
Week 3 of the NFL season was filled with high-scoring affairs and late-game excitement, but not from the most expected sources. In a relatively underwhelming week from offenses league-wide, it was the defensive and special teams units that came through when it mattered most.
Week 3 saw an unprecedented number of game-changing plays from D/ST groups. Whether it was to pad a blowout or secure a last-second victory, unheralded talents put their names on the map during an opening slate that quickly turned from a snooze fest to a compelling watch.
Here are the top five D/ST plays of Week 3.
Marcus Mariota proved capable of running the show for the Washington Commanders, leading the team to a 21-10 halftime lead. But it was the work of rookie receiver Jaylin Lane that put the game out of reach.
Returning the Raiders' second punt of the half, Lane collected himself at the 10-yard line before busting into open space and speeding past Las Vegas' last line of defense for a 90-yard score.
WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES, @j_lane_2!!!
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 21, 2025
#LVvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/YvgnhQrGN0
The New York Jets, looking to avoid a 0-3 start with backup QB Tyrod Taylor leading the charge, unsurprisingly trailed for most of a Week 3 bout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A contest that once was in reach began to get out of hand after Taylor threw a pick-six near the end of the first half. The Bucs piled on with another field goal in the third, extending their lead to 23-6 before the closing period.
New York proved the contest was far from over with a three-touchdown fourth quarter, capped off with a blocked field goal and touchdown by Will McDonald.
Tampa Bay had just enough time to storm down for the game-winning field goal, but that shouldn't take away from the Jets' valiant effort.
not a bad first TD of your career @WILL_JUN1OR
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 21, 2025
: #NYJvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/itAM2FwjB0
Neither the Green Bay Packers nor the Cleveland Browns managed to do much of anything on offense in their Week 3 matchup.
As a result, it seemed 10 points was all it would take for the Packers to walk away with the win. No one on Green Bay's sideline could have been prepared for the last four minutes of this contest.
After a Browns field goal cut the Packers lead to 10-3, an interception of Jordan Love allowed Cleveland to tie the game. Still, the Packers made it down the field once more in what looked like a close call.
Instead, a blocked field goal allowed the Browns to spoil Green Bay's flawless start to the season.
THIS TEAM HAS FIGHT#GBvsCLE on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/53k3WuI5iV
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams were steamrolling the Philadelphia Eagles until late in the second half, but the reigning champs took advantage of every opportunity to win this one.
After the Eagles took their first lead of the game with under two minutes remaining, the Rams, like the Packers, managed to set themselves up for a game-winning field goal as time expired.
The Eagles, like the Browns, couldn't allow that to happen. A blocked field goal was recovered for a 61-yard score, miraculously keeping Philadelphia undefeated.
BALL GAME‼️ pic.twitter.com/lfwWi1mI2g
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 21, 2025
In a truly historic showing, Minnesota Vikings veteran cornerback Isaiah Rodgers clamped up the Cincinnati Bengals in more ways than one.
A first-quarter pick-six of Jake Browning already gave Rodgers a memorable day, but he was just getting started. Late in the second, the 27-year-old forced a fumble and recovered it himself for another 66-yard score.
Punched it out ✅
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2025
Picked it up ✅
Put 6 on the board ✅
: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/fzW29QyKq2
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!