2023 3GML Season - Week #14

Los Angeles Rams 25

Baltimore Ravens 48

INGLEWOOD - The Baltimore Ravens (9-4) re-asserted their dominance defensively with a five takeaway outing against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams en route to their convincing 48-25 victory.

MLB Roquan Smith was all over the field in the first half with three interceptions himself including a pick six to open the scoring.

"We wanted to play angry and aggressive," Smith said. "I think this team is going to hit our stride now."

Smith now has an impressive 139 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and four interceptions on the season.

Baltimore will now take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next week.

Denver Broncos 17

San Diego Chargers 34

DENVER - The San Diego Chargers (12-1) were able to rally after a slow start to put away the Denver Broncos 34-17 Sunday afternoon at Jack Murphy Stadium.

Rookie QB Hendon Hooker, returning from a 1-game injury absence, did just enough through the air and on the ground to complete the victory.

"At this point and with how our defense is playing, my job is to protect the football and not take too many chances," Hooker said. "Denver played well and the scoreline does not do this game justice."

The Chargers now take on the Las Vegas Raiders for the second time this season to see if they can get their 13th victory of the season.

Philadephia Eagles 17

Dallas Cowboys 45

DALLAS - The Eagles fell victim to a surging Cowboys team 45-17.  Micah Parson had 6 sacks and Philadelphia could not stop the Cowboy offense.

The NFC East division tightens up with the Cowboys win and now the Eagles turn to an easier stretch in their schedule with a date against the struggling Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks 20

San Francisco 49ers 30

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers shook off a slow start to pull away late and beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-20.  The win moved the Niners to 12-1 with four games to go.  However, the story of this one was Kyle Shanahan shockingly benching two-time 3GML MVP Justin Fields in favor of Jordan Love mid way through the third quarter with the game tied at 13.

The move proved to be the correct one as Love took a Niners offense that was struggling down the field in four plays for a touchdown.  Love finished the game and now there are so many questions for the NFCs number one seed.

After the game, Shanahan stated, "You know, Justin is always looking for the big plays.  We saw it just before the half with him hitting CeeDee deep.  But you have to balance the looking for big plays with taking what the defense gives you.  Justin has been taking a lot of sacks lately and putting stress on our line.  Sometimes, he can overcome that.  Today, we couldn't get enough positive momentum with it.  Jordan came in and provided a spark.  He made some big throws.  He also made some throws I'd rather he not.  It paid off today.  We'll go back to the film and take a hard look about our QB room moving forward."

Never before has a team rolling like this made a move at quarterback willingly this late in the season.  Who takes the start next week against Arizona?  Stay tuned.

Green Bay Packers 14

New York Giants 37

NEW JERSEY - The Packers lost a tough one that had everything going against them.  Coach Matt LaFleur promised to "burn the tape" and that the football gods "had this one predetermined."

Green Bay heads home to play the Buccaneers.

Houston Texans 2

New York Jets 10

NEW JERSEY - The Texans lost a tough one that had everything going against them. There were no offensive touchdowns scored by Houston.

The Texans couldn't get out of New York fast enough and now travel to take on the Titans.

2023 3GML Season - Week #13

San Diego Chargers 21

New England Patriots 16

FOXBORO - With starting QB Hendon Hooker ruled out, fellow rookie Jake Haener did just enough to keep the San Diego Chargers (11-1) in prime playoff position with a 21-16 victory over the New England Patriots.

Haener passed for 146 yards with a pair of TDs to go along with two bad INTs. 

"I have to fix the turnovers," Haener said. "But for my first start, we have a lot to build toward."

The Chargers defense stepped up again with 5.0 sacks and rookie Joey Porter Jr's first TD of his career with a pick six late in the first half.

San Diego will now take on the Denver Broncos in Week 14. 

San Francisco 49ers 24

Philadelphia Eagles 23

PHILADELPHIA - In what may be the game of the year so far, the San Francisco 49ers used a last minute touchdown on fourth and goal to escape Philadelphia with a 24-23 victory.  Dalvin Cook was once again electric for the Niners, while their defense stifled what had been a sold Eagles run game.

For the Eagles, Will Levis gave his team as much as he could and looked like a rising star.  New addition Zach Ertz looked like the player who went to three pro-bowls while in Philadelphia years ago.

The fallout from this result starts to paint a picture for the top NFC playoff seeds.  The race for the one seed is now a two-horse race between the Niners and Green Bay.  The Eagles now fall into a tie for first place with the Giants in the NFC East with both Washington and Dallas lurking.

