Yardbarker's NFL Week 3 game-by-game analysis, grades

RAMS (3-0): Rumors of Aaron Donald’s demise (okay, that’s too strong a term) were greatly exaggerated. Donald’s impact is often felt beyond the realm of traditional stats, and while he did get his first sack of the season in this game, he was a force, particularly when the game was in the balance. He repeatedly harassed Baker Mayfield, and Los Angeles’ pass rush as a whole had the Browns’ quarterback looking jittery and unsettled all night. Donald finished the night with a sack, two tackles for a loss, one quarterback hit and countless pressures, and did it all despite being the focus of Cleveland’s game plan, as he is every week. The Rams’ offense struggled in the first half, as it has all season, and never really got on track with regularity in the second, but if Donald and the defense keep turning in performances like this, they’ll be the smart pick to three-peat as NFC West champions. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: vs. Bucs

— Chris Mueller

BROWNS (1-2): The Rams came to Cleveland Sunday night, which immediately means that getting Aaron Donald blocked was something we all had to pay strict attention to. That chore didn’t go very well, as has been the case all year, because Cleveland’s offensive line is rather problematic. The Browns are loaded with skill position talent, but they absolutely are at their best when they scheme up the passing game to get the ball out of Baker Mayfield’s hands quickly with defined reads and rely more and more on Nick Chubb running the ball. As was the case Sunday Night, defensive coordinators are throwing more and more at Mayfield, and without much help from his blockers, the second year quarterback is handling this challenge with mixed results. Mayfield has been uncomfortable all season. When Mayfield has to hold the ball, bad things happen over and over. When the Rams were playing with a late lead and Cleveland was basically forced to pass, these weaknesses were really exposed. Meanwhile, Chubb absolutely displays feature back traits and while he might not be super flashy and his highlight tape won’t wow you, the second year running back is on the path to stardom. GAME GRADE: C | NEXT: at Ravens

— Matt Williamson

STEELERS (0-3): Coming into Week 2, only the hapless Dolphins had worse time of possession numbers than Pittsburgh. In San Francisco, the Steelers defense that is just littered with former first round picks, flew around the field, got great pressure on Jimmy Garoppolo and took the ball away, something this defense did little of in 2018. But despite taking the ball away five times, Pittsburgh’s offense could do little with it with Mason Rudolph orchestrating the Steelers offense. As they do so well, San Francisco stuck with their excellent running game and still dominated the time of possession. In the end, the 49ers held the ball almost 13 minutes longer than Pittsburgh and as the game went on, the Steelers defense clearly wore down and continued to miss tackles as they have all year.  GAME GRADE: C | NEXT: Vs. Bengals

— Matt Williamson

49ERS (3-0): Had Ben Roethlisberger played for Pittsburgh, the 49ers would likely be 2-1, not 3-0. San Francisco managed a victory despite being minus-three in the turnover department. It was only the Niners’ 12 ^th  win in 96 games since the 1970 merger where they had a turnover margin of minus-three or worse. The worst part about the errors was that several were unforced. There was a fumbled snap by Jimmy Garoppolo, a botched shotgun snap that resulted in a fumble, and an interception thanks to a tipped ball that should never have happened. San Francisco’s defense rose to the challenge, and the Steelers only got six points off the five turnovers. A win helps them keep pace in what is shaping up to be a rough and tumble NFC West, but Kyle Shanahan’s team has plenty to clean up offensively during their bye week.  GAME GRADE: B- | NEXT: Vs. Browns (Mon., Oct. 7)

— Chris Mueller

SAINTS (2-1): That one player accounted for most of his team’s offense would be worrisome in some circumstances, but not when that player is Alvin Kamara. His combined 171 yards and two touchdowns was enough to power the offense to 33 points, with the aid of one defensive touchdown. With Teddy Bridgewater starting in place of Drew Brees, it will be incumbent on Kamara to make the big plays that Brees could otherwise create by throwing players open. It worked on Sunday on the road, signaling New Orleans might survive Brees’ absence just fine. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: Vs.Cowboys

