2022 3GML Season - Week 7

 Green Back Packers @ Washington Commanders

LANDOVER - The Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) walked away with an exciting 34-28 overtime win over the Washington Commanders (5-2) in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's return.  The Packers looked in trouble early as Tagovailoa showed signs of rust and the run game was non-existent.  Heading into half, Green Bay found themselves down 21-3.  However, a uptempo pass attack in the second half allowed the Pack to use their weapons and climb back in it, including scoring 18 points in the 4th quarter.

Stefon Diggs caught 9 passes for 121 yards on the day and seemed to enjoy the pass-happy offense.

"This is what we're capable of," Diggs said.  "We have to open it up a bit.  No one is stopping all these weapons."

Washington won the coin toss and in overtime and hoped to erase the Packers hope with a scoring drive.  However, on the first play quarterback Taylor Heinicke was strip sacked by Haason Reddick and Lamarcus Joyner picked up the ball and ran it back for the game winning score.

After the game, Coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the change in offensive philosophy during the second half.

"Well, we were down and needed points quickly," LaFleur said.  "That always necessitates a change in game plan.  However, I liked what I saw and will keep that in mind as we move forward."

Could Offensive Coordinator Deuce Staley be in trouble?  We'll find out next week as Green Bay travels to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills.

Houston Texans @ Las Vegas Raiders

LAS VEGAS - The Houston Texans found themselves on the wrong end of a big second quarter and fell 24-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5).  Houston's offense struggled to move the ball in this one but the defense kept things close most of the game.  However, the Raiders used a 17-point second quarter powered by Davante Adams to keep things out of reach for the Texans.  Adams, who finished with eight catches for 127 yards, proved to be the difference in this one.

For Houston, the loss coming out of the bye to a one win team stings.  The will try to right the ship next week as they take on the AFC leading Tennessee Titans.

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers used three interceptions and pouring rain to fuel a 25-17 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.  The rain in Santa Clara was strong all game and had obvious impacts on the game.  The 49ers (6-1) used it to their advantage, running Justin Fields most of the game.  The Chiefs (5-2), tried a different approach and continued their pass-heavy offense, throwing 43 times on the day.  That approach proved costly as a slippery ball and field led to the three interceptions by Mahomes.

JC Jackson, who had two of the interceptions (Derwin James had the other) showed he earned the contract GM CD gave him this offseason.  However, shortly after the second interception, Jackson was injured on a pass deflection and had to be carted off the field.  Early reports aren't looking promising and it's very possible San Francisco will be without him for a lengthy period of time.

With the win, San Francisco kept their firm grasp on first place in the NFC West.  They will now travel to Los Angeles to take on a familiar opponent in the Rams.

2022 3GML Season - Week 6

 San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA - In a tale of two halves, the San Francisco 49ers held on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 17-14.  The 49ers (5-1) came out hot in the first half and built a 17-0 lead.  However, the offense fell flat in the second half, letting the Falcons (2-4)  back into the game.  

After two 4th-quarter Atlanta touchdowns, San Francisco found themselves in a high pressure situation.  However, a methodical drive down to the two-yard line ate up much of the clock forcing Atlanta to burn its timeouts.  The strategy almost worked as the Falcons forced a 4th and one situation.  Rather than kick the field goal to go up six and give Atlanta the ball back, Coach Kyle Shanahan opted to go for it and try to run our the clock.  The strategy worked as San Francisco picked us the first and ran out the clock.

"The numbers guys told me it was the way to go."  Shanahan said.

San Francisco now heads home to host the Kansas City Chiefs.

New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - Down starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa another week, the Green Bay Packers struggled their way to a 13-13 tie with the winless New York Jets (0-5-1) in the pouring rain.  Backup duties went to Drew Lock this week and it was more of the same struggles as in week five.   Locke missed multiple open receivers and was unable to get the offense past mid-field most of the game.

"We have to be better," Coach Matt La Fleur said.  "At the end of the day, this was a home game against a winless opponent.  If we want to achieve our goals, this isn't going to cut it."

For Green Bay (4-1-1) it felt like they could have easily walked away with a win or a loss.  With time expiring in the 4th, Green Bay decided to kick the tying field goal on 1st and goal from the two with 11 seconds left rather than try and get one more play in.  However, on the other side, the New York defense dropped multiple potential interceptions off Lock in the rain.  A few of them that could have easily been pick-sixes.

"Man, it was like we had oven mitts on or something," Sauce Gardner said. "That ball was hard to hold on to, like a hot pocket fresh out of the oven."

Green Bay should have Tagovailoa back next week as they travel to take on the 5-1 Washington Commanders.

