NFC West Week 3 review: Cardinals shock Cowboys,…

NFC West Week 3 review: Cardinals shock Cowboys, Seahawks win again

After a let-down in Week 1 against the Rams, the Seahawks have been in the win column two weeks in a row, boosting their position in the NFC West standings to second place.

Here’s how the rest of the division did this week.

49ers beat Giants, 30-12

The Niners continue to roll over their opponents despite getting some pretty shaky QB play from Brock Purdy. Even after leaving a bunch of explosive plays on the field, Purdy still managed to put up 310 yards, two touchdowns and a 111.3 passer rating. This week Deebo Samuel led the loaded skill group with 129 receiving yards and a touchdown.

#49ers Deebo Samuel is a MonStar pic.twitter.com/FpEj6JIvzK

— WayneBreezie (@thewaynebreezie) September 17, 2023

Defensively, they got to Daniel Jones for two sacks and one interception. They held him to just 137 passing yards and kept him out of the end zone.

Record: 3-0

Up next: at home vs. Cardinals

Seahawks beat Panthers, 37-27

The Seahawks officially have a top-five offense in the NFL, courtesy of posting 37 points in consecutive games. While rookie wide out Jaxon Smith-Njigba hasn’t really gotten involved yet, the tight ends have been exceptional across the board. With the run game surging and Geno Smith playing well, the sky is the limit on this side of the ball.

Defensively, there’s been a lot to like as Seattle has successfully stopped the run in all three games thus far. They also have some true dogs on the back end of their defense. The newest is rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is turning out to be as good as advertised.

Seahawks rookie Devon Witherspoon in Week 3:

🟢 13 targets
🟢 1 first down allowed
🟢 2 forced incompletions
🟢 46.6 passer rating allowed pic.twitter.com/WSThoDKysN

— PFF (@PFF) September 25, 2023

If the Seahawks can build on their gains the pass rush made this week (three sacks, 11 QB hits) they’re going to be a really tough team to beat.

Record: 2-1

Next up: Away vs. Giants

Rams lost to Bengals, 19-16

Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Aside from dominating Seattle in the second half of Week 1, these Rams haven’t had much to celebrate this year.

Matt Stafford threw two more interceptions in last night’s loss to a Cincinnati team that looks nothing like the contender we were expecting in 2023. Stafford has already totaled 910 passing yards but he also has twice as many picks (four) as touchdown passes (two). It doesn’t help that he’s been under a lot of pressure the last couple of weeks.

*Matthew Stafford drops back to pass*
pic.twitter.com/89zjg1LUXx

— PFF (@PFF) September 26, 2023

On the other side of the ball, Ernest Jones and Aaron Donald are doing hero’s work every week but they just don’t have enough help.

Record: 1-2

Up next: Away at Colts

Cardinals beat Cowboys, 28-16

The biggest surprise in the NFL this week came when the worst team in the league upset what we thought was the best. Dallas made a bunch of mistakes, but the Cards are still punching well above their weight.

Josh Dobbs had his best game of the year, going 17/21 for 189 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers. James Conner continues to impress, posting another 98 rushing yards and a score on just 14 attempts.