— Michael Tunison

SEAHAWKS (2-1): It’s tough to lose when you outgain the opposition 515-265, but Seattle found a way to do just that against New Orleans. The Seahawks were done in by a special teams touchdown—Deonte Harris’ 53-yard punt return—and a defensive score—Vonn Bell’s 33-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Seattle’s fumbled snap that led to a Steelers touchdown in Week 2 didn’t cost them the game, but it made a comfortable lead much less so, and forced Russell Wilson and the offense to close out the game with a long, clock-eating drive. Seattle can’t lean on their defense to bail them out, even when the opposition doesn’t have their starting quarterback, so they will need to play more buttoned-up football in the coming weeks. Chris Carson was the guilty party on the Saints’ scoop and score, his third lost fumble in three games. GAME GRADE: C- | NEXT: at Cardinals

— Chris Mueller

TEXANS (2-1): Deshaun Watson was razor sharp, throwing for 351 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and was the reason the Texans beat Los Angeles despite the complete absence of a running game. A major reason Watson played so well was his pass protection. He was sacked only twice, marking the first regular season game since November 18, 2018 that he was not taken down at least four times. Watson still faced some pressure, but had time to progress through his reads and hit big shots downfield, and on his third and final touchdown pass, flashed his magic when the Chargers applied pressure, escaping the pocket and hitting a wide open Jordan Akins for a 53-yard touchdown. If Laremy Tunsil and the line can give Watson time all year, Houston will be the team to beat in the AFC South. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: Vs. Panthers

— Chris Mueller

CHARGERS (1-2): Deshaun Watson enjoyed the opportunity to face an injury-riddled Chargers secondary Sunday, and the Texans’ budding superstar did not squander it. The third-year Houston quarterback completed five passes of at least 30 yards – the most significant sequence ending up sinking the Chargers. Watson avoiding Bolts pass rushers moved two cover men into no-man’s land, with safety Rayshawn Jenkins and linebacker Kyzir White coming up to stop a potential scramble. Watson flipped to suddenly wide-open tight end Jordan Akins for a 53-yard go-ahead touchdown . The dual-threat passer also hit DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Kenny Stills on 30-plus-yard strikes against a Chargers team playing without Adrian Phillips, Trevor Williams and All-Pro Derwin James. The Chargers also left Akins open in the end zone – his first touchdown in 19 career games – in the third quarter. The Bolts have now lost five of their past 10 games in Los Angeles. GAME GRADE: C | NEXT: at Dolphins

— Sam Robinson

PANTHERS (1-2): Starting in relief of Cam Newton, Kyle Allen showed remarkable presence in the pocket, sliding to his right and finding Curtis Samuel to tie the game early in the second quarter. He got some help from Christian McCaffrey racing to a 76-yard rushing touchdown, the longest in franchise history, but otherwise Allen showed the assurance of an established starter himself. A second touchdown connection to Greg Olsen, a precision throw to the corner of the end zone, pulled Carolina away. Allen’s four-touchdown outing was the first for a Panthers quarterback since 2017. There are reports that Cam might be back next week, and certainly now there’s a little less of a rush. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: at Texans

— Michael Tunison

CARDINALS (0-2-1) : Arizona has struggled early on to convert in the red zone, which suggests they could use a reliable tight end, or at least throw to Charles Clay more often. Or, they could study film of their first three opponents and write down some tips, because they’ve been shredded by opposing tight ends every week thus far. Greg Olsen had six catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns, on the heels of Mark Andrews going off for eight catches, 112 yards and a score, and T.J. Hockenson lit up the Cardinals in his first professional game with six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Seattle’s Will Dissly awaits next week, and while he doesn’t have the pedigree of Olsen, Andrews or Hockenson, if Arizona doesn’t fix their scheme, he too might have a huge game. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: Vs. Seahawks

— Chris Mueller

GIANTS (1-2): The Daniel Jones era got off to an encouraging start, at least from the standpoint of his performance. A designed run with him tucking the ball and outracing defenders to the corner of the end zone got Jones his first career touchdown. He was crisp if not incredibly daring in his throws throughout the game. It helps when you get a dump pass to go 75 yards for the score at the start of the second half. With Saquon Barkley leaving with an ankle injury, more responsibility was thrust on the rookie quarterback and he responded admirably, connecting with Darius Slayton on an impressive pinpoint throw on a 46-yard gain to set up a touchdown to get New York within three in the third quarter. That would have been enough to silence the doubters and that the Giants had a promising starter on their hands, but another rushing touchdown in the red zone snatched the game away, and now New York clearly has something to work with. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: Vs. Redskins

