So ignoring the ongoing fracas caused by Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy, Jonathan Dwyer et. al, week three was a phenomenal showcase for the unpredictability of the NFL. Arizona put the NFC on watch with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the surprisingly winless New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts finally got their first wins, Pittsburgh demolished the Carolina Panthers and Seattle held off the Denver Broncos with a overtime win courtesy of - who else? - Marshawn Lynch.
Oh, and three quarterbacks - Andy Dalton, Russell Wilson and Johnny Manziel - all caught passes from wide receivers. Of all the things you could accuse the NFL of being, 'predictable' isn't one.
Kirk Cousins
The talk of the 'RG3 Era' in Washington D.C. being over is probably premature, but after head coach Jay Gruden said he felt that Cousins was a better fit for his scheme in the wake of Griffin's injury, many people began speculating whether we'd ever see the former Baylor quarterback in a Redskins uniform ever again.
Gruden may have had a point, as Cousins delivered a performance worthy of a starting job on Sunday. He went 30 of 48 for 427 yards, and threw three touchdowns and one interception against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rashad Jennings
The Giants' much-maligned offense exploded into life against the previously unbeaten Houston Texans, with Eli Manning delivering a mistake-free performance and throwing two touchdowns. It was running back Rashad Jennings who stole the show, with a 38 carry, 176 yard, one touchdown performance. It was a career game, and Jennings poignantly dedicated it to his father:
“Today I was just reminded that my father has diabetes and he ended up getting both of his legs amputated. He doesn't have legs. Today, I remembered that I do have them.”
Le'Veon Bell
Another masterful running performance came courtesy of the Steelers' Le'Veon Bell. The Carolina Panthers' defense was one of the league's most formidable units a year ago, and - despite the absence of defensive end Greg Hardy - is still one of the NFL's best. Despite his unquestionable talent, it was therefore surprising to see Bell rack up a monstrous 147 yards rushing against the Panthers.
Kyle Fuller
The Chicago Bears' secondary is a unit that has already been decimated by injury. Charles Tillman is lost for the year, and a who's-who of defensive backs have picked up injuries in recent weeks. This less-than-desirable situation has given other players the opportunity to step up, and 2014 first round draft pick Kyle Fuller has done just that. Fuller bagged two interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers in week two and added a third - at a crucial moment in the game - against the New York Jets this week. He also added two forced fumbles and so far has an allowed passer rating of 43.6. With Tillman's career in doubt, the Bears may have struck gold with this playmaking rookie cornerback.
“Today I was just reminded that my father has diabetes and he ended up getting both of his legs amputated. He doesn't have legs. Today, I remembered that I do have them.”
Le'Veon Bell
Kyle Fuller
The Chicago Bears' secondary is a unit that has already been decimated by injury. Charles Tillman is lost for the year, and a who's-who of defensive backs have picked up injuries in recent weeks. This less-than-desirable situation has given other players the opportunity to step up, and 2014 first round draft pick Kyle Fuller has done just that. Fuller bagged two interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers in week two and added a third - at a crucial moment in the game - against the New York Jets this week. He also added two forced fumbles and so far has an allowed passer rating of 43.6. With Tillman's career in doubt, the Bears may have struck gold with this playmaking rookie cornerback.
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