NFL Week 3 Bests & Worsts: Guys, Can We Talk About Carson Wentz?

Every week, we’ll go through some of the best and worst of the notable Sunday performances and plays. Here they are for Week 3.

Most Impressive Rookie: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

I know some people are going to be clamoring for Dak Prescott in this spot, but based on numbers and the quality of their opponents, Wentz takes home his third-straight MIR award.

Wentz torched the Steelers for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-3 blowout win. He dominated, completing 23 of 31 passes and didn’t turn the ball over. He spread the ball around to seven different receivers, each of whom caught at least two passes. He commanded the pocket and picked Pittsburgh apart, repeatedly dropping dimes all afternoon.

Wentz has been an absolute revelation this year and if he keeps this up, the Eagles could be a legitimate contender in the NFC. Yeah, I know, I think that’s crazy too, but look at the evidence so far. Philadelphia is 3-0 and has looked outstanding every week.

How did so many people miss the mark on Wentz? I liked him more than Jared Goff entering the 2016 NFL Draft, but I never thought he’d acclimate to the NFL at this speed. Many people whose opinions I respect swore up and down the North Dakota State product would be a bust. The jump from FCS to the NFL was too steep and he’d never clear it. It has only been three weeks but the kid looks as comfortable running a team as any rookie signal-caller I’ve ever seen. That’s not hyperbole, it’s the truth.

The NFC East is going to be so much fun for the next decade-ish, with Wentz and Prescott both looking like the future of their respective franchises.

Offensive Player of the Week: Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos

Wait, what? Yeah, the noodle-armed Broncos quarterback completed 23 of 35 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns and no turnovers in a 29-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Who saw this coming?

Siemian was fantastic and while his completion percentage needs some work, he and the Broncos moved the ball consistently against a good Bengals defense.  He spread the ball around to nine different receivers but made sure his big guys got to eat, hitting Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas a combined 15 times for 217 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensive Player of the Week: Everson Griffen, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are one of the NFL’s biggest surprises at 3-0 and Griffen and the defense are a big reason why. The USC product had three of Minnesota’s eight sacks on Sunday as the Vikings contained Cam Newton and the Panthers’ high-powered offense.

The Vikings currently rank sixth in total defense (295.0 yards per game), third in points allowed (13.3 per game) and lead the NFL with 15 sacks. Griffen is a big part of that as he’s developed into one of the more consistent edge rushers in the NFL.

*Randy Fasani Award: Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets

When you throw six interceptions, this is the only award you’re going to win. Let’s enjoy each of Fitzpatrick’s picks in all their glory:

On Sunday in Kansas City, the man with the NFL’s best beard completed 20 of 44 passes for 188 yards, with no touchdowns and the aforementioned six interceptions. So yeah, he had a rough day at the office.

You know who had a worse day? Fantasy owners who talked themselves into starting him.

*The Randy Fasani Award is given weekly to the NFL quarterback who turns in the worst performance. Fasani is the award’s namesake because he had one career start and turned in a 0.0 passer rating. That makes him the worst starting quarterback in NFL history.

Hottest Seat: Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers

After Sunday’s debacle against the Indianapolis Colts, I want everyone fired. From top to bottom, I want them gone. Hell, I want the guy coaching my old high school team fired and he didn’t have anything to do with this.

The Chargers blew yet another fourth-quarter lead under McCoy and are now 1-2 for the third time in his fourth season. In the last two years the Bolts are 3-11 in games decided by one score. Since beating the Lions in last season’s opener, they have not won a game in which they trailed at any point in the fourth quarter. In that same span, they’ve lost five games (including both losses this year) when holding a fourth quarter lead.

The formula for McCoy losses is so predictable I called this one from a mile away on Sunday:

I also called for him to be fired after Week 1. And after last season. And in every casual conversation I’ve had with anyone over the past eight months. For the love of all that’s holy, can someone please fire this guy already?!?

Cam Newton outfit of the week:

Seriously, what the hell is going on here Cam? Even Russell Westbrook saw this and said, “Dear Christ what is he wearing?”

Fat Guy Touchdown of the Week: Caraun Reid, San Diego Chargers

Those of you who know me, know few things give me more pleasure than a fat guy touchdown. When it’s a fat guy on the team I root for? Even better. So thank you Caraun Reid, you made my Sunday.

Oh yeah. Reid probably needs some oxygen after that play. I need a cigarette.

That Feeling When:

Just a few quick hitters from the week using the wonderful Twitter creation: #TFW

#TFW a girl you haven’t seen in nine-ish months says she’s taking you on Maury:

#TFW a high school classmate posts another racist Trump meme on Facebook:

#TFW You realize Mike McCoy is your boss:

#TFW you steal longest road in Catan:

#TFW when you see Monday coming way too fast:

#TFW you’re at the club and “This Is What You Came For” drops:

#TFW your neighbor tries to move your meat around on the community grill:

#TFW Maury tells you you are the father: