2021 3GML Season - Super Bowl LVI

 San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans

LOS ANGELES - In what will go down as a classic, the Houston Texans defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-16 in Super Bowl LVI.  With the win, Houston brings the Lombardi Trophy home for the first time in franchise history.

In the game, San Francisco went up 6-0 early on a pair of Jose Borregales field goals.  The 49er defense seemed to be giving the Houston offense fits but Gardner Minshew was able to find 3GML MVP Mike Gesicki for a 5 yard touchdown making it 7-6 Texans.

Justin Fields and the 49er offense responded before half with a nice drive capping things off with another Borregales field goal making it 9-7 San Francisco at the half.  

In the second half the San Francisco defense once again locked in and made it tough for the Texans to move the ball.  However, Justin Fields did the 49ers no favors with a pair of interceptions in the quarter keeping the game close.  That was all Gardner Minshew needed as he found DeSean Jackson on a 60 yard touchdown pass when there was a miscommunication in the San Francisco secondary.  The touchdown put Houston up 14-9.

The 49ers weren't done though, and answered right back with a James Washington touchdown to retake the lead 16-14 heading to the 4th quarter.  The Texans then nailed a 51 yard field goal courtesy of Rodrigo Blankenship for the final lead change of the game.  Trailing 17-16, San Francisco looked poised to once again turn the tides, driving all the way to the Houston 14 yard line.  But once again, Fields turned the ball over on an interception to Cam Sutton.  The turnover turned costly as Minshew found Jackson a second time for a deep touchdown making it 24-16.  The 49ers had one last opportunity but failed to convert on a 4th and goal, sealing the win for Houston.

"Super Bowl champs baby!" Minshew said after the game. "I'm going to cherish this one man.  Might even shave the mustache. Who knows?  I'm feeling crazy."

The Super Bowl MVP went to DeSean Jackson after a 143 yard, two touchdown performance.

"Feels good to be picked by Houston and be rewarded with the Lombardi." Jackson said, referencing the mid-season trade from the Rams that brought him over.

For San Francisco, the loss stings.  No one had them in this game when the season started with their roster turnover and experience level.  Their season is a testament to the roster construction by GM CD and an excellent job coaching by Kyle Shanahan.  This future is bright for this young roster and its quarterback Justin Fields.

For Houston and GM TH, the win is sweet.  It ends up as his second after collecting a ring with the New York Jets.

"Incredible season.  Wonderful coaching job by Coach Shaw, Coach Hamilton, and Coach Glenn," TH said. "To beat an incredible 49ers organization is an achievement unto itself.  But to win a world championship in just our second season is something no one can ever take away from us."

That puts a bow on the 7th 3GML season.  Each franchise will now turn their attention to building the best roster for what will be a very competitive 2022 season.

2021 3GML Season - NFC and AFC Championships

 NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS - The San Francisco 49ers shocked the NFL world and upset the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys 30-13.  Dallas who entered the game 17-1 was widely expected to blow past this San Francisco team on the way to the Super Bowl.  The 49ers had other plans and outside of an early fumble returned for a touchdown by Dallas, dominated from start to finish.

Alvin Kamara seemed to have an extra burst in the tank whenever it was needed today and rushed 28 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns.  The run-heavy game plan proved effective in keeping the Dallas offense off the field and out of sorts.

"We knew how dynamic this offense is.  We wanted to minimize the time they touched the football." Coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game.

The connection between quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was strong in this one.  Fields found the Oklahoma product 4 times for a total of 104 yards and a touchdown.

"Nice to come in here and be a focal point of our offense," Lamb said. "I wanted to show Dallas what happens when you make me part of the game plan."

The win for San Francisco gives GM CD his first Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers.  He previously has a title from his time in New England.

Standing in his way of title number two is fellow 3GML member Houston.  The teams played in week 17 with the 49ers prevailing 41-27.

AFC Championship - Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans continued their dominant run through the playoffs with a 34-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens.  Houston, the three seed, was able to play all of its playoff games at home with both the one seed Kansas City Chiefs and two seed Cleveland Browns losing early on in the tournament.  The home fans seemed to give Houston a boost when they needed it most and now will see their team compete in its first ever Super Bowl.

The Texans used a total team effort with contributions from both of their quarterbacks and their entire receiving core on offense.  Andy Dalton threw for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Gardner Minshew had 149 yards and a touchdown.  Both players spread the ball in a balanced attack with four players totaling over 50 yards receiving (Mims - 82, Jackson- 72, Cook - 69, Gesicki - 57).

Defensively, Logan Ryan stood out for his stellar play including a scoop and score of 57 yards to set the tone early.

"We're going to the Super Bowl baby!" Ryan said.

The Super Bowl appearance is the second for GM TH and his first with the Houston Texans.  He previously won a title with the New York Jets in 2017.

The first ever all 3GML Super Bowl is now set with Houston taking on the San Francisco 49ers in two weeks.

