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2023 NFL Week 3: Top Takeaways for Every Team from Sunday's Games

BR NFL StaffSep 24, 2023

In Week 3, the NFL caught a glimpse of the next offensive guru in a game that will go down in record books. We also saw four 2-0 teams lose in the first slate of games, raising some questions about surprise clubs that jumped off to quick starts.

Right now, the Miami Dolphins have arguably the league's most explosive offense, and it's a multidimensional unit that isn't reliant on star power, which is a terrifying thought for the rest of the AFC.

Speaking of the AFC, the Houston Texans seem like they're on the fast track to competitive football despite the youth across the roster. They toppled the popular favorite to win the AFC South.

On the downside, the New Orleans Saints have questions at quarterback because of Derek Carr's shoulder injury.

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski and Moe Moton provide insight from Sunday's action.

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions

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Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson
Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson

Atlanta Falcons Offense Needs a Spark to Stay Afloat in NFC South

Few analysts predicted the NFC South would be highly competitive, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons went into Week 3 at 2-0.

The Saints and Falcons lost their games on Sunday.

Even though New Orleans has questions about Derek Carr's injured shoulder, Alvin Kamara's return from suspension could boost its offense. Atlanta has its key playmakers on the field but failed to score a touchdown in a 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions.

While Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder doesn't need to post gaudy numbers to help lead his team to victories, head coach Arthur Smith must get a lot more from the passing attack. Ridder went 21-of-38 passing for 201 yards on Sunday. None of Atlanta's receivers had more than 41 receiving yards.

Perhaps Smith should open up in the offense for big throws downfield as a complement to the ground game.


Lions' Pass Rush Can Change the Complexion of Their Defense

Typically, a team's pass rush can change the complexion of a defensive unit. When the defensive line can get to the quarterback, defensive backs don't have to cover pass-catchers for extended periods, which is a difficult task.

Last year, Detroit gave up the most yards and ranked 28th in defensive scoring. While the defense has a long way to go after allowing 37 points to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, the Lions permitted only six points to the Falcons and sacked Ridder seven times on Sunday.

On top of a ferocious pass rush, rookie safety Brian Branch made plays all over the field. He recorded 11 tackles, three for loss, and two pass breakups, which is a good sign for the secondary with C.J. Gardner-Johnson (torn pectoral) on injured reserve.

Los Angeles Chargers at Minnesota Vikings

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Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (left) and quarterback Justin Herbert (right)
Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (left) and quarterback Justin Herbert (right)

Kellen Moore has proved that he's a season-saving hire

The Los Angeles Chargers kept their playoff hopes alive and well with a 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings. They are 1-2 with a high-scoring offense that didn't turn the ball over until Sunday (Joshua Palmer fumble).

We can't blame the Chargers' slow start on the offense. Brandon Staley, who is a defensive-minded head coach, must tighten up his defense.

In fact, one can argue that Kellen Moore's offense gives this team a chance to go on a run headed into October.

In the Chargers' victory, Moore went deep into his playbook with a play design that resulted in a touchdown pass from Keenan Allen to Mike Williams, which put the Chargers in the lead 20-10.

Ultimately, Los Angeles wouldn't have won the game without that receiver-to-receiver touchdown.

On top of that, Justin Herbert has played at a high level, throwing for six touchdowns without an interception. If the Chargers can start on a winning streak, Herbert could be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year even with Williams (knee) banged up.


Vikings should make a call for CB J.C. Jackson

While quarterback Kirk Cousins' future will come into question with one more year on his contract, the Vikings have bigger issues on the defensive side of the ball.

Over the last two weeks, Minnesota has allowed 62 points while Cousins has thrown for nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

In the NFC North, a division without a dominant team, Minnesota shouldn't flush its season down the toilet despite the difficult pathway to a playoff berth.