Next up for San Francisco is another date with the dismal Seattle Seahawks, while the Eagles have to face a surging Dallas team that has won four in a row.

Kansas City Chiefs 14

Green Bay Packers 45

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers dominated the undefeated Chiefs in heavy snow, winning 45-14.  The Pack looked every bit the part of a Super Bowl contender, embarrassing a Kansas City team that previously looked unbeatable.

Tua Tagovailoa was electric all game and one opposing scout labeled his play in the game as "perfect."  The QB threw for 293 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 9.3 yards per attempt.

The game also marked the return of Justin Jefferson, who immediately made his presence know with a 63 yard touchdown in the first quarter.

"Happy to be back out with the boys," Jefferson said.

Green Bay will look to keep it rolling next week on the road for a Monday night matchup with the New York Giants.

Denver Broncos 7

Houston Texans 28

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans defense harassed Russell Wilson all game en route to a 28-7 victory.  The Texans defense sacked Wilson seven times on the afternoon and made it almost impossible for Denver to convert on third down.

Offensively, the game saw the first start this year from Malik Willis at quarterback and it looked like the decision to change from Trey Lance was the right one.  Willis brought a running element that had been lacking the Houston offense. The Liberty product totaled 117 yards on the ground and found the end zone twice with his legs.

Houston has a comfortable three game lead in the division and will now take on a 4-8 New York Jets team.

2023 3GML Season - Week #12

Baltimore Ravens 21

San Diego Chargers 27

SAN DIEGO - Despite 293 passing yards and three TDs, QB Jalen Hurts and the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) fell short against the red hot San Diego Chargers (10-1) 27-21 at Jack Murphy Stadium.

HB Jonathan Taylor, who exited late with an injured thumb, amassed 184 rushing yards to go along with a TD. The Chargers organization is hoping for good knows on Taylor's injury front.

"We'll see after I talk to the doctor," Taylor said. "It doesn't look great, but I shouldn't miss too much time."

San Diego pulled ahead late as they controlled the clock on the ground - The Chargers managed only 92 passing yards for the game but collected 259 rushing yards in total.

The Chargers will now take on Lamar Jackson and the New England Patriots while the Ravens will try to his the reset button during their Bye week to get away from their two game slide. 

Jacksonville Jaguars 13

Houston Texans 18

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans rode six field goals and three interceptions to a crucial win over division rival Jacksonville.  Mason Crosby scored all of Houston's points and was a perfect six for six on the day with two 50+ yard field goals.

However, the story of the game was the quarterback position after Trey Lance was benched in late in the second quarter after posting a 13.0 quarterback rating.  Backup Malik Willis came in a provided enough of a spark with his legs to get the Texans back into the game.

Asked after the game about the change, David Shaw said, "Felt like we needed a spark and Malik gave it to us.  Trey will likely still see some important snaps for us but I thought Malik earned the start next week."

Houston will look to make it two in a row next week against the Denver Broncos.

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks 3

SEATTLE - In a matchup of teams headed in opposite directions, the 49ers (10-1) dismantled the Seattle Seahawks (1-10) 48-3.  San Francisco put up 505 yards of total offense and looked every bit the part of the top seed in the NFC.

Justin Fields returned to MVP form and threw for four touchdowns, while Dalvin cook continued his push for MVP with 116 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

With the win, San Francisco clinches the NFC West and now turn their sights to locking up the number one overall seed.  Next up, a matchup with the NFC East leading Eagles. 

Buffalo Bills 25

Philadelphia Eagles 26

PHILADELPHIA - Justin Tucker nailed a last second field goal to give the Eagles a 26-25 win over a strong Buffalo Bills team.  With the win the Eagles (7-4) climb into 1st place in the NFC with six games left.

Will Levis was dynamic throwing for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Once again AJ Brown had over 100 yards receiving with 116 and a touchdown in this one.

Defensively, Patrick Surtain continued his second half surge with another interception for the Eagles.

Philadelphia now takes on their biggest test yet as they host the 10-1 San Francisco 49ers.

Green Bay Packers 31

Detroit Lions 25

DETROIT - Nothing seems to ever come easy for the Green Bay Packers as for the second time in two weeks, they needed overtime to determine the outcome of the game.  This time, however, they found a way to win with a walk-off touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa to Isaiah Hodgins.

Amon Ra St. Brown carried the load offensively as the Packers (8-3) were still without All-Pro Justin Jefferson.  The former USC Trojan racked up 123 yard receiving and was the primary target on this Thanksgiving morning.

