Peyton Manning and the Broncos failed to avenge their ignominious Super Bowl defeat in Seattle and the Steelers bullied the Panthers in Carolina, leaving three teams chasing perfection and the '72 Dolphins:
The unbeatens
Cardinals (3-0): Bruce Arians, 13-6 as head coach now, is the leader in the Coach of the Year clubhouse. After beating the 49ers, he is 2-0 with Drew Stanton at quarterback. Remember he lost Darnell Dockett for the season and is currently without John Abraham, his best pass rusher.
Eagles: (3-0): This Chip Kelly is one helluva coach, as well. Even on a day when LeSean McCoy (19 carries, 22 yards rushing) is throttled, these guys prove to be resilient and relentless. And Nick Foles appears to have found a new target in rookie WR Jordan Matthews (2 TDs). CB Cary Williams complaining about Kelly's tough practices contributing to sluggish first halves will ruffle feathers.
Bengals (3-0): This is beginning to look like Marvin Lewis' best team, as Hue Jackson and Paul Guenther have eased the fears over the departures of coordinators Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden. Jackson has WR Mohamed Sanu throwing a touchdown pass for the second straight week, this one an 18-yarder to Andy Dalton, who became the first quarterback in club history to catch one. Dalton should get WR Marvin Jones back after the Week 4 bye, after which we find out how real these guys might be: at New England and Indianapolis, home against Carolina and Baltimore. Meanwhile, the offensive line has not allowed a sack.
The underachievers
Packers (1-2): RB Eddie Lacy (3.1-yard average, Fumble-6 against the Lions) has been a major disappointment, and even Aaron Rodgers can look human when he isn't dialing up the Jets secondary.
Patriots (2-1): Tom Brady's offense is a work in progress, especially in the red zone. Rob Gronkowski isn't a full-time player yet, and Brady can rely only on Julian Edelman. He could sure use a big target opposite Edelman, but that's been the case since Randy Moss wore out his welcome. And Shane Vereen needs more touches.
Saints (1-2): Drew Brees & Co. survived the Vikings, but their swag is missing. Rob Ryan's boys failed to produce a turnover — they've managed five takeaways in their past 14 games, including playoffs.
49ers (1-2): Colin Kaepernick was his dual threat self against the Cardinals and it didn't matter. When you don't have the services of TE Vernon Davis, you need better than 10 yards on six carries from Frank Gore. As far as Jim Harbaugh's halftime adjustments, the Niners have been outscored 52-3 after intermission this season. Oh, and that's 25 penalties over the last two weeks for 204 yards. Who can possibly have it better than them? Don't ask.
Running of the baby bulls
Lorenzo TaliaferroPhoto: Getty Images
While several marquee backs (McCoy, Lacy, Gore) floundered, the Class of 2014 trotted out some promising rookies, some of whom may play prominent roles sooner rather than later:
Lorenzo Taliaferro (Ravens): Ray Who? The fourth-round pick, playing in place of injured Bernard Pierce, rumbled for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Jeremy Hill (Bengals): A Garbage Time touchdown, as part of his seven carries for 39 yards.
Terrance West (Browns): He's Wally Pipping brittle Ben Tate.
Isaiah Crowell (Browns): So is he.
Bishop Sankey (Titans): He won't be buried (10-61) behind Shonn Greene much longer.
Carlos Hyde (49ers): The changing of the guard is beginning in the red zone (3-13-1 TD).
Alfred Blue (Texans): He's on call (13-78) because of Arian Foster's durability concerns.
The joy of sacks?
Quarterbacks are getting the ball out of their hand quicker. How else would you explain not a single sack in Redskins-Eagles and Cowboys-Rams? And Nick Foles attempted 41 passes. Kirk Cousins attempted 48 passes. Austin Davis attempted 42 passes. Tony Romo attempted 23 passes.
Joe Flacco wasn't sacked in 31 attempts. David Carr wasn't sacked in 34 attempts. Andy Dalton wasn't sacked in 23 attempts.
Of course, with Lions LB Stephen Tulloch injuring his knee during a Discount Double Check celebration, you wonder how Mark Gastineau didn't require spinal fusion surgery following his apoplectic sack dances.
Novertime
It would have been high drama had Peyton Manning had one chance in overtime. But the 2012 rule change that gives the winner of the coin toss the victory if it scores a touchdown on its first drive left Manning stranded watching helplessly. So after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell figures out how to change the personal conduct policy, he should change the overtime policy to make sure both teams get at least one possession.
Teddy and Blake Football
The Teddy Bridgewater Era has begun for the Vikings and the Blake Bortles Era has begun for the Jaguars. The game didn't appear too big for either of them Sunday when they were summoned off their respective benches. Bortles, who threw 2 TD passes and 2 INTs in his garbage-time second half against the Colts, will have the more unenviable task: Since halftime of the Week 1 loss to the Eagles, the Jaguars have been outscored, 119-27. Bridgewater (12-20, 150 yards) won't have Adrian Peterson behind him against the Falcons, but he swears he's ready.
The Johnny Manziel Era? Anyone hear anything about the Johnny Manziel Era? Brian Hoyer has gone 95 pass attempts without an interception. Johnny Backup.
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