3 players who filled up the box score in Week 3
Sunday marked another big week for the NFL’s premier playmakers, as several blistered the box score with eye-popping production. The Week 3 standouts included a machine-like quarterback, a sparkplug of a running back and a wide receiver who took a huge step toward a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
Here are the players who filled up the box score on Sunday.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
Brady’s Patriots blew out the Jaguars, 51-17, and Brady’s offense generated nine scoring drives, six of which ended with touchdowns. Brady was accurate, completing 33 of his 42 pass attempts (78.8 percent) with no interceptions. He was also prolific, throwing for 358 yards (8.5 yards per attempt). He threw only two touchdown passes against the Jaguars, but he could have tossed a couple more had the Patriots not decided to punch three goal-line carries in with running back LeGarrette Blount.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
The Falcons were able to complete a second-half comeback against the Cowboys, thanks in large part to the efforts of Freeman. Filling in for injured starter Tevin Coleman (ribs), the second-year back handled a career-high 30 carries in the 39-28 victory, racking up 141 yards and three touchdowns (4.7 yards per carry). He also caught five passes for 52 yards, totaling 193 yards from scrimmage. Freeman delivered the Falcons’ go-ahead touchdown on a 7-yard run with 11:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.
A.J. Green, WR, Bengals
Green blew up in Week 3, as his Bengals beat the Ravens, 28-24. Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton found his favorite receiver 10 times, with Green racking up a career-high 227 yards (22.7 yards per reception). He scored twice in the fourth quarter, including on an 80-yarder that absolutely burned Baltimore’s defense. After a couple pedestrian outings to start the season, Green’s breakout performance in Week 3 serves as a reminder that Cincinnati is a serious Super Bowl contender.