With that said, if the Vikings want to turn their season around and remain competitive with Cousins under center, they need to make a move for a defensive playmaker. Perhaps call the Chargers for cornerback J.C. Jackson, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

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Packers QB Jordan Love
Packers QB Jordan Love

Packers Will Hit Their Stride When Key Offensive Starters Return From Injuries

Skeptics may still have questions about the Green Bay Packers after their 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints, who lost quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) in the beginning of the third quarter.

However, Green Bay has won two of its first three games with key players on the sideline. Left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) have missed the last two outings. Packers lead wideout Christian Watson has yet to make his season debut because of a hamstring injury. Guard Elgton Jenkins didn't play Sunday because of a knee injury.

Yet for the most part, the Packers have been efficient offensively with only one turnover. Jordan Love has played well with seven touchdown passes and one interception.


Saints Offense Should be Fine if Derek Carr Misses Time

In the third quarter of Sunday's game, Packers edge-rusher Rashan Gary sacked Derek Carr, who walked off the field with an injured shoulder.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr went to the hospital for X-rays and further tests. Jameis Winston took over the offense and went 10-of-16 passing for 101 yards.

After going up 17-0 against Green Bay with Carr under center, New Orleans didn't score with Winston in the game.

Nonetheless, if Carr misses time, Winston should fare a lot better with a full week of practice with the first-team offense. Also, running back Alvin Kamara will return from suspension next week.

Regardless of Carr's status, the Saints offense will get a boost from Kamara, who's still a quality dual-threat playmaker out of the backfield.

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Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 24: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 24: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

C.J. Stroud Looks Like Everything Houston Texans Expected Plus More

The Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud is playing like he should have been this year's No. 1 overall draft pick. In fact, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department graded him as QB1 and significantly higher than Bryce Young, whom the Carolina Panthers ultimately chose.

As the 33rd Team's Jordan Pun noted, Stroud ranks third all-time in passing yards (906) through three starts. He's also thrown the most passes (121) without an interception during that stretch.

During Sunday's 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, this year's second overall selection completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns.

The utterly amazing part of those numbers and Stroud's overall play is that the rookie is doing this with an offensive line beset by injuries (four missing starters) and no real No. 1 target, though fellow rookie Tank Dell may have assumed that mantle with five receptions for 145 yards and a score.

"Everything starts with the quarterback and we have a good one and he's improved every week," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters after the game.

The definition of a true franchise quarterback is someone who elevates the play of everyone around him. Stroud is doing exactly that. The Texans are just 1-2, but they're competing and the team believes in its quarterback.

"That quarterback is unbelievable, man," tight end Brevin Jordan said. "I was just telling somebody on the sideline the best thing to happen to the Houston Texans was us beating the Indianapolis Colts last year in the last game of the season. Seven is the guy, man. We rock with him."


Jacksonville Jaguars Must Find Ways to Generate Pressure

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't ready. They were expected to run away with a weak AFC South this season. Instead, they're 1-2, with two straight losses. Now, they're looking up at the Indianapolis Colts.

The biggest issue is a heavily invested defensive front not making any plays.

Despite the Texans missing four starting offensive linemen, Jacksonville didn't manage a single sack. The lack of production is highly problematic when the Jaguars' defensive front seven features four first-round draft picks, including last year's No. 1 overall selection, Travon Walker.

"We have to do better," head coach Doug Pederson told reporters. "It starts up front. It starts with the offensive line. It starts with the defensive line. It starts right there. ... We need to coach better. We need to play better. We need to execute better. ... We need to evaluate ourselves, beginning with me."

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

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Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel is the NFL's Newest Offensive Genius

During the Atlanta Falcons' run to Super Bowl LI, Kyle Shanahan received a ton of praise for his offensive game plans. In that year, Matt Ryan won league MVP. Two years later, Sean McVay led the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl LIII with the second-ranked scoring offense.

Mike McDaniel could be the next offensive mind in line to lead a prolific offense to the big stage in February if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy.

The Dolphins fed the Denver Broncos a 70-burger at Hard Rock Stadium with a well-balanced offensive attack. Miami racked up 726 total yards. Tagovailoa had only three incompletions.