— Michael Tunison

BUCS (1-2): It was a day of monster individual performances for the Bucs. 146 yards and three touchdowns would be a monster game for any receiver, yet that was Mike Evans’ statline at the half, as the Bucs carried a 28-10 lead into the break. He only had one more catch in the second half, but it was another big game that set up what might have been a game-winning field goal. Shaq Barrett wreaked havoc on the defensive side, posting an incredible four sacks, giving him already seven on the season. Sadly, two standout games can sometimes not be enough to carry a team through. The difference only came down to a missed field goal but it has to be distressing to waste such gems. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Rams

— Michael Tunison

JETS (0-3): It is probably best not to read too much into this Jets effort. They were down to their third-string quarterback against a Patriots defense on a historic tear. That said, the Jets tallied six first downs, gained 105 yards and did not score on offense. Three of the Jets’ four 2019 touchdowns have come via defense or special teams. Games against the Eagles, Cowboys and the New Jersey leg of the Patriots series await the 0-3 Jets after their Week 4 bye. Pressure will be on Adam Gase to make them competent come October. He has a lot to prove. Since he served as the architect of the Peyton Manning-powered Broncos attacks in 2013-14, Gase’s offenses – the 2015 Bears and 2016, ’17 and ’18 Dolphins – have ranked 23rd, 17th, 28th and 26th, respectively. With the Jets having hired Gase ally Joe Douglas as GM, their post-bye stretch – possibly involving Sam Darnold – will reveal plenty about their future. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Eagles (Sun., Oct. 6)

— Sam Robinson

PATRIOTS (3-0): Despite the Patriots being in the astounding position of losing this decade’s premier wide receiver and remaining the Super Bowl favorites, the defending NFL champions now must count on perhaps this era’s least reliable talent. Antonio Brown’s release shines a brighter spotlight on Josh Gordon. Discounting Brown’s 11-day cameo, Gordon is the most talented Patriot wideout since Randy Moss. Gordon caught six passes for 83 yards, with two of his grabs displaying how fortunate the Pats are the NFL green-lit yet another reinstatement. Gordon’s sideline snag in double coverage converted a third-and-22, setting up a third-quarter touchdown, and Tom Brady found him for 25 yards on perhaps an even more impressive connection a drive later. His historic unavailability aside, the former first-team All-Pro now becomes a more essential part of an offense that lost Rob Gronkowski and will no longer have Brown as a luxury playmaker. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: at Bills

— Sam Robinson

BENGALS (0-3): This game started miserably for Cincinnati, but to their credit, the Bengals showed impressive resiliency in coming back in Buffalo. Much of Cincinnati’s comeback came on the back of Joe Mixon. Mixon’s statistics haven’t been gaudy at all this year, but his blocking has been horrible and clearly every defense that faces the Bengals are doing everything possible to shut him down first and foremost. But Mixon is a very special talent and is playing the Todd Gurley role in his offense patterned off the one in Los Angeles, where Zac Taylor coached before becoming Cincinnati’s head coach. Mixon is actually a superior talent to Gurley. We knew that getting a win in Buffalo would be a steep challenge for the Bengals, but give them credit for nearly pulling it off after a terrible start. GAME GRADE: C+ | NEXT: at Steelers (Mon.)

— Matt Williamson

BILLS (3-0): Given modern running backs’ usage rates and shortened careers, Emmitt Smith’s rushing record appears safe. But a 21st-century back now looks increasingly more likely to surpass Barry Sanders for No. 3 on this list. For a second straight week, the Bills turned to Frank Gore to spearhead their run game – this time with promising rookie Devin Singletary out with an injury – and the 36-year-old grinder delivered. The 15th-year running back rushed for a game-high 76 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown – a 1-yard run. Gore moved to 14,912 career ground yards – 357 behind Sanders. He entered Sunday averaging just 2.9 yards per carry but came through for a 5.4-yard average against Cincinnati. With Gore (just two games missed since 2011) residing as a key part of the Bills’ offense and boasting a career low of 608 rushing yards, he looks like a strong bet to finish the season behind only Smith and Walter Payton on the all-time rushing list. GAME GRADE: B- | NEXT: Vs. Patriots

