The 10 Biggest Surprises from Week 3 in the NFL

Week 3 featured upsets, blowouts, and break out performances. Two divisional match-ups featured impressive upsets, two games featured 20+ point comebacks, and a rookie receiver literally made the most of his first three career receptions.

This past week invigorated the fan bases of a few franchises that haven’t sniffed success in years. As the season wears on we’ll learn which of these shocking stories were actually foreshadowing the things to come.

Until then, enjoy the ten biggest surprises of Week 3.

10. The Colts Keep It Close Against the Steelers

Without Peyton Manning, the Colts are considered one of the worst teams in the NFL. After two embarrassing performances, fans expected Sunday Night’s game to be a blowout and the Colts to be embarrassed on national TV.

Even though they didn’t pull off the victory against the defending AFC Champions, they kept it interesting.  Joseph Addai finally stepped up to control the pace of the game, and the Indianapolis defense neutralized a dynamic Steelers offense. They fell 23-20 on a last minute field-goal, but gave their fans a little bit of hope moving forward.

9. The Raiders Handle the Jets

After appearing in the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons, the New York Jets are considered one of the best teams in the AFC. The Oakland Raiders have shown signs of life, but haven’t been taken seriously since Rich Gannon was running the offense nearly a decade ago.

That may have all changed in Week 3 as the Raiders upset Rex Ryan’s Jets 34-24. If this is any sign of things to come, the Raiders will be one of the biggest surprises of the 2011 season.

8. Tony Romo Continues to Repair His Image

Dallas' receivers didn't show up, the offensive line hardly blocked, and four snaps were made before Tony Romo was finished calling hot routes. Regardless, he weathered his fractured rib and the mistakes of his young teammates, and came out on top against his division rival Redskins.

The Cowboys improve to 2-1 and Tony Romo is establishing himself as a tough, strong-minded quarterback. These past two victories may prove pivotal for Tony Romo's career.

7. James Casey Emerges Against New Orleans

When you think of the Houston Texans and their stable of play-makers, James Casey is probably the last guy that comes to mind. The fullback/tight end hybrid made 5 receptions out of the backfield, and turned them into an impressive 126 yards receiving.

Casey nearly surpassed his career total of 162 yards receiving and could emerge as a valuable check down option for Matt Schaub.

6. Victor Cruz Beats the Eagles Secondary

With Mario Manningham out and Hakeem Nicks banged up, Giants fans were hoping an efficient target would emerge in Week 3. The undersized (6 foot) Victor Cruz did just that, as he pulled down three catches for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Eagles have one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL. Cruz had no trouble dealing with the big name defenders and even pulled down one of his touchdowns over all-pro Nnamdi Asomugha.

5. The Lions Come Back Against the Vikings

The Lions are 3-0 for the first time since 1980. They entered the season as a team to watch, but nobody expected the resiliency they revealed in Week 3 against the Vikings.

Detroit was favored to win the game, but they fell behind 20-0 in the first half.  Matthew Stafford found Calvin Johnson twice as the Lions scored 23 unanswered points. The Lions are for real.

4. The Giants Upset the Eagles

The Giants traveled to Philadelphia as 7.5 point underdogs. The Eagles were the easy pick as they topped New York in each of their last six meetings, including an embarrassing Week 15 meltdown that gashed Big Blue’s 2010 playoff hopes.

Instead of rolling over, New York showed up in a big way this week defeating the Eagles 29-16. They knocked Michael Vick out of the game in the process, and re-established themselves as serious contenders in the NFC East.

3. Tom Brady Throws 4 Interceptions

The last time Tom Brady threw 4 interceptions in a game; Mark Ingram was in high school, Brett Favre was still a Packer, and Michael Vick had yet to see the inside of a prison cell.

He did it again on Sunday in Buffalo. Two came on deflected passes and one came on a missed route by Chad Ochocinco, but 4 interceptions are 4 interceptions. Especially when they cost you the game against a division rival.

2. Torrey Smith Goes off

The Baltimore Ravens acquired Lee Evans this offseason, in hopes of establishing a deep threat to compliment Joe Flacco’s exceptional arm strength. Evans was inactive in Week 2, which gave rookie Torrey Smith a chance to break out at the NFL level.

The former Maryland wideout entered the draft early following an impressive junior season. This Sunday, he justified his decision. The first 3 receptions of his career went for touchdowns (74, 41, and 18 yards respectively) as he pulled in 5 catches for 155 yards.

1. The Bills Beat the Patriots for the First Time in Eight Years

The Bills hadn’t beaten the Patriots in 8 years heading into Sunday. They’re regarded across the league as an up and coming team, but were still getting 8.5 points at home against Tom Brady and his surging offense.

Ryan Fitzpatrick outplayed New England and the reigning MVP and came out on top 34-31. Buffalo came back from a 21 point deficit and they now sit atop the AFC East at a surprising 3-0.

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