Even scarier for the rest of the league, the Dolphins posted those numbers without starting wideout Jaylen Waddle (concussion protocol), and their ground game (350 yards and five touchdowns) looks as explosive as the aerial attack. Rookie third-rounder De'Von Achane had a breakout performance with 233 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.


It's Time for the Broncos to Hit the Panic Button

We're only three weeks into the 2023 season, but the Broncos have multiple problems that seem insurmountable.

In a 70-20 loss to the Dolphins, the Broncos gave up the most points in franchise history. While most analysts wondered if quarterback Russell Wilson and the offense would click under new head coach Sean Payton, we should have more questions about Vance Joseph's defense after Sunday's game.

Since the Broncos led the Washington Commanders 21-3 in Week 2, they've allowed 102 points over the last seven quarters.

With a porous defense, the Broncos need to win scoring shootouts, which seems unlikely with their pop-gun offense.

Aside from a Hail Mary pass last week, Denver hasn't produced enough explosive plays to generate any faith that it can win in an offensive track meet. We saw that in reality on Sunday.

The Sean Payton era has gone sour quickly with no signs of a turnaround.

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, left, sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Browns Remain Dangerous Primarily Because of a Ferocious Defense

The Cleveland Browns defense is something to fear. Whether the Browns offense is clicking or not—and the unit looked better than it has all season against the Tennessee Titans—opposing play-callers will lie awake at night worrying about Myles Garrett and Co.

The Titans had no answer for Garrett, who registered 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and five quarterback hits in the Browns' 27-3 victory. He's squarely in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

In total, Tennessee managed a meager 94 yards against Jim Schwartz's defense.

Garrett's presence disrupted everything. The Titans signed left tackle Andre Dillard to a three-year, $29 million contract this offseason. He barely served as an inconvenience on Garrett's way into Tennessee's backfield. The Titans were then forced to chip regularly or slide protection toward Garrett. Yet he still proved to be a difference-maker.

"Teams come in here and they say, 'Don't let 95 wreck the game,'" head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters. "He continues to do it."

While Garrett serves as the catalyst, the Browns defense is now loaded at every spot.

A stronger interior helped hold the Titans to a paltry 1.7 yards per carry. Yes, Derrick Henry played. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah flew about the field and led the team with six tackles, including one tackle for loss. The combination of DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks caught only 31 percent of their passes when targeted.

Instead of consistent breakdowns, as seen under previous defensive coordinator Joe Woods, all three levels of the Browns defense are playing in harmony and thriving.


Tennessee Titans Must Reassess Approach

As noted, the Browns dominated the Titans in the trenches.

For years, Tennessee ran roughshod against opponents. Mike Vrabel's squad proved to be rough, tumble and well-coached. Now, the group lacks significant talent and it's apparent against a loaded roster like Cleveland's.

The free-agent investments in Dillard and guard Daniel Brunskill aren't paying dividends. Maybe the coaching staff considers moving this year's 11th overall draft pick, Peter Skoronski, from guard to left tackle.

The Titans don't have the talent, particularly on offense, and the result is obvious.

"You play like that in this league, you coach like that in this league, you get your ass beat," Vrabel said afterward.

Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders

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QB Josh Allen (left) and RB James Cook (right)
QB Josh Allen (left) and RB James Cook (right)

Bills Offense Has Found Some Balance to Help Josh Allen

The Buffalo Bills went on the road to beat up on an inferior Washington Commanders squad 37-3, but we shouldn't overlook how well the offense has run the ball over the past two weeks.

After a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, the Bills haven't just turned the channel to the Josh Allen show. While Allen has made plays with his arm and legs, running back James Cook has emerged as a key playmaker with 221 rushing yards in the last two games, averaging 6.9 yards per carry since Week 2.

Sure, the Bills defense has contributed to consecutive blowouts, forcing eight turnovers in the previous two outings, but offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has done a good job providing Allen some help with the run game on the offensive side of the ball as well.