— Sam Robinson

BRONCOS (0-3): The Broncos have not finished with three consecutive sub-.500 seasons since the 1970-72 campaigns; they are barreling toward matching this. Sunday, this Broncos iteration showed how limited its avenues to victory are. Although the Broncos now have no sacks or forced turnovers through 12 quarters, Denver’s defense limited Aaron Rodgers to 17-for-29 passing (235 yards) and allowed just 2 of 9 third-down conversions. Green Bay still won by two scores. The Broncos, who outrushed the Packers 149-77, committed three turnovers – one on a baffling Joe Flacco interception over the middle in Packers territory – and exposed their limitations in having to play from behind. Preston Smith dominated Broncos fill-in right tackle Elijah Wilkinson, and the Packers registered six sacks. Flacco has played 166 regular-season games; Sunday marked the first time he’s been dropped six times. This Broncos roster is better than the franchise’s past two sub-.500 teams, but this is a low-ceiling operation. GAME GRADE: C- | NEXT: Vs. Jaguars

— Sam Robinson

PACKERS (3-0): The Packers are 3-0. Once again, Aaron Rodgers didn’t put up huge numbers and the defense that created three Broncos turnovers and sacked Joe Flacco six times was more impressive than Green Bay’s offense. However, this was a breakout game from Marquez Valdes-Scantling and that is great news going forward for the team atop the NFC North. Not only did Valdes-Scantling lead the Packers in receptions and receiving yardage, but his 10 targets (six more than any other Packer) is also very telling. There is a ton of ability with this young man and it is clear that Rodgers has extreme faith in Valdes-Scantling, especially deep downfield. But Valdes-Scantling is showing that he is more than a one trick pony and while is isn’t yet in Davante Adams’ class as an overall receiver, he might actually be the most talented pass catcher on Green Bay’s roster. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: vs. Eagles

— Matt Williamson

RAIDERS (1-2): Patrick Mahomes’ Week 2 eruption aside, the Raiders could hang their hats on a potentially improved run defense. But the Vikings showed a week later that facet may also be an issue for the Silver and Black. After allowing the Broncos and Chiefs to rush for a combined 126 yards, the Raiders yielded 211 in Minnesota. The Raiders could not contain the Vikings’ zone-blocking scheme, with Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and third-stringer Mike Boone combining to break six runs of 10-plus yards in the second half – keeping Oakland’s offense off the field and denying comeback hopes. This turned into a clinic for the Gary Kubiak system, which was largely ineffective in its second Denver run. Sunday marked the most rushing yards a Kubiak-overseen offense has churned out since a Nov. 2014 Ravens-Saints game. Not a good start for the Raiders’ six-week stretch without a home game. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Colts

— Sam Robinson

VIKINGS (2-1): The Vikings now have two home games under their belt and neither contest was competitive. Minnesota dominated the Raiders from the start. This, of course, is exactly how the Vikings need to play with Dalvin Cook controlling the action. Cook is playing as well as any running back in football right now. His balance, vision and burst are just outstanding, and Cook fits this scheme extremely well. His amazing ability to cut back against the grain really stood out in this game. Over-pursuing against Cook on Minnesota’s wide-zone runs can cost a defense dearly. We all know Cook’s injury history and hopefully that never rears its ugly head again, but Alexander Mattison is proving to be a high quality backup in his own right with the desirable traits needed for much success in this Gary Kubiak offense even if Cook were to miss time. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Bears

— Matt Williamson

RAVENS (2-1): In this week’s marquee matchup in Kansas City, John Harbaugh was extremely aggressive. We saw many fourth down attempts, a two point conversion attempt after the first score of the game, a lot of deep passing shots downfield as well as Baltimore coming after Patrick Mahomes with blitz. Harbaugh held nothing back, but you can also argue that Baltimore was too aggressive early on and should have leaned more on what they have done so well of late in running the football. That being said, the Ravens made more than their share of spectacular big plays, almost always spear-headed by Lamar Jackson. But in the world of big plays, it is awfully difficult to outdo the Chiefs, which is exactly what happened today. Still, Jackson made plays in this one at a Mahomes-ian level. The Ravens are for real and might just see Kansas City again before it is all said and done. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: Vs. Browns