 

2022 3GML Season - Week 5

 New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

LONDON - The Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and dropped their first game of the season 37-14 to the New York Giants (4-1).  Tagovailoa missed with a concussion and backups Sam Howell and Drew Lock both struggled in their play.

The Packers (4-1) will have to figure out a better plan next week as Tagovailoa doesn't appear likely to clear concussion protocol by Sunday.  Howell looked inexperienced throwing mutliple interceptions and taking unnecessary sacks, while Lock showed flashes but ultimately turned the ball over two times himself.  

Coach Matt LaFleur stated, "We'll have to look at the tape and practice this week to see who we start if Tua can't go."

Regardless, look for a more run heavy offense as the Packers host the Jets in week six.

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - With Hurricane Ian working its way through Florida, the Houston Texans (4-1) outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-14.  Weather was the defining factor in this game as the teams saw gusts of up to 90 miles per hour.  The NFL was insistent that the teams get the game in before the hurricane arrived, but the Ian had other plans and the outer edge arrived early.

Jacksonville (1-5) looked unprepared to play in these conditions and surprisingly came out throwing the ball on a majority of plays.  This led to six interceptions from Trevor Lawrence and the inability for the Jaguars to stay close.

"I just call the plays that are called man," Lawrence said.  "You'll have to talk to coach on why we we throwing it with trees being uprooted outside."

Special teams were also severely impacted as punts into the wind traveled an average of less than ten yards.  The game was very reminiscent of the 2017 AFC Championship between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, often referred to as the Wind Bowl, where the teams were unable to punt with the ball traveling almost backwards once it was up in the air.

In this one, Coach David Shaw smartly played Malik Willis the entire game and used his legs to move the ball.  With the Texans relying on the quarterback's speed, they were able to minimize the wind and score points when they needed.  

Willis, who ended with three rushing touchdowns for the Texans, said, "That was crazy, man.  I don't know if I've every playing in weather that bad.  Coach had a great game plan and I was just happy I could help our team get the W today."

Houston has their bye next week and will probably need the extra time to get dry after this one.

San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE - The Carolina Panthers (1-4) continued their downward spiral as the visiting San Francisco 49ers dominated from start to finish, walking away with a 31-0 shutout.  The 49ers (4-1) again used the legs of quarterback Justin Fields, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on the day.  Fantasy football owners everywhere are thrilled with the prospect of having additional running back stats on their roster as Fields is on pace to rush for over 1700 yards on the season.

Defensively, the 49ers held the Panthers to 243 yards of total offense and recorded six sacks on the day.  Four of those were by Brian Burns who is on pace for a breakout year in San Francisco.

"Just happy to help this team win," Burns said.  "Not sure I'd want to be on that Carolina team right now."

Word has already leaked that the Panthers plan to fire head coach Matt Rhule tomorrow and will look to start anew once again.

As for the 49ers, the stay in the AFC South next week as they take on the Atlanta Falcons.

2022 3GML Season - Week 4

 Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season Sunday to the visiting Los Angeles Rams (2-2).  The 49ers were hampered by two lost fumbles and a lack of points on offense as the Rams did just enough to walk away with the 17-10 win.

The Niners (3-1) had a chance late to try and tie things up after a rarely-called pass interference on a Hail Mary gave them the ball on the 10 yard line with one second left.  Justin Fields, who has been electric with his legs all year, took off on a scramble and was tackled on the one yard line, denying San Francisco the chance for overtime.

The 49ers will try to get back on track next week against the Carolina Panthers.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans used a stifling defense and timely offense to take down the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17 in week four.  The Texans (3-1) kept Justin Herbert from getting in rhythm all game but mixing up coverages and forcing the Chargers (2-2) to take short completions.  The few times Herbert tried to force things down field, he found himself intercepted or the receiver blanketed in coverage.

"Trying to lean on the strength of this team," Coach David Shaw said.  "We know they have a special quarterback over there but this defensive unit was ready and I'd put them up against anyone."

Offensively, Houston did just enough and rode the hot hand of Gardner Minshew in the second half to keep things out of reach.  After four weeks, it appears that the Texans have the offensive line they desperately need with two unproven quarterbacks to protect.  Minshew was able to throw from a clean pocket most of the day and had plenty of time to connect with his receivers down field.

Houston will look to keep pace in the AFC next week when it takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers (4-0) stayed undefeated after taking down the injured New England Patriots 17-9 Sunday in Green Bay.  New England (1-3) was down starting quarterback Mac Jones after an ankle injury last week and turned to rookie Bailey Zappe who was starting his first NFL game.

The Packer defense was stout in this one, forcing Zappe to throw the ball away all afternoon.  When Zappe did throw it in play, the corner-duo of Casey Hayward and Patrick Surtain II made life difficult, forcing three interceptions (two by Hayward and one by Surtain).