Sam Howell Must do a Better Job of Playing to Commanders Defense

First and foremost, let's remember that Sam Howell has a lot to learn with only four career starts. With that said, he has to understand the makeup of his team.

The Commanders have a solid defense with an aggressive pass rush that was tied with the Dallas Cowboys' unit for the most sacks (10) coming into Week 3. Howell should know this and protect the football, which means fewer dangerous throws.

Over the last two weeks, Howell has thrown five interceptions. Though he's not entirely to blame for each turnover, he must cut down on his errors to give his team a chance to beat playoff contenders.

Entering Week 3, under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the Commanders offense had performed better than it did in years past, but the unit still has to build an identity, and it won't be able to do that with a high turnover rate.

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen gives instructions during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen gives instructions during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Shane Steichen Has the Goods as Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

Well-coached teams find ways to win more often than not. Conversely, poorly coached squads have a tendency to make critical mistakes in crucial situations. The Indianapolis Colts appear to have a really good head coach in Shane Steichen.

Indianapolis currently leads the AFC South with a surprising 2-1 record after a 22-19 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts somehow managed a win without quarterback Anthony Richardson, center Ryan Kelly and running back Jonathan Taylor. However, the Colts have been prepared each week and have played hard, and a newfound accountability can be found within the organization.

"Not speaking for anybody other than myself. … I think the old adage, 'consistency creates credibility,' I think is important," defensive coordinator Gus Bradley told the Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson. "That's what Shane's message is. It's been very consistent, from Day 1 when he got here, all the way through."

As examples, the running game stagnated in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Deon Jackson didn't get a single snap the following week before being cut. Cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. struggled mightily in Week 2. The Colts coaching staff immediately replaced him in the lineup with second-round rookie JuJu Brents, who registered four tackles and recovered a fumble in his debut.

"I think you've got to take accountability for everything," Steichen said. "It starts with myself, and then it's the players holding the players accountable, it's coach to player, it's player to coach, and everyone has to be on the same page."

So far, the Colts aren't allowing anything to fester, as they did a year ago. Instead, they're not making excuses and grinding out games.


Baltimore Ravens' New Offensive Scheme Remains Work-in-Progress

The Ravens went from being one of the league's best ground-and-pound attacks to struggling to find themselves.

Against the Colts, Baltimore had 11 series end after six or fewer plays, including both of the team's overtime possessions. In wet conditions, the Ravens didn't control the point of attack. Quarterback Lamar Jackson ran for 101 yards, but the rest of backfield managed 85 yards on 3.7 yards per carry.

The Ravens want to be more dynamic. At the same time, they need to grind out some wins and they didn't against the Colts.

"We just need to clock in and stay focused more," Jackson told reporters. "We need to take what the defense gives us and try to run the ball."

New England Patriots at New York Jets

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Patriots edge-rusher Matthew Judon
Patriots edge-rusher Matthew Judon

Defense Will Prevent Patriots from Sinking to the Bottom of AFC

In a rainy, low-scoring game at MetLife Stadium, the New England Patriots scored only one touchdown, a 58-yard reception for tight end Pharaoh Brown because of busted coverage.

Yet New England came out on top 15-10 because its defense held the Jets to 171 total yards, 2.8 yards per play and shut the door on a comeback with a safety.

While Jets quarterback Zach Wilson had some misfires, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez held his own against 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. The Patriots finished the game with seven quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss.

Against the Jets, quarterback Mac Jones had help from a rushing attack that accumulated 157 yards, but he doesn't have to lead an offensive juggernaut with a defense that's allowed five touchdowns in three games.


Jets Must Stop Pretending Zach Wilson Gives Them the Best Chance to Win Now

Early Sunday, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer said that Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz expressed interest in signing with the Jets (h/t Paul Esden Jr. of The Score 1260), but the Jets want to stick with Zach Wilson.

General manager Joe Douglas is going to get himself and the coaching staff fired if he doesn't find a veteran upgrade over Tim Boyle.

