The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just survive—they thrived. On a rain-slicked field in Raymond James Stadium, Baker Mayfield led a gritty, come-from-behind 29-27 win over the New York Jets, completing his third straight win to start the 2025 season. It’s the Bucs’ best opening record since 2005, and for a franchise that’s spent years chasing relevance, this isn’t just momentum—it’s a statement.
Buffalo’s Balance Breaks Miami’s Hopes
The Buffalo Bills didn’t need fireworks to beat the Miami Dolphins—just precision. Josh Allen, completing 22 of 28 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns, orchestrated a methodical attack that chewed up clock and kept Tua Tagovailoa on the sideline. But the game’s turning point came from defense: linebacker Terrel Bernard picked off Tagovailoa with 2:17 left, sealing the 31-21 win. Running back James Cook III added 108 yards on 19 carries, and tight end Dawson Kincaid caught his first TD of the season. The Dolphins, now 1-2, look lost on offense. Their run game vanished, and their secondary couldn’t handle Allen’s rhythm.The Eagles’ First-Half Nightmare, Second-Half Miracle
The Philadelphia Eagles trailed the Los Angeles Rams 26-6 at halftime after being outgained 212-33. It wasn’t just bad—it was historic. But then came the turnaround. Jalen Hurts found Dallas Goedert for a 32-yard strike, and AJ Brown and Devonta Smith combined for 14 catches. Even defensive tackle Jordan Davis, a 330-pound force, made a play so fast the NFL’s NextGen Stats flagged it as unprecedented. The Rams’ offense, led by Matt Ryan (not Mariota, despite reports), looked unstoppable early. But by the fourth quarter, their defense cracked. The Eagles won 33-26—and suddenly, their season feels different.Tampa’s Resilience, Jets’ Collapse
The Jets’ collapse was almost cinematic. Down 23-6 in the third quarter, Tyrod Taylor engineered an 80-yard drive to cut the lead to 10. Then, with 1:49 left, they lined up for a field goal to tie it. But Will McDonald of the Buccaneers blocked it, scooped the ball, and sprinted 42 yards for a touchdown. The game was tied. The Jets’ sideline went silent. Then came Chase McLaughlin—his fifth field goal of the day, a 38-yarder with 0:18 left. The Bucs won. The Jets? They’re 0-3. Their offense is broken. Their defense is porous. And their season? Already on life support.Other Standouts: Colts, Chargers, and a Shutout
The Indianapolis Colts remain the league’s only undefeated team at 3-0 after Jonathan Taylor rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-20 drubbing of the Tennessee Titans. The Titans? They’re 0-3, and their quarterback carousel shows no signs of stability. The Los Angeles Chargers became the first team in 19 years to start 3-0 with three straight divisional wins. Justin Herbert was efficient—not spectacular—but Keenan Allen proved why he was the offseason’s quietest gem: seven catches, 65 yards, a touchdown. The Chargers’ offense is clicking. And then there was the Carolina Panthers 30-0 shutout of the Atlanta Falcons. Bryce Young ran for a touchdown, and defensive back Chau Smith-Wade returned an interception 11 yards for another. The Falcons’ offense? Disastrous. Michael Penix Jr. threw two picks and looked overwhelmed. This wasn’t just a loss—it was a reckoning.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
The Bills, Buccaneers, Colts, and Chargers are all 3-0. But here’s the twist: each faces a brutal slate in Week 4. Buffalo travels to Kansas City. Tampa Bay heads to New Orleans. The Colts face the Ravens. The Chargers play the Raiders. These aren’t tune-ups—they’re gauntlets. Meanwhile, the Jets and Titans are in freefall. The Jets’ offensive line is a sieve. The Titans’ coaching staff is under fire. And in Washington, Marvin Lane’s 90-yard punt return gave the Washington Commanders a 27-10 lead against the Raiders—only to see it nearly evaporate in a 41-37 nail-biter. That’s the NFL now: one play, one mistake, one blocked kick can change everything.Why This Matters
Three weeks in, the 2025 season is already rewriting narratives. The Buccaneers, once a laughingstock after Tom Brady’s departure, are back. The Eagles, written off after last year’s playoff flameout, are showing resilience. And the Jets? They’re not just bad—they’re becoming a cautionary tale. The league’s balance of power is shifting. The AFC East? Buffalo’s in control. The NFC South? Tampa Bay’s making a run. And in the NFC East? Philadelphia’s proving they’re not done yet.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Josh Allen’s performance compare to last season?
Josh Allen’s 22-of-28, 213-yard, 3-TD outing against Miami was his most efficient game since Week 1 of 2024. His completion rate (78.6%) is a career-high for a game with over 20 attempts, and he’s now thrown 8 TDs without an interception in the first three games. That’s a leap from last year, when he averaged 62% completion and 1.5 picks per game early on.
Why is the Buccaneers’ 3-0 start so significant?
Tampa Bay’s last 3-0 start was in 2005, when they went on to win the NFC South. Since then, they’ve had only three winning seasons in 19 years. Baker Mayfield’s leadership, combined with a suddenly stout defense and Chase McLaughlin’s reliability, has turned them from a rebuilding project into a playoff contender. This isn’t luck—it’s execution.
What’s wrong with the New York Jets’ offense?
The Jets’ offensive line has allowed 14 sacks in three games, and their running game is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry. Tyrod Taylor, while gritty, is 35 and lacks the arm strength to stretch the field. Their top receiver, Garrett Wilson, has only 11 catches for 98 yards this season. Without a vertical threat, defenses sit on short routes—and the Jets have no answer.
Can the Philadelphia Eagles sustain this comeback ability?
The Eagles’ ability to erase deficits hinges on Jalen Hurts’ poise and the offensive line’s improved protection. After allowing 10 sacks in Weeks 1-2, they’ve given up just 3 in Week 3. If they can keep Hurts upright and maintain their deep-ball chemistry with Brown and Smith, they’re dangerous. But they’ve played two of the league’s weakest defenses so far. The real test comes next week against Dallas.
Who’s the surprise team of the early season?
The Carolina Panthers. After a 2-14 season in 2024, they’ve turned into a defensive powerhouse. They’ve held all three opponents under 20 points and scored 21 points off turnovers. Bryce Young’s running ability and Chau Smith-Wade’s playmaking have redefined their identity. They’re not just competitive—they’re a threat in the NFC South.
What’s the biggest takeaway from Week 3?
The NFL is no longer about star power alone. It’s about resilience, execution, and coaching. The Buccaneers didn’t have the most talent, but they had the discipline. The Eagles didn’t play well early, but they didn’t panic. The Jets had the pieces, but they broke under pressure. In 2025, it’s not who you are—it’s how you respond.
