find a way for him to end his career in the Blue and Red.

Preseason Week #2 (2018 Season)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

FOXBORO (MA) -- The JJ Nelson preseason hype train has reached critical mass as last week's hero racked up 119 yards receiving to help lead the Patriots to a 33-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night.
HB Dion Lewis also had a strong showing with 95 yards rushing and a pair of TDs.
"This is the time to get everybody in sync," Lewis said. "For us, we're big on none of us being bigger than the team, so it's good to see some of our young guys stepping up."
New England's defense also looked to be in mid-season form early allowing only a total of 34 rushing yards on the night.
The team did finish with four turnovers on the night, something coach Bill Belichick will be sure to address during the upcoming week's practice times.
Next week the Patriots will head to the Carolinas to take on the Panthers.

BUFFALO BILLS vs CLEVELAND BROWNS

CLEVELAND (OH) -- On paper this game looked like a no-contest. Sometimes paper doesn't lie as the Buffalo Bills defeated the Cleveland Browns 37-3. With a pair of first half TD passes to Brandin Cooks, fresh off his newly signed $80 million contract extension, Aaron Rodgers and company embarrassed the Browns in front of their home crowd.
"That was as close to a perfect half as you'll see," Rodgers said. "Our offense was clicking and our defense was equally as amazing."
Myles Garrett picked up a pair of sacks and CB Patrick Robinson took home an interception for a first quarter TD.
"That's what you want to see," head coach Sean McDermott said. "We want to get better each week as we build toward Week One."
The Bills will head back home to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the ever important third preseason game.

NEW YORK JETS vs WASHINGTON REDSKINS

LANDOVER (MD) -- David Johnson racked up a trio of first half rushing TDs as the New York Jets ran away from the Washington Redskins 50-14 in each team's 2nd preseason matchup.
The Redskins managed just nine rushing yards on the night against arguably the great collection of defensive talent ever assembled.
"It's tough in these preseason games man," Aaron Donald said. "In the 4th quarter they got dudes from Canada playing and we have Cliff Avril out there killing guys."
Johnson seems to be in midseason form as he looks to complete this season after an injury forced him to miss a considerable amount of time last year.
"We are just trying to create a true dynasty here," Johnson said. "Last year was amazing, but now is our chance to be legendary.
The Jets will now take on their state rivals the New York Giants in their third preseason game.

MIAMI DOLPHINS vs CAROLINA PANTHERS

CHARLOTTE (NC) -- After a slow start, the Miami first team unit were able to push the score to 14-3 just before halftime as the Dolphins eventually blew out the Carolina Panthers 42-3 Thursday night.
Kenny Vaccaro had a 1st half INT while CB Xavien Howard picked up a pair on the night for the ferocious Dolphins defense.
"We are just hungry," Vaccaro said. "I hear all the talk of us having no shot this year; With this defense, sleep on us, see what happens."
Ryan Tannehill shook off an early interception with a TD run and a scoring strike to Kenny Stills in the 2nd quarter.
"I need to clean some stuff up," Tannehill said. "But overall, we're headed in a good direction."
Recently acquired runningback Jeremy Hill scored on a 77-yard TD run early in the 3rd to put the game out of reach.
Next week Miami faces the Baltimore Ravens back home.

AFC East Notes: Preseason Week #1

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- This week we are checking in at BUFFALO BILLS camp as we get closer to the start of the NFL's regular season. There has been a lot of talk this week about the potential for the New York Jets to dominate teams with their stacked roster and Lamar Jackson's performance in his preseason debut, but Bills players are not buying the hype.
"That's cute to get all excited over a practice game," Zach Cunningham said. "But I want to see them try that against us. You can have your weak (expletive) schedule and gimmick plays, we'll show them when they play the red and blue."
Head Coach Sean McDermott also denied reports that OLB Dont'a Hightower was unhappy with his new role in the defense.
Here are more odds and ends from the AFC East:

