Week three of the NFL season brings more questions than answers

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Week three of the NFL season provided more questions than answers.  The Bears sit atop the NFC North after their 16-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, though that was just a part of a surprising week in the NFL.

Well, at least I'd take Mitch over Sam

The Bears went down to the Cardinals 14-0 in the first quarter but clawed their way back, outscoring the Cardinals 13-0 in the second half.  As expected, the Bears defense keyed the win, coming up with four turnovers, three in the second half.  Cardinals QB, Sam Bradford, was pulled late in the fourth quarter in favor of rookie Josh Rosen.  Rosen wasn’t up to the task at hand.  So, who had game three in the “How Long Will Sam Bradford Last as the Cardinals Quarterback” pool?  At least Bradford didn’t leave as a result of injury.  Has an NFL QB ever parleyed less production into more money than Sam Bradford?  But I digress.

The Bears offense put up only 16 points, which is less than scintillating.  Once again Mitch Trubisky was underwhelming.  Old guys like me might draw a Mike Tomczak parallel.  I hope that doesn’t prove to be the case.  It seems that Trubisky has regressed a bit, which is bothersome.  We’ll see if the Bears can get in gear next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Will Bucs choose Winston or throw a Fitz

Speaking of the Bucs, they lost to the Steelers 30-27 Monday night.  Bucs QB and Connor McGregor look alike, Ryan Fitzpatrick, played QB like McGregor in the first half, throwing three picks.  Fitzpatrick rallied the Buccaneers in the second half, amassing 411 total yards in passing, but it wasn’t enough.  Tampa Bay now has somewhat of a quarterback controversy between Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston.  Personally, I’d take Fitzpatrick.  You’ll get similar outcomes but with less baggage.  I’m not sold on Winston’s upside or leadership. 

Are the Pats done?  I wouldn't say that just yet.

Is it time to stick a fork in the Patriots?  It seems like we have this discussion every year and every year Bill Belichick and Tom Brady rally the troops and make a Super Bowl run.  I’m not ready to throw dirt on them just yet, but they looked old and generally just plain bad in their 26-10 loss to the Lions.  I doubt picking up former Browns receiver, Josh Gordon will make much of a difference.

Is it just me, or does Baker Mayfield kind of look like Pauley Shore?

Speaking of the Browns, they finally rewarded their fans with their first win 635 days.  Rookie QB, Baker Mayfield, replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor and overcame a 14 point deficit in route to a 21-17 win over the Jets.  If the Browns hope to have an effective air game, Mayfield needs to be the guy.  In a related note, thanks to the victory duty no longer wants to change its color from brown.   

Try the Jon Gruden arcade game

In the category of, “Guys Who Haven’t Won for a Long Time”, I’ll take Jon Gruden for $600.  The answer is, “What insanely overpaid Raiders coach hasn’t won a game yet.”  The Raiders lost to the Miami Dolphins 28-20.  The next time you go to an arcade, check out the Jon Gruden game.  Like the Raiders, it plays for three quarters.

Roughing the passer rule explained

The Packers lost to the Redskins 31-17.  Packers LB, Clay Matthews, was called for another questionable roughing the passer call.  Let me explain the new rule about roughing the passer to you.  If Matthews touches the QB, it’s a penalty.

Vikings overran by Bills, just like at my home

In the biggest shocker of week three, the Bills trounced the Vikings 27-6.  Rookies Bills QB, Josh Allen, ran for two TDs and threw for another.  The Bills win marked the first time a 16 point underdog won an NFL game since Dec. 3, 1995. 

Looking back with regrets

Last week I remarked about how good the Jaguars looked in defeated the Patriots.  I might need to go back and delete that post after their 9-6 loss to the Tennessee Titans.  Blake Bortles apparently remembered he was Blake Bortles and threw for only 150 yards. 

Down in Texas....

The Houston Texans went to 0-3 after their 27-22 loss to the Giants.  Eli Manning was sharp, going 25/29 for 297 yards and two TDs.  Saquon Barkley continues to prove he’s really good, running for 82 yards on 17 carries.  So far the Texans have been all hat and no cattle.

The Dallas Cowboys fared no better this week, losing to the Seattle Seahawks 24-13.  Neither the Seahawks nor the Cowboys are particularly good, but Russell Wilson is better than Dak Prescott.  All and all, looks like it could be a long year for NFL football in Texas.