— Matt Williamson

CHIEFS (3-0): Sunday’s Ravens-Chiefs game interestingly showed the value of a proven running back while simultaneously providing another example of how replaceable this position often is. Damien Williams’ injury opened the door for a LeSean McCoy resurgence, with Shady totaling 80 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice – including on a key third-quarter screen pass. Second-year undrafted back Darrel Williams, however, led Kansas City with 109 scrimmage yards. Both McCoy, who averaged a career-worst 3.2 yards for the 2018 Bills, and Darrel Williams posted yards-per-tote figures north of 6.5. McCoy has seamlessly returned to an Andy Reid offense, this one featuring myriad college concepts that weren’t present when Shady worked with Reid in Philadelphia. He joined Darrel Williams in keeping the now-staggeringly deep Chiefs offense in high gear. The Chiefs have primarily depended on one primary running back dating back to Priest Holmes’ 2001 arrival, but with the younger Williams showing this form, this edition may opt for a Marty Schottenheimer-style committee. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: at Lions

— Sam Robinson

LIONS (2-0-1): Matthew Stafford could be in store for his best season in quite some time or even in his career. Sure, a first quarter 100-yard kickoff touchdown return for touchdown helped Detroit's cause, but that being said, this offense doesn’t get the credit it deserves from a coaching and scheme perspective. The Lions are very hard to play against and prepare for on this side of the ball. Detroit has excellent emerging offensive personnel as well. The trio of Kerryon Johnson, Kenny Golladay and T.J. Hockenson is coming on strong through the first three weeks of the season. The other receivers (including Marvin Jones, who had a giant day in Philadelphia) make this a deep and complex offense with Stafford at the controls. Nine receivers caught a pass from Stafford. Detroit is undefeated and their veteran quarterback is the biggest reason why. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: Vs. Chiefs

— Matt Williamson

EAGLES (1-2) : A once attacking Philly defense is looking increasingly flat as the 2019 season progresses. The special teams did the Eagles D no favors by giving up a kick return touchdown after Philly opened scoring with a field goal. Nevertheless, Philly struggled to get consistent pressure on Matt Stafford and never got home for a sack. Cornerback Ronald Darby left the game with a hamstring injury, leaving the secondary a little more exposed, but no reliable playmaker has emerged for this defense whether all the starters are in or not. All looked lost as Detroit was looking to extend its lead with a field goal in the last two minutes, and the big play finally arrived — Malcolm Jenkins got there for a critical block. It didn't end up being enough to swing things, but at least it was a sign of life. GAME GRADE: B- | NEXT: at Packers (Thur.)

— Michael Tunison

FALCONS (1-2): Finding themselves down 20-3 at half and missing Ito Smith and Keanu Neal to injury, Atlanta still managed to storm back in the second half with Austin Hooper snagging two touchdown catches. The problem was that the Falcons defense made Jacoby Brissett look like as decorated a veteran as Matt Ryan throughout the game. The Colts quarterback connected on his first 12 passes and finished with more than 300 yards and two scores. Atlanta’s defense twice needed critical stops late in the second half and couldn’t get one. The loss of Neal certainly didn’t help, but ultimately the rest of the unit made it look too easy for Brissett, playing indy’s first home game since Andrew Luck retired. GAME GRADE: C+ | NEXT: Vs. Titans

— Michael Tunison

COLTS (2-1): Frank Reich has said that Jacoby Brissett appears most calm in the fourth quarter of games, and he put his trust in his quarterback to close the show against the Falcons, with terrific results. Brissett was great throughout, going 28/37 for 310 yards and two first-half touchdowns and no interceptions, and with the game on the line, Reich called for a pass off a zone-read fake on third and four, and Brissett coolly hit Jack Doyle for a game-winning 16-yard gain. Indy was without star linebacker Darius Leonard for this game, and T.Y. Hilton was injured and missed the entire second half. That the Colts held off Atlanta is a testament to Brissett, who is rapidly establishing himself as a weapon, and not a game manager. Another encouraging sign for the Colts was veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri getting back on track, including a 49-yard field goal to open the scoring. GAME GRADE: A- | NEXT: Vs. Raiders