NEW YORK JETS
With this looking like an 'all in' season for the Jets, New York brass are also looking toward the future by accumulating a trio of first round picks already. One NY beat reporter has the team trying to snag Ed Oliver to pair alongside Aaron Donald for years to come.
"You can't be serious," Todd Bowles said. "We aren't talking about the draft yet."
Also, with the popularity of rookie Lamar Jackson already soaring, the team could also be looking to deal QB Derek Carr at some point similar to how they turned Cam Newton into draft picks used to select CB Jalen Ramsey, OLB Myles Jack and others.
With last year's Lombardi already in hand and as the odds on favorites this season, don't count on the Jets dynasty going away anytime soon.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
While much has been made of head coach Bill Belichick spending this first week of the preseason at a friend's wedding in California, the team has been doing well in his absence.
MLB Reuben Foster has been all over the field, step-for-step with Alvin Kamara in one-on-one drills.
"Dude's a beast," Kamara said. "I can't wait to see him Week #3.
Belichick was asked outside a Cheese Cake Factory in Redding, CA if he'd been getting updates from his coaching staff while away.
"No comment," Belichick said. "I'm just here for the wedding."

MIAMI DOLPHINS
Miami beat reporters have been discussing how the Albert Wilson experiment at runningback is starting to look less and less like a gadget set.
Wilson has been taking a majority of the first team reps with Tannehill and company.
"Anything I can do for the team," Wilson said. "I'm ready to roll.
We'll stay tuned during next week's preseason game against Carolina to see if Wilson sees more action at HB1.

Preseason Week #1 (2018 Season)

CAROLINA PANTHERS vs BUFFALO BILLS

ORCHARD PARK (NY) -- On the final play of the first quarter, before putting on his baseball cap for the night, Aaron Rodgers scrambled right and ducked a Luke Kuechly sack attempt before taking off for a 12-yard TD run.
"I knew it was the first team's last shot to get on the board," Rodgers said. "Just wanted to end us on a positive note."
The Rodgers score paced the way for the Bills as they picked up a 31-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The Bills first team defense harassed Cam Newton on his only two series allowing only one first down to the Carolina starters.
Buffalo next heads to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS vs MIAMI DOLPHINS

MIAMI (FL) -- The Miami Dolphins outclassed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-11 Thursday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill started strong on his opening drive with his new club going 6-for-7 before his eighth pass of the night was intercepted in the Tampa Bay endzone.
"Can't do that," Tannehill said. "For us to win we need to take care of the football and rely on our defense and running game to get the job done."
In typical Miami fashion, the rest of the game was hard-nosed, between the tackles, and a bit mundane for the fans in attendance.
"The way we like it," Gase said. "I'll take three points every drive if we can own the clock like we did tonight."
The Dolphins will now travel to North Carolina to take on Cam Newton and the Panthers.

ATLANTA FALCONS vs NEW YORK JETS

EAST RUTHERFORD (NJ) -- Let the Lamar Jackson hype train begin. As the New York Jets defeated the Atlanta Falcons 33-10 Thursday night, all eyes were on the rookie signal caller as he racked up 146 rushing yards and a TD against the Falcons second team unit.
"It was great to be out there," Jackson said. "I just want to get better each day and help our team."
Last year's champions had very few holes to fill. Now, with the Louisville rookie on their side, the team may have one too many weapons next to their incumbent Derek Carr.
"We have a creative coaching staff," Carr said. "They can find ways to get us both reps."
New York next heads to Landover, Maryland to take on the Washington Redskins.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS vs NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

FOXBORO (MA) -- WR/KR JJ Nelson endeared himself to New England faithful with his pair of kickoff returns to lead the Patriots over the Washington Redskins 24-18 in the preseason openers for both teams.
The Patriot starters were unable to put up any points during their first quarter of work with a vanilla gameplan that you can understand during the preseason.
"We are absolutely not happy with this first performance," Belichick said. "I could do without these preseason games, but we'll use the practice time and try to improve.
Don't write too much into an early August practice game with this talented Patriots squad; We're confident they'll be ready to go offensively once September rolls around.
Dak Prescott and company will stay home next week to take on Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles.