NFL Week 3: Biggest questions, takeaways for every game

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday night with the Bills fending off the Dolphins to stay undefeated. The early window Sunday was filled with multiple shocking finishes. The Browns handed the Packers their first loss of the season on a time-expiring field goal by kicker Andre Szmyt as time expired.

Both the Rams-Eagles and Buccaneers-Jets games had blocked field goals returned for touchdowns late, which gave the Eagles a victory despite trailing by as much as 19 points in the second half. The Jets weren’t able to hold onto their lead after the Bucs marched down for a game-winning field goal.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.

Jump to:
TB-NYJ | CIN-MIN | LAR-PHI
GB-CLE | PIT-NE
ATL-CAR | MIA-BUF

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Buccaneers

Can the Bucs continue to make things work with a makeshift offensive line? The offensive line situation wasn’t pretty, but the Bucs made it work with Luke Haggard at right guard, Elijah Klein at left guard and Charlie Heck at right tackle. Haggard struggled against the Jets’ Quinnen Williams, as Haggard and Klein accounted for four holding penalties. They also struggled to create holes for running back Bucky Irving. There were hardly any deep throws for quarterback Baker Mayfield, and they utilized Irving in space. The good news is there’s a good chance All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs comes back from his knee surgery in Week 4, which would give the Bucs three of their original five starting offensive linemen. There’s also the possibility receiver Chris Godwin Jr. comes back, and he’s another safety valve for Mayfield, especially if Mike Evans’ hamstring injury keeps him out.

Turning point: The Bucs’ defense went from dominant to a fourth-quarter meltdown. It surrendered two touchdowns, with a third coming on special teams after a blocked field goal was returned for a touchdown by Will McDonald IV — giving the Jets a one-point lead with 1:49 left. Yet somehow, miraculously, the Bucs managed a come-from-behind win in the final minute of a game three weeks in a row to reach 3-0 for the first time since 2005. — Jenna Laine

Next game: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

Will the Jets take anything positive out of a heartbreaking defeat? They didn’t quit, making a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter, but there are no moral victories in the NFL. If that were the case, the Jets would have two already. The bottom line is they lost a game they easily could’ve won. The Jets are now 0-3 for the fourth time in seven years, and they looked like a bad team for three quarters. They have a lot to clean up. The best thing they have going for them is a schedule that gets softer in the coming weeks.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who made his first start since 2023, was under siege because the Jets were flummoxed by the Bucs’ blitz. The pass protection was poor, and Taylor didn’t help by holding the ball too long at times. He was pressured on 44% of his dropbacks, including a cornerback blitz on a game-changing pick-six late in the first half, and was sacked four times. The Jets were ill-prepared for the Todd Bowles blitz. — Rich Cimini

Next game: at Dolphins (Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET)

play

Will McDonald returns blocked FG for a Jets TD

Will McDonald blocks the field-goal attempt and goes all the way to the other end for a Jets touchdown.

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Vikings

Where did cornerback Isaiah Rodgers come from? Rodgers became the first NFL player since at least 2000 to return an interception for a touchdown, force two fumbles and return one of those for a second touchdown. What’s wild is that Rodgers, a sixth-round pick in 2020 by the Colts, is in his first season as a full-time starter. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores targeted Rodgers in free agency, believing his ball skills and speed would make him a perfect fit for Flores’ scheme. His touchdowns, both in the first half, covered for a slow start by the Vikings’ offense.

What to make of the QB performance: Carson Wentz led a sharp opening drive, capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josh Oliver, before the offense bogged down for most of the first half. But he caught fire late in the second quarter and led the Vikings to a score on five of his final six possessions. In total, he showed more than enough competence to reassure the Vikings that he can make at least one and probably two more starts before J.J. McCarthy returns from a right ankle injury. — Kevin Seifert

Next game: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

How can the Bengals shake off the worst loss in franchise history? Perhaps some sort of cleanse? A sauna session? Or, just not committing a ton of turnovers. The Bengals lost the ball five times — three fumbles and two interceptions. Two of them were returned for touchdowns. That doesn’t include two other fumbles the Bengals were able to recover. Cincinnati takes a lot of pride in protecting the ball. That was one of several things lacking during a shellacking in Minneapolis.

Stat to know: Bengals running back Chase Brown continued his rough start to the season. Brown had minus-22 rushing yards over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. That simply means Brown did not get nearly as many yards as he should have on his 10 carries, which didn’t help the Bengals’ rough offensive performance. He finished with three yards total. — Ben Baby

Next game: at Broncos (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Eagles

What should we make of the Eagles’ offense after Sunday’s uneven performance? Frustration has been mounting in Philly over the past couple of weeks as an ultra-talented unit struggled to find its footing under new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, particularly in the passing game. The first half represented a low point, as the Eagles managed just 33 yards (including minus-1 yards passing), their lowest output in any half since 2015. The offense sprang to life in the second half, thanks in large part to a breakout performance from receiver A.J. Brown. This group is way too loaded to be stuck in neutral for long stretches. The hope is that something sustainable clicked into place late against the Rams that it can carry into next week.

Most surprising performance: Defensive tackle Jordan Davis provided one of the most unbelievable finishes in Eagles history, blocking a 44-yard field goal attempt by Joshua Karty and returning it 61 yards for the touchdown in the closing seconds. It was the unit’s second field goal block of the game, turning what would have been an Eagles loss into a one-of-a-kind win. — Tim McManus

Next game: at Bucs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Rams

How far away from the Eagles are the Rams? In the week leading up to this divisional-round rematch, several Rams players pushed back on the idea that this was a “measuring stick game” for Los Angeles against the defending Super Bowl champions. But while the Rams controlled the game in the first half, the offense was stagnant after they led 26-7 just after halftime. Los Angeles was right there with the Eagles, but showed the Rams are not quite in the conversation for the best in the NFC.

Stat to know: Entering the game, teams trailing by 19 or more points in the past two seasons (including the playoffs) were 2-193, according to ESPN Research. After the Rams went up 26-7 early in the third quarter, they failed to score again. — Sarah Barshop

Next game: vs. Colts (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Browns

Did the Browns find a formula to win games? For three quarters, the Browns’ offense looked lifeless as its defense did all it could to keep Cleveland in the game. Then, the team started playing the complementary ball it has preached. The offense found a run game, safety Grant Delpit made a clutch interception and special teams capitalized with a blocked kick and Andre Szmyt’s walk-off 55-yard field goal. It wasn’t pretty, but it’s the way the Browns may have to play to win.

Stat to know: Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins’ 38-yard run in the fourth quarter gives him two of the Browns’ longest plays of the season. He finished with 94 yards and a TD on 18 carries. It was Judkins’ second career game after a two-month layoff as he went unsigned amid a legal matter. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

play

Andre Szmyt’s 55-yarder walks it off for Browns

Andre Szmyt drills a 55-yard field goal to walk it off for the Browns as time expires vs. the Packers.

Packers

How concerned should the Packers be about their offensive struggles? The Browns’ defense is no joke; Cleveland came in with the No. 1 overall defense. But not scoring a touchdown until 3:23 left in the third quarter and then turning the ball over late in the fourth quarter on a terrible interception by Jordan Love, who hadn’t thrown a pick for the first 11 quarters of the season, has to be considered troubling. Even on the drive that put them in position to attempt a go-ahead field goal — which was blocked — with 27 seconds left, their best play was a 20-yard pass interference penalty. Plus, the Packers lost two starting offensive linemen — right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) after just one play and left guard Aaron Banks (groin) after the first half.

Trend to watch: Edge rusher Rashan Gary might be on his way to his first double-digit sack season. The 2019 first-round pick sacked Browns QB Joe Flacco twice Sunday to bring his three-game total for the season to 4.5. No doubt the presence of Micah Parsons has helped Gary perhaps more than anyone. — Rob Demovsky

Next game: at Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Steelers

What’s keeping the Steelers from finding offensive consistency? Sometimes it’s about how you start and how you finish — and not as much about what happened between those two things. That was the case Sunday afternoon, when the Steelers scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives, went cold for the better part of two quarters, and then went on a nine-play, 67-yard drive. The possession was capped by a 17-yard dime from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Calvin Austin III. The Steelers offense struggled to find any kind of rhythm or consistency for most of the game — gaining just 31 yards in the second and third quarters after 102 in the first — and squandered three takeaways. But Rodgers, who threw an interception himself, made the clutch play when it mattered most.

Stat to know: Fourteen points scored off five takeaways. The Steelers defense brought the splash plays by forcing six turnovers, including a fumble on back-to-back third-quarter drives and a sack fumble. They also forced a turnover on downs on the Patriots’ potential game-winning and then game-tying fourth-quarter drives. But the defense still busted too often on big plays, allowing more than 10 plays of at least 10 yards, and the offense failed to capitalize on the opportunities.