— Chris Mueller

DOLPHINS (0-3): Josh Rosen finished the 2018 season playing behind a shaky Cardinals line that worsened with injuries. This Dolphins unit is traversing a similar trajectory. Having already traded top lineman Laremy Tunsil, the Dolphins lost their starters at left tackle and right guard – Jesse Davis and Danny Isidora – against the Cowboys on Sunday. The Cowboys sacked Rosen three times in the second half and smothered the Dolphins, en route to Dallas’ offense awakening and covering the 22.5-point spread. Miami already placed left tackle Julie’n Davenport, acquired in the Tunsil deal, on IR and let five-year starter Ja’Wuan James defect in free agency. The Dolphins, who entered Sunday with a Day 2 rookie at left guard ( Michael Deiter) and a Day 3 rookie at right tackle (Isaiah Prince), gained 29 yards on its first four second-half possessions. The last NFL team to boast a point differential worse than Miami’s minus-117 through three games: the 1923 Rochester Jeffersons. GAME GRADE: D- | NEXT: Vs. Chargers

— Sam Robinson

COWBOYS (3-0): The seemingly tanking Dolphins gave the Cowboys their best effort in the first half, gaining 216 yards, more than they had in the entire game against the Ravens and Patriots. Eventually, questionable red zone decisions by Miami kept them from taking advantage of that early momentum. By the second half, the talent drain, including the recent loss by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, was apparent. His presence was missed in coverage on a few plays, among them a pair of touchdowns to Amari Cooper , as the Cowboys offense finally got its rhythm in the second half, and breezed to victory. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: at Saints

— Michael Tunison

TITANS (1-2): It was easy to ignore in Week 1, because Tennessee won going away, but a negative trend has taken shape in the season’s first three weeks. The Titans can’t keep Marcus Mariota upright, and it’s killing their offense. Mariota has been sacked 17 times already—four each in Weeks 1 and 2, and a staggering nine times by Jacksonville on Thursday night. Through three games last season, he had only been sacked four times. The absence of Taylor Lewan, Tennessee’s suspended Pro Bowl left tackle, is a contributing factor, but to what extent is up for debate. Against the Jaguars, the pressure came from the interior. Per Pro Football Focus, left guard Roger Saffold posted a mediocre 58.6 pass blocking grade, and right guard Jamil Douglas an awful 12.4. GAME GRADE: D- | NEXT: at Falcons

— Chris Mueller

JAGUARS (1-2): Gardner Minshew II’s rise from unknown backup to talk of the NFL has been impressive. Against the Titans, he made his living down the field and outside the numbers. Minshew was 6-for-8 for 121 yards and two touchdowns on throws outside the numbers of ten or more yards. He was perfect throwing deep to the right side of the field, including a nifty throw to D.J. Chark, and would have had even better numbers had Dede Westbrook not dropped a perfectly thrown touchdown in the corner of the end zone. Minshew doesn’t have a particularly strong arm, but his timing and accuracy have been top-notch, and he has shown no hesitation or compunction about throwing the ball downfield. He has plenty of room for improvement on shorter throws, but Minshew has already laid down some solid evidence to suggest that his success is no fluke. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Broncos

— Chris Mueller

BEARS (1-1) : The Bears travel to Washington for "Monday Night Football." This game absolutely projects to be low scoring, which is the only formula Chicago has going for them right now. This team really needs to get more from their quarterback and this could be a good matchup to get Mitch Trubisky some confidence. But it looks like the Chicago offense is ready to commit to David Montgomery and that is the right move. Expect the Bears pass rush to get home with regularity and Chicago’s defense to get their hands on the ball several times in a winning effort on the road.  NEXT: Vs. Vikings

— Matt Williamson

REDSKINS (0-2): With the division rival Giants already turning to rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, eyes are on Washington as to when they’ll hand the reins over to Dwayne Haskins. As much pressure as there is, it makes little sense to give a hyped rookie his first NFL start in a prime-time game against a punishing Bears defense. It also doesn’t hurt that Case Keenum has actually played fairly well, albeit in defeat. His five touchdowns and no interceptions may ward off the rookie for a few more weeks, though a disastrous outing to make the team fall to 0-3 could make Washington reevaluate going into a Week 4 matchup against Jones’ G-Men. NEXT: at Giants

— Michael Tunison