With the win, Green Bay solidifies its hold on the number 2 seed in the NFC.  Next up, however, is a matchup with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

2023 3GML Season - Week #11

Philadelphia Eagles 23

Kansas City Chiefs 41

KANSAS CITY - The Philadelphia Eagles fell to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs 41-23 on Monday Night Football.  The Chiefs (10-0) look to be the class of the AFC at the moment and had no problem with a young Eagles team in this one.

The bright spot for Philadelphia was the receiver duo of Devonta Smith and AJ Brown who caught 25 balls between them.  Smith caught 13 targets for 119 yards and Brown had 12 for 93 with two touchdowns.

"Doesn't matter if you don't win," said Brown.

Philadelphia continues the most brutal stretch of its schedule next week as it takes on the 10-1 Buffalo Bills before taking on the NFC leading San Francisco 49ers.  The silver lining?  Both games are at home.

Arizona Cardinals 27

Houston Texans 20

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans lost in heartbreaking fashion 27-20 as Kyler Murray hit Marquise Brown for a 53 yard go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds left in the game.  This came right after Mason Crosby hit a 46 yard field goal to tie things up at 20.

The loss is Houston's second in a row and 4th in its last six games.  Questions are starting to mount for David Shaw after Houston went all in trying for its third straight Super Bowl win.  Trey Lance has struggled as of late and reports are starting to leak out that Shaw may turn back to a two quarterback system after finding success with it the previous two seasons.

Houston will look to get right next week taking on division rival Jacksonville.

Cincinnati Bengals 41

Baltimore Ravens 31

BALTIMORE - After storming ahead with a 14-0 first quarter lead the Baltimore Ravens (8-3) fell away to their hated division rivals losing 41-31 to the Cincinnati Bengals (9-1). 

Both teams lost key players as the Ravens saw TE Mark Andrews exit late with what looks like a season-ending injury. QB Joe Burrow seemingly broke his throwing wrist as time expired - Burrow is the team's holder on field goal attempts and the Bengals, up seven with time running out, opted to kick a 'rub-it-in' field goal instead of simply walking off the field. As K Anders Carlson made contact with the ball he slipped and his body weight fell on the throwing arm of the team's franchise quarterback. 

"These types of freak injuries happen in football," Zac Taylor said. "Joe needs to be stronger there - I don't regret the call."

Baltimore rookie Bijan Robinson added three more TDs in the loss. 

The Ravens will look to rebound next week as they travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14

San Francisco 49ers 20

SANTA CLARA - Quarterback Justin Fields returned to action and shook off the rust in a 20 to 14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Dalvin Cook once again rushed for 100 yards and the offense did just enough to get past a stingy Tampa Bay defense.

JC Jackson had two interceptions for the Niner defense as they kept Baker Mayfield in check all afternoon.

San Francisco now takes on the last place Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving night.

San Diego Chargers 23

Green Bay Packers 20

GREEN BAY - The San Diego Chargers (9-1) continued their winning ways over the NFC North leading Green Bay Packers (7-3) with a 23-20 victory in overtime.

Harold Landry and his defensive teammates harassed San Diego's Hendon Hooker throughout as the team finished with 8.0 sacks for the game - Landry alone sacked the QB four times himself.

"We played well defensively," Landry said. "But at the end of the day we couldn't finish in the end."

Hooker was able to do just enough in the second half, mostly with his legs and via a few timely passes to his tight ends, to tie the game up late for over time.

In the extra period, QB Tua Tagovailoa was stripped by Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to set up a game winning chip shot field goal for Younghoe Koo.

"Our defense can keep us in all games," Tryon-Shoyinka said. "Today it was my turn to step up."

The Chargers will now take on a tough Baltimore Ravens team while the Packers will face Detroit. 

2023 3GML Season - Week #10

Detroit Lions 17

San Diego Chargers 30

SAN DIEGO - The improbable run continues for the San Diego Chargers (8-1) as they roared back from a 17-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Detroit Lions 30-17 at Jack Murphy Stadium.

A sack-fumble by rookie Calijah Kancey sparked life into a dormant Chargers attack leading to the first San Diego touchdown late in the 3rd quarter.

"We seem to be a second half team right now," Kancey said. "As long as we can keep it close, I know the offense can kick it into gear late."

HB Jonathan Taylor continued his strong season with another 100+ yard performance with a TD as well.

Safety Andre Cisco slammed the door late in the red zone with a diving INT with the Chargers up 10.

The Chargers now begin a brutal 2-game stretch against the NFC North leading Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field before hosting the AFC North leading Baltimore Ravens at home. 

