PMT DB
PMT DB
NFL Week 3: Andy Dalton’s Revenge, Vikings Dominance, and Stafford’s Masterclass
Week 3 in the NFL was a loud, vibrating reminder that coaching isn't just a part of the game; it is the entire game. We’re sitting here on a Monday morning looking at a league where Sam Darnold and Geno Smith are both 3-0, while some of the most talented rosters in football are stumbling over their own shoelaces. Big Cat pointed out that the early returns on the 2024 season have been a red blinking light regarding the importance of the headset.
Big CatThe start of the 2024 season proves that coaching matters more than anything else in the NFL
The big picture for me before we get into all the games is Sam Darnold's three and oh, Geno Smith's three and oh... this start of the 2024 season has just been a red blinking light of coaching matters a lot.
The Vikings Are a Problem
The Minnesota Vikings didn't just beat the Texans; they dismantled them. Brian Flores has turned that defense into a psychological horror film for opposing quarterbacks. CJ Stroud looked completely lost, at one point presiding over three consecutive false start penalties because the Vikings' pre-snap looks are so confusing.
Big CatThe Vikings' defense is officially for real
The Vikings are just good. Brian Flores, that defense was everywhere... back to back week, you know, week one, obviously the Giants are kind of a mess... but the 49ers and the Texans are two teams that have Super Bowl aspirations... and Brian Flores basically put 'em in his back pocket.
PFT noted that Kevin O'Connell has Sam Darnold playing like a legit MVP candidate, proving that if you give a talented cast-off a real scheme, magic can happen.
PFT CommenterKevin O'Connell is one of the best coaches in the NFL
Minnesota might have one of the best coaches in the league. Yes. And I would also put McVay's performance this week right up there too.
Panic in Chicago and Philly
On the flip side of the coaching coin, we have the Chicago Bears. Big Cat is trying his best to stay positive about Caleb Williams, who threw for over 300 yards, but the frustration with Matt Eberflus and Shane Waldron is reaching a boiling point. The play-calling on a crucial first-and-goal sequence involved a Wildcat run that went nowhere, followed by an option play to the short side of the field.
Big CatI'm not worried about Caleb Williams; I'm worried about the Bears' coaching staff ruining him
Nothing has changed about my opinion about Caleb Williams other than the fact maybe everyone was right that Matt Eberflus is a fucking moron... Caleb Williams is not my worry at all. I know people were going to say he is a bust and all that shit. He's not my worry. I swear to God, I'm not worried at all. I'm worried about the coaching staff just like ruining him in a way that makes me worried.
Big CatThe NFL should ban the Wildcat because it takes the ball out of the quarterback's hands
Ban the fucking Wildcat. It hasn't worked since fucking the Dolphins and Ronnie Brown. Like stop doing the Wildcat. You just take the ball outta your quarterback's hands. It makes no sense.
Meanwhile, the Eagles managed to escape New Orleans with a win, but Nick Sirianni’s decision-making continues to baffle everyone. Between passing up easy field goals and questionable fourth-down gambles, the Eagles dominated the stat sheet but nearly lost the game due to sheer stubbornness.
PFT CommenterNick Sirianni does not deserve to be let off the hook for his poor coaching despite the Eagles' win
I'm hoping that Max doesn't let [Sirianni] off the hook. Yeah. He doesn't deserve to be left off the hook. They won the game and they were the better team in this game... That was a horrible display of coaching from him today.
The Red Rifle and the Kitchen Sink
Andy Dalton stepped into the Panthers' starting role and immediately looked like a Hall of Famer compared to what we've seen from Bryce Young. The Red Rifle put up 300 yards and three touchdowns, unlocking Deontay Johnson and proving this roster isn't actually a wasteland. Big Cat thinks the window to get anything for the former number-one pick is closing fast.
Big CatThe Panthers should trade Bryce Young immediately while he still has some value
You've got to trade Bryce Young right this second because what could happen is David Tepper could be like, Hey, maybe this team isn't so bad, Bryce Young, get back in there. Don't do that. Play with Andy Dalton. Trade Bryce Young for anything you can right now.
Out West, Sean McVay reminded the world why he’s a genius. Down Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and half the offensive line, the Rams threw the kitchen sink at the 49ers. Fake punts, Tutu Atwell deep balls, and a classic Matthew Stafford game-winning drive saved their season.
Big CatThe Rams' win over the 49ers was a coaching masterpiece by Sean McVay
I just felt it going in, the Rams kitchen sink. Sean McVay is such a good head coach. They are down so many guys, they're gonna find a way... that was a coaching masterpiece by Sean McVay.
Big CatMatthew Stafford is a Hall of Famer
Matthew Stafford, Hall of Famer. Matthew Stafford has 99 total wins in his career... almost half of Matthew Stafford's wins have needed Matthew Stafford to have a game winning drive. He's an absolute baller when it comes down to late game situations.
Steel Curtain and Star Struggles
The Steelers are 3-0 and it is officially time to stop talking about Russell Wilson. Justin Fields is playing efficient, winning football, and the defense hasn't allowed more than 10 points in a game yet. Big Cat is convinced this formula is a nightmare for the rest of the league.
Big CatThe Steelers' defensive formula can beat 90% of the NFL
They [Steelers] have a formula that I feel like can beat 90% of the NFL. Just don't turn the ball over. Run the football when you need to... get some nice like 10, 12 play drives put together.
As the Steelers rise, the Cowboys' defense looks like it’s stuck in the mud. Mike Zimmer’s unit got shredded on the ground by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, continuing a trend of getting bullied at home that dates back to last year's playoffs.
PFT CommenterThe Cowboys' defense officially stinks
Do the Cowboys stink? They might. I think their defense stinks.
PFT CommenterLamar Jackson is 21-1 in his career against the NFC
Lamar Jackson now 21 and one against the NFC. He kills them. He kills the NFC.
Even the kicking game saw a shift in the hierarchy, with the legendary Justin Tucker struggling while Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey casually nails 65-yarders like they’re extra points.
Big CatJustin Tucker is officially washed
We also had a passing of the torch in this game. We've talked about it, but Justin Tucker missing a 46 yarder and Brandon Aubrey making a 65 yarder. I think it's official washed.
Just remember, if you’re a K-State fan today, please be careful with the Taco Bell five-layer burritos.