"Never heard of the guy, Billy Zabka? Is that his name?" said Hayward. "Anyway, no matter who it is, rookie or Tom Brady, our mantra is 'No Mercy.'"

Not everything was a positive after the game, though, as the Packers learned quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and his outlook for next week is doubtful.

"Just an unfortunate situation," Coach Matt LaFleur said. "As he was getting tackled, a player swept his leg and he fell awkwardly."

The Packers will have to rally their quarterback room quickly as they head to London next week to take on the New York Giants.  LaFleur has already indicated that rookie Sam Howell will get the start if Tagovailoa can't go.

"I'll be ready. They're going to have to take me out in a body bag to stop me from playing." Howell said.

2022 3GML Season - Week 3

 San Francisco 49ers @ Denver Broncos

DENVER - The San Francisco 49ers overcame a shaky passing attack to stay undefeated and upset the Denver Broncos 34-21 at Mile High.  Denver (1-2) looked to be in the driver seat early when Rasul Douglas intercepted Justin Fields and took it back for an early touchdown.  However, the 49ers (3-0) didn't rattle and used a strong run game and defense to take control, scoring 17 unanswered before halftime.  From there, they held on and still remain in the driver's seat in the NFC West.

Justin Fields looked human for the first time this year, throwing two interceptions and only amassing 239 yards in air.  However, his legs kept the chains moving and at the end of the day, it was enough.

"I'll look at the tape and see where I can get better.  It's easier to go back and look at your mistakes after a win." Fields said.

San Francisco heads home next week to host the Los Angeles Rams.

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blew a 17-0 lead against the Green Bay Packers, losing 20-17 in overtime.  Tampa Bay (2-1) came out hot and Tom Brady was on-point as the Buccaneers built an early lead.  However, the Packers (3-0) defense, led by second-year corner Patrick Surtain II kept the game from getting away.  Surtain II was elite, allowing zero receptions with multiple pass break ups and two interceptions.

"Patrick is a top corner in the league." Coach Matt LaFleur said. "Watch the tape, then watch it again slowly.  All-Pro out there."

With the game still within striking distance, running back James Robinson moved the chains and scored early in the 3rd quarter to get Green Bay back on track.  After tying things up late in the 4th, Green Bay lost the coin toss in overtime.  With Brady and the offense moving the ball, things look dire for the Pack.  However, Quinnen Williams broke through the line for a huge sack and got his team the ball back.  From there, the offense was able to move the ball into range for Jason Sanders who kicked the winning field goal.

Green Bay will try to stay undefeated next week agains the New York Football Giants.

Houston Texans @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The Houston Texans created quarterback controversy once again after seemingly settling the issue last week.  Malik Willis started against the Chicago Bears (0-3) after playing the majority of the game in week two.  This time, however, he struggled in hurricane-like conditions throwing two back-breaking interceptions; one for a pick six and the other with his team on the one yard line looking to score.

Coach David Shaw had seen enough and turned to Gardner Minshew the last two and a half quarters.  Minshew was much better and got the Texans (2-1) back into the game.  The Texans defense was able to shut down a rudderless Bears offense, used multiple turnovers of their own, and walk out with a 27-24 victory.  

Those thinking Minshew earned the starting job himself, were reminded this isn't going to be so cut and dry as Minshew threw his own pick six keeping the Bears in the game.  It appears the Texans may have to play the hot hand each week moving forward even if that hand is lukewarm.

Houston will need a better performance at the position next week as they face the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers.

2022 3GML Season - Week 2

 Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco 49ers (2-0) took down their division rival Seattle 33-10 in their week two matchup.  Once again quarterback Justin Fields accounted for the majority of the 49ers offense with 109 yards rushing and 230 yards in the air.

Seattle (0-2) never got things going offensively against the mighty Niners defense, only amassing 190 yards of total offense.  Cam Newton threw three interceptions, one each to Thomas Graham, Derwin James, and C.J. Garner-Johnson and it was clear Seattle has a ways to go before they will be competing for division titles again.

San Francisco looks to stay hot against former division rival Russell Wilson and his new team, the Denver Broncos.

Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

DENVER - The defending Super Bowl champions got back on track with a week two win on the road in Denver.  Houston (1-1) looked very much in trouble offensively throughout the first half as both Malik Willis and Gardner Minshew struggled to move the ball.  However, a superb effort from the Texans defense led by Travis Gibson, kept the Broncos (1-1) to only 10 points.  

Gibson had perhaps the play of the game on Denver's first drive.  With the Broncos looking ready to score on a third and goal, Gibson took the ball out of running back Javonte William's arms and secured it for the Texans.

"I've never seen anything like it," said defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.  "He just stole the ball like it was basketball or something.  It never hit the ground.  That was a grown man play right there."