Best quote from the locker room: Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers was surprisingly cut from the Patriots last month. Today, he had six tackles and recovered a fumble. “I envisioned it last night. Let the fans know I miss them, but I’m down with the steel curtain now.” — Brooke Pryor

Next game: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Patriots

Will Rhamondre Stevenson’s two lost fumbles lead to a change as the Patriots’ lead RB? After losing a fumble on the opening drive of the game, and then at the goal line at the start of the second half, Stevenson was used sparingly for the remainder of the game. Coach Mike Vrabel notably kept Stevenson on the sideline for 11 straight snaps after the second fumble. He then turned almost exclusively to rookie TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson at running back the rest of the way. (Stevenson played just two snaps after his second lost fumble). Stevenson’s five lost fumbles since the start of the 2024 season are the most of any NFL running back, according to ESPN Research. Stevenson also became the first Patriots player to lose two fumbles in a game since Tom Brady on Sept. 7, 2014 at the Dolphins.

Stat to know: Tight end Hunter Henry (10th season) had his fifth career game with multiple touchdown receptions, and his first since Week 14 of 2023 (also versus the Steelers). Three of Henry’s multiple-TD games have come against Pittsburgh. Also, Henry moved into third place on the Patriots’ all-time list for receptions for a tight end (211), passing Marv Cook, with only Rob Gronkowski and Ben Coates ahead of him. — Mike Reiss

Next game: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Panthers

Are the Panthers’ offseason moves to upgrade the league’s worst defense paying off? It helped that quarterback Bryce Young didn’t have any turnovers in the first half (as he had four over the first two games) and Carolina wasn’t playing from behind. It also helped that Atlanta missed two early field goals and special teams controlled field position. That being said, the defense made plays. Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade had a pick-six. Mike Jackson had a pick. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom was everywhere. Bottom line, this isn’t the NFL’s worst defense anymore.

What to make of the QB performance: No turnovers was huge, as Young had five in the first five quarters of the 2025 season. Two of them last week against the Cardinals resulted in an early 10-0 hole. Young played within the offense, scrambling for a touchdown and making enough good throws to keep the offense moving despite a few errant throws. — David Newton

Next game: at Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcons

What is wrong with what was supposed to be a high-powered Falcons offense? The Falcons had a goal of being the best offense in the league this season. They have not been close. Atlanta has scored just one touchdown the last two games. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had the worst outing of his young career Sunday. Plays seem to be getting in too late, and receivers dropped several passes. The running game, led by Bijan Robinson, was taken away due to playing from behind. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson needs to figure out what’s wrong before it’s too late.

What to make of the QB performance: Young quarterbacks will have games where they struggle. That was the case Sunday with Penix, who had two interceptions, including giving up his first career pick-six. He dealt with headset audio issues early on, looked frustrated and went 18-for-36 on passes. Backup Kirk Cousins took over when the game was out of hand.

Best quote from the locker room: The Falcons were riding high after a 22-6 win over the Vikings in primetime last week, but things came crashing down quickly in a disastrous loss to a divisional opponent. “That emotional win we had [last week], we ride that emotional roller coaster. Today, we hit an all-time low,” coach Raheem Morris said. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Bills

Can the Bills’ ability to close out games make up for other deficiencies? It sure looks that way. The Bills can’t have struggles like they did defensively — allowing conversions on 10-of-15 third downs — and pull out the win every time, but this is the second of three games the Bills had a game-changing takeaway late. Continuing to be effective in that area will be key. “The ball is the most important thing,” linebacker Terrel Bernard said. “And we know it’s not going to be perfect. Offenses around the league are good. That’s a known fact. But for us, it comes down to taking the ball away.”

What to make of the QB performance: Overall, Allen had another strong day, not turning the ball over and orchestrating impressive drives — in addition to throwing three touchdown passes to get to 200 on his career. The Dolphins, however, took away the Bills’ ability to get the ball downfield. Allen attempted only one pass more than 10 yards downfield, which wasn’t completed. This is the first time in his career Allen has failed to complete one in a game (minimum of 10 pass attempts), per ESPN Research. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next game: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

Was Thursday night enough of a spark to turn the Dolphins’ season around? History is not on Miami’s side here — of the 117 NFL teams since 2000 to lose its first three games of a season, only the 2018 Texans actually made the playoffs. The loss was closer than the final score, but the Dolphins still have glaring issues to fix. Their defense allowed points on five of eight possessions, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half, and that number would’ve been higher were it not for a missed field goal in the second quarter. They also allowed more than 150 rushing yards for the second time this season. But Miami did set a season high with 130 rushing yards of its own with a solid backfield performance from De’Von Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II.

Turning point: A Dolphins defense that had just two true defensive stops entering Week 3 suddenly forced punts on three consecutive drives in the second half. But defensive tackle Zach Sieler was flagged for roughing the punter on Buffalo’s third punt of the half, paving the way for the game-winning touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa did lead a spirited drive on the following possession, but he threw his fourth interception of the season to seal the game. An otherwise clean game was spoiled by those two disastrous drives in the fourth quarter. “I’ve got to be better,” Sieler said. “I can’t be making stupid errors like that.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: vs. Jets (Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET)