Week 3 NFL Standouts

Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions

So much for that "bust" label. After being selected third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Okudah's first two seasons were concerning. In his rookie year, he didn't look at all like the player we saw at Ohio State. After core muscle surgery the following offseason, coaches raved about his progress, but a torn Achilles ended his season after less than one game. Three games into the season, Okudah has allowed just 12 catches for 106 yards and held DeVonta Smith, Justin Jefferson, and Terry McLaurin to a total of 89 yards.

Devonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Speaking of Smith, the second year finally had the game we were waiting for on Sunday against the Commanders. The Eagles' passing game was phenomenal and he led the team in receiving with 169 yards and a touchdown.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears

Justin Fields struggled again, but Herbert bailed the Chicago offense out with 157 yards and two touchdowns. Thanks to his performance, the Bears escaped with an overtime win, and the second-year running back is more than halfway to his rookie rushing total through just three games.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Lamar had a great game both on the ground and through the air against New England. He finished the day with 325 total yards and five touchdowns as the Ravens displayed an improved offense against a vaunted Patriots defense. It was also his second straight game with over 100 rushing yards.

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow and the offensive line struggled through the first two weeks of the season. While it was far from perfect in Week Three, we finally saw shades of what the Bengals' offense was last season. Burrow threw for three touchdowns to three different receivers in a 27-12 win over the Jets.

Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

While Ezekiel Elliott gets most of the attention, the argument can be made that Tony Pollard has been at least equally as important for the Dallas offense. He's a great complement to Zeke as he brings a better catching ability and more speed and elusiveness. While he doesn't get the same opportunities, he took advantage on Monday against the Giants with 105 rushing yards.

Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Patterson was the star of Atlanta's first win of the season on Sunday with 141 yards and a touchdown on the ground He's an important member of the offense as quarterback Marcus Mariota is more of a game manager and can benefit from a good ground game.

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints

This was the kind of game I've been expecting from Olave. His speed can be devastating against opposing defenses, but he and Jameis Winston had yet to connect on many deep balls before Sunday. While the Saints' offense struggled in a loss to an inferior Carolina team, Olave was the one bright spot for New Orleans with nine catches for 147 yards-- the best of his career so far.

Miami Dolphins

I suppose there are individual performances that could be pointed out here, but the entire team deserves credit for the upset over Buffalo. The Bills' offense had been on fire and had plenty of opportunities to toss the Dolphins aside. However, Miami rose to the challenge and came up with one final big stop (kinda) to end the game. The Dolphins join the Eagles as the only two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars

I can't believe I'm writing this, but Jacksonville actually looks good. After a close loss to Washington in Week One, Doug Pederson's crew is 2-1 and just throttled the Chargers while holding one of the best offenses in football to just 10 points. Yes, Los Angeles is missing several players with injuries, but it has still been an impressive last two weeks for the Jags. Now, they'll have to prove to be up to the challenge against the undefeated Eagles on Sunday.