NFL Week 3 Awards

Photo credit: barstoolsports.com

Eli, who?

Cam, who?

I wouldn’t expect you to know either of those names after what happened on Sunday.

Daniel Jones and Kyle Allen respectively lit up Tampa Bay’s and Arizona’s defense while making a statement as the new kids on the block.

Gardner Minshew turned heads as well while leading the Jaguars to their first win.

Who else made a statement during Week 3? 

MVP Watch:

Honorable mentions

7. Runningback Dalvin Cook(MIN): 57 carries, 375 yards and four touchdowns

Cook had another strong outing on Sunday, rushing for 110 yards and a score on 16 carries. As long as Cook can stay healthy, he will remain in the MVP race thanks to Mike Summer’s old-school offense.

6. Quarterback Deshaun Watson(HOU): Passing stats: 66% completion, 778 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Running stats: 15 carries, 63 yards and two touchdowns

If Watson had consistent protection from his offensive line, his numbers would be even better. The QB carved up the Chargers’ secondary for 351 yards and three TD’s Sunday. He’s a magician at evading sacks and is a threat on the ground as well.

Prime contenders

5. Quarterback Tom Brady(NE): 68% completion, 911 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions.

No. 12 threw for 306 yards and two TD’s on Sunday, but it still feels like the Pats are still settling into a groove on offense, which is to be expected three weeks into the season.

4. Quarterback Russell Wilson(SEA): Passing stats: 71% completion, 902 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. Running stats: 17 carries, 81 yards and two touchdowns.

Wilson threw for 406 yards and two scores against the Saints Sunday. He also added two more touchdowns on the ground. The only thing missing from this performance is a Seahawks’ win, but Wilson certainly did his part.

3. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (BAL): Passing stats: 63% completion, 863 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. Running stats: 27 carries, 172 yards and one touchdown.

Let’s just call it what it was: a reality check. Jackson didn’t have his best game, going 22/43 and throwing for just 267 yards while putting up a Quarterback rating(QBR) of 70.6. He did run for a score but to win MVP, Jackson will need to improve on being a consistent passer.

2. Quarterback Dak Prescott(DAL): Passing stats: 74% completion, 920 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Running stats: 11 carries, 88 yards and one touchdown.

Dak Prescott attributed Sunday’s slow start to him being greedy. He was playing against an inferior team, so he made throws he probably shouldn’t have made. He didn’t play his best ball by any stretch, but he still scored three times and led his team to a victory.

1. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes(KC): 72% completion, 1,195 yards, 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Mahomes threw for 374 yards and three TD’s, torching Baltimore’s defense all game long. He’s clearly the MVP front runner. If you don’t think so, you need your eyes checked.

Game of the Week: Giants at Buccaneers

In an unexpected turn of events, the Giants-Bucs game stole the show on Sunday. Tampa led by 18 at the half, but then Giants QB Daniel Jones, also known as Danny Dimes, caught fire and led his team to a comeback victory, winning 32–31. The Giants’ defense deserves credit too for allowing the Bucs to score just three points after halftime.

Upset of the Week: Saints over Seahawks

Alvin Kamara said he believes the Saints are still contenders without Drew Brees.

He might be right.

The Saints had big plays from every area of their team and won in a hostile environment. They deserve tons of credit for this win.

Offense of the Week: Kansas City Chiefs

Surprise, surprise.

The Chiefs totaled 514 total yards and 33 points in a big win over the Ravens. This offense is the definition of explosive.

Defense of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars sacked Marcus Mariota nine times and only allowed seven points.

Ouch.

If “Sacksonville” continues playing like this, they can be playoff contenders this season.

Dud of the Week (player): QB Andy Dalton (CIN)

Dalton was 20/36 with 249 yards passing, a TD and two picks. He also had a QBR of 63.3. Not exactly the kind of performance you need from your QB, especially when you’re within striking distance of an upset victory.

Dud of the Week (team): Arizona Cardinals

I don’t expect much from the Cardinals, but what I definitely didn’t expect was an 18 point loss to the Panthers without their starting QB. The offensive line let Kyler Murray get sacked eight times, David Johnson was nonexistent, and the defense let Kyle Allen look like Peyton Manning.

Breakout player: QB Kyle Allen(CAR)

Allen was pretty good though.

He was 19/26 with 261 yards passing and threw four TD’s, posting a QBR of 144.4. Yes, it was against the Cardinals, but if Allen continues to play like this, this team can say goodbye to Cam Newton.

Player of the Week: QB Daniel Jones (NYG)

You didn’t think I forgot about Danny Dimes, did you?

Despite being sacked five times, Jones threw for 336 yards and had four total touchdowns, including two rushing. Jones has the accuracy and the wheels to replace Eli Manning for good.

Welcome to your new era, Giants fans.

Team of the Week: New Orleans Saints

It was a complete team victory for the Saints in Seattle. Yes, the team needs Drew Brees to be at full strength but if the rest of the team steps up how it did Sunday, New Orleans could easily have a winning record without Brees.