Cleveland Browns 22

Baltimore Ravens 24

Baltimore - The Baltimore Ravens hung on in dramatic fashion to beat the Cleveland Browns 24- 22. The Ravens were carrying a 21-3 lead late in the 2nd quarter and did just enough with a 3rd quarter field goal to emerge with the victory.

Bijan Robinson and Mark Andrews each had over 100 yards on the day and are showing the league that they may be the best one-two punch out there.

Baltimore has a quick turnaround and plays division rival Cincinnati on Thursday night.

Houston Texans 31

Cincinnati Bengals 45

CINCINNATI - Four turnovers by Trey Lance doomed the Texans in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals as they lost 45-31 Sunday afternoon. The electric Bengal, offense, which has given teams fits across the league this season, proved too much for Houston with the turnovers, and the Texans were chasing points all game.

The one bright spot for Houston was Deebo Samuel, who returned from injury and had 250 yards receiving on six catches and two touchdowns in the game.

Houston will look to regroup against a struggling Arizona team next week.

Green Bay Packers 34

Pittsburgh Steelers 16

PITTSBURGH - The Green Bay Packers used patience and a heavy dose of Amon-Ra Saint Brown to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-16.  The Packers had to take what the Steelers defense gave them all afternoon and this one was close through most of the game.

The turning point, however, was in the second quarter when Kenny Pickett threw a pick six to Chidobe Awuzie and Green Bay took the lead for good.

St. Brown had 143 yards on six catches and two touchdowns, including a 75 yarder in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good.

Green Bay now heads home to take on old rival EP and the San Diego Chargers. Packers GM SD and EP have quite the history of exciting games when their two teams meet, especially when they were in Buffalo and Miami (respectively).  We’ll see if this one gets added the the annals of 3GML lore.

San Francisco 49ers 32

Jacksonville Jaguars 16

JACKSONVILLE - The San Francisco 49ers moved to 8-1 on the season will a 32-16 win over Jacksonville on the road.  Backup quarterback Jordan Love looked like anything but a backup with 312 yards and three touchdowns on the day.  Love bounced back and forth between CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Boyd all afternoon, keeping the 49er offense on the field the majority of the game.

Defensively Drue Tranquill and Marcus Williams each had an interception on the day.

San Francisco now heads home to take on another team from Florida in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2023 3GML Season - Week #9

Los Angeles Rams 24

Green Bay Packers 27

GREEN BAY - The Packers hung on for their 4th win in a row 27-24 over the visiting Rams.  Los Angeles made it interesting late as they had the ball with a chance to tie or win but couldn't get another snap off once in field goal range.

The star of the game for Green Bay was Isiah Pacheco who amassed 152 total yards on the afternoon.

"Just happy to get the W today," Pacheco said.

Green Bay will hit the road to take on the last place Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14

Houston Texans 17

HOUSTON - The highly touted Super Bowl rematch between the Texans and Buccaneers hardly lived up to expectations with Houston winning ugly in overtime 17-14.  The game featured stagnate offenses who struggled all day.  In fact, the 22 total punts was easily the most in a game this season so far.

"A win's a win," said Jaelen Phillips who had two sacks on the day.  "It's ugly until it goes in the win column, then they all look the same."

Houston will have to smooth out the offense next week as they take on the NFLs top team, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Seattle Seahawks 3

Baltimore Ravens 33

BALTIMORE - After starting the season 0-2, the Baltimore Ravens (7-2) picked up their seventh consecutive victory in emphatic fashion with a 33-3 demolition over the Seattle Seahawks.

Led by MVP candidate Jalen Hurts and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Bijan Robinson, the Ravens offense moved the ball at will throughout the contest.

"The job is never done," Hurts said. "That was a good football team we played against today, but it just went our way."

Baltimore is now heading into a crucial stretch where they are set to face three consecutive AFC playoff contenders in a row, starting with the Cleveland Browns.

San Diego Chargers 34

New York Jets 28

EAST RUTHERFORD - Trailing 21-3 midway through the second quarter, the San Diego Chargers (7-1) looked like a team destined to finally crash back to earth after their hot start to the 2023 season. But the team did not blink and were able to turn the tables on CJ Stroud and the New York Jets with a dramatic 34-28 win.

Rookie Nolan Smith picked up another two sacks on the day while fellow rookie Hendon Hooker steadied himself after a rocky start to propel the team to the victory.

"I took too many sacks early," Hooker said. "We knew the defense would keep us in it, so we had time to turn it around."

The Chargers now look to be a team with real playoff aspirations despite their relatively low profile roster - they will look to keep their momentum going at home against the Detroit Lions next week. 