2021 3GML Season - Divisional Round

 San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY - Sometimes in the NFL playoffs it's better to be the hot team than the one with a better record.  This was the case Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 42-28.  

San Francisco looked to be on the brink of collapse with three games left in the regular season after a four game losing streak.  The 49ers, however, flipped a switch and have not lost a game since.

Justin Fields continued his stellar playoff play throwing for 334 yards and 4 touchdowns along with 75 yards rushing.  Time and time again Fields pushed the ball down the field into tight windows.

"Seeing the field well right now," Fields said. "I have to credit the coaches getting me prepared each week."

The game was tight early with Tom Brady finding Scotty Miller for two long touchdowns continually answering 49er scores.  However, when things shifted to the second half, the 49er defense found its footing while Tampa Bay struggled to stop Alvin Kamara.  Kamara had 61 rushing and 70 yards receiving with a touchdown of each variety.

San Francisco now heads to Dallas to take on the number one seed Cowboys in the NFC Championship.  Dallas has only lost one game all season and it will be the 49ers biggest challenge this season.

"We know they don't want to play us." Safety Derwin James said. "We have all the momentum in the world right now."

New England Patriots @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans are going to the AFC Championship after defeating the New England Patriots 34-14.  The Texans defense was magnificent, holding the Pats to 205 total yards on offense.

"We were motivated after losing on that last play in the regular season," Logan Ryan said. "They weren't going to come into our house and get that result again."

The Texans once again used their two quarterback system and rolled Andy Dalton out to start this game.  And once again Dalton turned the ball over on the first possession, this time on a strip sack fumble.  Coach David Shaw gave him a second series but after another fumble that was recovered by the Texans, the team turned to Gardner Minshew and never looked back.  Minshew was electric, throwing for 322 yards and 4 touchdowns giving him a 152.0 quarterback rating.

The beneficiary of Minshew's outstanding play was DeSean Jackson, who showed GM TH made the right move by bringing him in mid-season.  Jackson had five receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns, including a 49 yard bomb right before half time.

"We were surprised when he was made available and felt like we needed a veteran presences in our wide receiver room," GM TH said. "He's been every thing we could have wanted and more."

Houston finds themselves hosting the AFC Championship game after the Baltimore Ravens upset the number one seed Kansas City Chiefs.  The Texans will have to stop a hot Lamar Jackson if it wants to play in Super Bowl LVI.

2021 3GML Season - Wild Card Round

Washington Football Team @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - Justin Fields won his playoff debut as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the visiting Washington Football Team 33-9 in the NFL's wild card round.  Fields looked ready for the moment as he threw for 230 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.  He also added a rushing touchdown on the afternoon.

"Happy to get the win.  We're playing good football right now," Fields said. "This is just the start for us."

The game was slow to start with both teams trading field goals in the first quarter.  Knotted 3-3 in the 2nd, the 49er offense started heating up and Fields hit Trey Burton for the games first touchdown.  The score fired up the defense who sacked WFT quarterback Kyle Allen for a safety on the very next possession.  After that, the game seemed to get away from Washington and they never threatened again.

Defensively, San Francisco interceptions by Marcus Williams, Byron Murphy Jr, and CJ Gardner-Johnson  set the tone and the 49ers kept Washington out of the end zone.  This defense now seems to be peaking at the right time.  They were crucial in the team's three-game winning streak to end the season and clinch the division and their play has carried into the playoffs.

San Francisco will now turn their attention to the divisional round where they'll face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers' quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions came to a disappointing end Saturday as the Seattle Seahawks dominated from start to finish and left with a 52-21 win.  The Seattle offense was unstoppable and Green Bay had no answers.

"We didn't play well on the defensive side of the ball," Coach Eric Bieniemy said. "You can't play like that and win a playoff game in the NFL."

For Seattle, Russell Wilson was electric, throwing for 397 yards and five touchdowns.  Every time Green Bay seemed to get within striking distance, Wilson put the game out of reach.

Green Bay now heads into the offseason and will look to reload in free agency and the draft.

Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans kept their season alive with a 40-21 win over the Denver Broncos.  Widely considered to be a year away from contention, this Texans team showed they belong now.  Going against the reigning MVP in Aaron Rodgers, few gave Houston a chance.

"We believe in ourselves and everyone in that locker room knows we have each others' backs." 3GML MVP Mike Gesicki said.

 The game was close early with the teams never separating more than one score.  Heading into the 4th quarter, the Texans held a 20-13 when Gardner Minshew hit Gesicki for a 50-yard touchdown blowing things open.  There looked to be some confusion on the sideline right before the play as David Shaw tried to call timeout but the referee didn't see him.  For Houston, it may go down as the greatest timeout never called.

Houston gets to stay home as they host New England next week in a rematch of their week five contest.  In that one, the Patriots stormed back in the fourth quarter and scored as time expired, winning 24-23.  Will the rematch be just as tight?  We'll see on Saturday.

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.