Even though Wilson shouldn't carry all the blame for the Jets' 15-10 loss to the Patriots, he continues to show minimal progress with more experience. Other than a late touchdown drive that ended with a one-yard run for Nick Bawden, Wilson didn't look much different from his rookie or second year in the league.

By now, this sounds like a broken record, but the Jets need to move on from Wilson and find a starting-caliber quarterback to give themselves a chance to string together victories.

Gang Green's Monday Night Football magic with Wilson as a fill-in starter for Aaron Rodgers has completely worn off. The Jets should be on the phone with Wentz right now.

Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 24: Leo Chenal #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs pressures Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 24: Leo Chenal #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs pressures Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

Rashee Rice Emerges as Another Weapon for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

When the biggest story of an NFL game is a superstar singer being in attendance, the contest itself must have been a disappointment.

With social media abuzz of Taylor Swift's attendance, the Kansas Chiefs' business-like approach during a 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears didn't generate much buzz. After all, the Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions with the best player in football behind center. Meanwhile, the Bears are a disaster (more on that in a little bit). Kansas City should have dominated and did. The little things become important in those instances.

For the Chiefs, tight end Travis Kelce continues to be Mahomes' favorite target. Rookie Rashee Rice is working his way into the MVP's preferred option at wide receiver. In two of Kansas City's three games, this year's 55th overall pick tied or led the team's wide receivers in targets. Rice finished with seven against the Bears, which resulted in five receptions for 59 yards.

Kansas City is young at wide receiver. Eventually, the offense will need someone to establish himself as a regular threat. Right now, Rice appears to be the most likely candidate.


Chicago Bears, QB Justin Fields Careening Toward Disaster

The Bears experienced an awful week and it's only gotten worse.

Last Sunday, Chicago lost 27-17 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Justin Fields later blamed the team's coaching staff for playing "robotic." Defensive coordinator Alan Williams abruptly resigned. Left tackle Braxton Jones had to be placed on injured reserve because of a neck issue. An equipment theft occurred at Soldier Field.

Another NFL Sunday provided an opportunity to reset. Except the Chiefs thumped the Bears. Chicago easily looks like the league's worst team.

Fields didn't look robotic; he looks broken.

The 24-year-old completed 50 percent of his passes, threw for only 99 yards and struggled to be as dynamic with the ball in his hands.

It's not entirely his fault, though. His supporting cast leaves much to be desired, as does Chicago's play-calling.

After a 0-3 start, attention starts to turn toward the future. Fields isn't developing as expected. The current regime isn't tied to the quarterback since it didn't draft him. The Bears are the current "front-runners" to claim next year's No. 1 overall pick—where they'll be staring down the opportunity to draft USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye.

Without significant progress during the next few weeks, the Bears must start considering their options and how they plan to build the roster now and beyond.

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks stiff arms CJ Henderson #23 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Lumen Field on September 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 24: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks stiff arms CJ Henderson #23 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Lumen Field on September 24, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks Ready to Roll with One-Two Punch at Running Back

Zach Charbonnet's selection in this year's second round proved to be perplexing after the Seattle Seahawks drafted Kenneth Walker III a year earlier and he ran for 1,050 yards as a rookie.

At the time, the approach to roster-building felt like a throwback—which turned out to be true.

Even with Geno Smith's breakout campaign as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, the Seahawks wanted to return to what made them successful before the organization handed the keys to Russell Wilson. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider built a league-defining roster based on a physical rushing attack and a standout defense. The former has the potential to emerge with the combination of Walker and Charbonnet, who showed they can be perfect complementary pieces.

Even with three starting offensive linemen out of the Seahawks' lineup, the backfield mates combined to carry the ball 27 times for 143 yards. With Charbonnet now in the fold, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can get creative with both.

For example, Walker can be used as a detached wide receiver. The back caught all three passes thrown his way for 59 yards, including a 36-yard reception after being split out wide.