After a fiery speech from David Shaw at half time, the Texans scored 17 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter and never looked back, winning 24-10.

After a week of speculation, the world got the first glimpse of a Malik Willis led offense.  Willis started the game and played roughly 90% of the snaps.  In his time under center, Willis showed the raw talent that led the Texans selecting him in the 2nd round.  However, he also showed there will be some growing pains as he learns to play the position in the NFL.  Houston will take the bumps in the road as the flashes they saw Sunday should give them hope for the future.

Willis will continue his journey next week against the Chicago Bears who just lost Trey Lance for the season with a broken ankle.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The oldest rivalry in the NFL lived up to its hype in a thrilling Sunday night game between the Bears and Packers.  Tied 24-24 with under two minutes to go, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the Packers (2-0) down the field and running back James Robinson punched in the winning touchdown giving Green Bay the 31-24 victory.

For the Bears (0-2), it was a disappointing loss both on the field and for their season as quarterback Trey Lance was carted off the field with a broken ankle and will need season-ending surgery.

For the Packers, the offense seems to be clicking and stopping the three-headed monster of Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a tall order for any defense.  The Packers arguably have three of the top ten receivers in the league on their roster and can drop back to pass in confidence knowing at least one will always get open.  The Bears struggled to stop this trio and had to pick their poison on defense all night.

Green Bay is at the top looking down on three 0-2 teams in their division.  The cushion will be nice as they face a tall order next week with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2022 3GML Season - Week 1

 San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The defending NFC champions picked up where they left off last year with a complete annihilation of the Chicago Bears (0-1).  San Francisco (1-0) weathered the literal and figurative storms early and walked away with a 36-7 victory at Soldier Field.

With pounding rain and strong winds creating difficult field conditions, 49er quarterback Justin Fields threw an interception on his first pass attempt, setting up Chicago's only scoring drive.  However, after the early mistake, Fields locked in and the 49ers looked every part of NFC contender they have been predicted to be.  Fields used his arm (20-27, 232 yds, 2 TDs, INT) and legs (15 rushes, 120 yds) to keep the ball moving while the San Francisco defense kept the Bears offense in disarray.  Trey Lance finished with an abysmal 41.5 quarterback rating (13-29, 135 yds, TD, 2 INT) for the Bears.

The narrative all week has been about the quarterbacks  Early rumors in the 2021 NFL Draft had San Francisco debating between Trey Lance and Justin Fields.  GM CD ultimately selected Fields while Lance fell to Chicago.  In the first matchup between the two first round picks, Fields justified his selection, while Lance had Bears fans wondering if they missed on another first round quarterback.

San Francisco heads back west for their home opener next week as they take on division rival Seattle.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS - The Green Bay Packers (1-0) used a major second half adjustment to score 38 unanswered  points and roll the Minnesota Vikings 38-10.  The Vikings (0-1) looked ready to run away with things early, forcing three interceptions by Tua Tagovailoa and a fumble by Amon Ra St. Brown.  However, the Minnesota offense was only able to muster 10 points, and as a result, Green Bay was never out of it.

A steady diet of running the ball with James Robinson (96 yds, TD) allowed Tagovailoa to find his groove and the Packers scored touchdowns on their next four drives.

"Happy to be back out there," Robinson said referencing his season ending with an Achilles tear last year.  "We knew with this team, we're never out of it."

Not to be forgotten was the stellar play of the Green Bay defense who kept the Pack in the game despite the early turnovers.  The Vikings were held to 157 total yards of offense on the day thanks in large part to Patrick Surtain II who prevented Kirk Cousins from finding his number one option most of the afternoon.  When Minnesota looked to finally be moving the ball, Surtain shut things down again with a pick-six to put the game out of reach.

The Packers head home to take on another division foe in the Chicago Bears Sunday night.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The defending Super Bowl Champions quest to repeat got off to a rough start as the Houston Texans (0-1) fell 20-7 to the Indianapolis Colts (1-0).  The Texans offense could never really get things going as they alternated between Gardner Minshew and Malik Willis at quarterback.  The two QB system worked wonders for coach David Shaw last year but wasn't effective this game.

Quarterback Matt Ryan impressed in his new uniform, throwing for 214 yards and a touchdown on a 83% completion percentage.  The Texans defense just could get Ryan and company off the field when they needed.

Rumors are already swirling of a shakeup with play calling duties after the Texans offense struggled all game.  With an elite slate of AFC teams, the urgency for Houston to not fall behind early is real. One popular rumor is that Coach David Shaw will take control of the offense from OC Pep Hamilton and let Hamilton focus on developing the young QB Willis.  No official word yet on a change, but it will likely be the focus of Shaw's media session next week.

Houston will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.