Dallas Cowboys 27

Philadelphia Eagles 31

PHILADELPHIA - AJ Brown caught the game winning touchdown from Will Levis with under a minute left to boost the Eagles to a 31-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys.  Brown, who also had 105 yards receiving, was the main target for the rookie Levis on the day.

"Starting to really make a connection with Will," Brown said.  "Dude's got a cannon."

With the win the Eagles move to 6-3 and a game out of first behind the New York Giants, who just lost Daniel Jones for the season to an ACL injury.  The teams play twice in three weeks to end the season.

Philadelphia heads into it's bye week riding some momentum, but will have their biggest test of the season with the Kansas City Chiefs waiting for them week 11.

2023 3GML Season - Week #8

San Diego Chargers 31

Chicago Bears 10

SAN DIEGO - A week filled with disappointment, unconventional decision-making, and a rookie QBs starting debut, the San Diego Chargers (6-1) bounced back against all odds with a resounding 31-10 victory over the Chicago Bears. 

Rookie QB Hendon Hooker, making his first NFL start after the Chargers traded away Jacoby Brissett to the Minnesota Vikings, looked everything the part with 220 passing yards and 4TDs on the day.

"The team showed faith in me," Hooker said. "I've been putting in work during my rehab and I'm glad I could help the team today."

During a time when teams with winning records typically acquire talent for the playoff run, the Chargers also traded away starting edge rusher Sam Hubbard earlier in the week as well. Stand-in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka followed Hooker's lead with a sack and a TFL on the day.

"I think we are showing that we had good young players ready to step up," Tryon-Shoyinka said. "I love that they trust us - Now we need to get this team into the playoffs."

The Chargers, now armed with one of the youngest rosters in the NFL to go along with eight additional draft picks in the upcoming draft, also boast one of the league's best records as they head into the 2nd half of the season.

Arizona Cardinals 21

Baltimore Ravens 35

GLENDALE - Rookie Bijan Robinson powered the Baltimore Ravens (6-2) over the hapless Arizona Cardinals 35-21 for the team's sixth consecutive victory.

Robinson, the rookie out of Texas, scored five touchdowns on the day to thrust his name firmly into the rookie of the year conversation.

"It was a great day for our team," Robinson said. "We want to keep this winning streak going.

With six players out due to injury, the Ravens reserves stepped up to keep the team on track as the calendar turns to November. 

Philadelphia Eagles 41

Washington Commanders 24

WASHINGTON D.C. - Patrick Surtain shined on defense as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Commanders 41-24 to move to 5-3 on the season.  Surtain had two interceptions on quarterback Justin Herbert, including a pick six that put the game out of reach for Washington.

"A little slower start with me getting used to a new system after a couple of years in Green Bay," Surtain said.  "Consider this my coming out party."

The Eagles will look to make it three in a row against the Dallas Cowboys next week.

Houston Texans 30

Carolina Panthers 27

CHARLOTTE - The Houston Texans got back on track with a huge come from behind victory over the Carolina Panthers.  Seemingly trailing the entire game, quarterback Trey Lance hit Deandre Hopkins with less than a minute left give the Texans a much needed victory.

Hopkins, who had 113 yards and two TDs on the day said, "Look what I can do when I play four quarters."

New trade acquisition Derrick Henry also made his presence felt with 117 yards and a touchdown on the day.

Houston will look to keep rolling next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Minnesota Vikings 20

Green Bay Packers 26

GREEN BAY - After blowing a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter, the Green Bay Packers walked it off in overtime 26-20 against the Minnesota Vikings.  After the Vikings tied it late on a last second touchdown to K.J. Osborn and then won the toss in overtime, things seemed pretty bleak for the Packers.  However, the Green Bay defense got a three and out before turning the ball over to Tua Tagovailoa and the offense.  Tua took things from there and hit Isaiah Hidgins for the touchdown to end it.

"Wasn't going to let this come down to a kick.  We were ending things our way." Tagovailoa said.

The Packers will stay home to take on the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next week.

Cincinnati Bengals 17

San Francisco 49ers 13

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers dropped their first game of the season in a matchup of undefeated teams.  In a tough fought and close game, the Niners came up just short 17-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The aggressiveness of coach Kyle Shanahan proved the difference in this one as twice the 49ers went for it on fourth down in field goal range and twice the Bengals defense held.

"I'm not going to change the DNA of this team," Shanahan said.  "It didn't work this time, but it very well could have.  It'd be nice to guarantee we get those, but I can't guarantee anyone will be alive next week."

San Francisco gets some rest next week with a bye.