"They're so different and so uniquely different," Carroll told reporters. "I particularly love seeing Zach show up today and show how tough and explosive he can be. It's a great asset for us."

The Carolina Panthers didn't back down during the Seahawks' 37-27 victory. But Seattle's performance shows it can lean on its talented backfield, allow the duo to go to work and emerge with a victory despite obstacles elsewhere.


Slow Start for Carolina Panthers Will Reignite Brian Burns Trade Talk

Why ignore the inevitable? The Brian Burns trade discussion isn't going away anytime soon, especially with how poorly the Panthers started this season.

Another tough loss, where Burns balled out, only exacerbates the problem.

A year ago, the organization bypassed an opportunity to trade the edge-defender for two first-round draft picks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Burns is one of the game's best young pass-rushers. He registered a sack, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits against the Seahawks.

But the Panthers don't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon and the team must make up for the fact it doesn't have a first-round draft pick in 2024 thanks to the Bryce Young trade. The 25-year-old defender wants and deserves a new contract. Everyone understands his situation.

"Once the season started, I'm all about ball," Burns told reporters two weeks ago.

Legitimate contenders need to keep an eye on how this situation develops, because the Panthers look like one of the league's worst teams and Burns is the franchise's best trade asset.

Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Dobbs #9 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Joshua Dobbs #9 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals Shirk League's Worst Label…For One Week

The Arizona Cardinals didn't know they're not good enough to beat the Dallas Cowboys, who throttled their first two opponents. The preseason betting favorite to claim next year's No. 1 overall draft pick provided a plucky performance to claim a 28-16 victory.

"We didn't beat ourselves and made some plays," Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters. "Obviously, a lot of things to clean up. But some guys stepped up and made some big-time plays."

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs didn't an excellent job of orchestrating the offense with an 81 completion percentage while adding 55 rushing yards. Rondale Moore made a big play as part of the rushing attack and rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson found himself wide open for a 69-yard explosive play.

Defensively, Kyzir White led the way with 14 total tackles and the game-sealing interception. Rookie corner Kei'Trel Clark is playing well above his sixth-round draft status.

Overall, the Cardinals own a plus-five point differential. They're the league's only team with a positive number despite a losing record. Arizona is playing sound, scrappy football. The roster may be limited in certain areas, but Gannon and his staff are maximizing what's on the roster.

"We have a lot of room to grow and improve," Dobbs said during an interview with Fox Sports' Pam Oliver. "… To be where we were in the fourth quarter with leads and not being able to pull them out, it's been tough to go back and watch the film knowing we've been that close. This is a great moment for us knowing how to finish, how each the offense, defense and special teams complement each other."


Dallas Cowboys Can Brush Off Loss But Can't Overlook One Specific Area

No team dominated its opposition like the Dallas Cowboys through the first two weeks of play. A 70-10 point differential doesn't automatically decide the following week's contest, though.

Going into Sunday's meeting with the Cardinals, the Cowboys were being discussed as Super Bowl contenders with the potential NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Micah Parsons. While both may still prove to be true, Dallas clearly overlooked the Cardinals, which led to the season's first head-scratching outcome.

The loss doesn't need to mean much, as long as the Cowboys don't let it linger. Off-the-wall outcomes happen every year. For example, the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, inexplicably lost to the dysfunctional Indianapolis Colts last season. The loss didn't matter in the end.

However, legitimate contenders must identify potential problem areas that emerge in these instances. For the Cowboys, execution in the red zone must be better.

Dallas found itself inside Arizona's 15-yard line on four different occasions. It didn't score a touchdown in any of those series.

"We've got to do better, as a team, as a unit, myself. I got to make some throws, maybe use my feet more," Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said. "Obviously that's an area we haven't been good in these last two weeks. We all got to get back to the drawing board. It starts with me. ... We didn't convert in the red zone. That's the story of this game, period."

A better approach deep into opponents' territory will ultimately determine whether the Cowboys are legit or not.

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