The AFC North: NFL 2019 Week 3

• Bengals first half woes continue managing only 77 total yards and 2 first downs
• Steelers lose despite forcing five turnovers incl. three in the red-zone.
• Minkah Fitzpatrick became the first Steeler’s player since 2008 to finish the opening half with an interception and a forced fumble
• Baker Mayfield is second all-time behind Kurt Warner, for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass to start a career

In a battle of the top offenses the Mahomes-led Chiefs eventually prevailed with the reigning MVP throwing for 27-of-37 for a gain of 374-yards and three touchdowns.

For Baltimore, Mark Ingram showed why he was one of the best free agency signings carrying the ball ferociously 16 times for 103 yards and scoring 3 TDs. He also hauled in four catches for 42-yards.

Lamar Jackson struggled through the first three quarters to be at 11-of-24 for 119-yards. He eventually rallied to 22-of-43 for 267-yards but it was too little too late.

The Ravens will still be pleased Jackson hasn’t thrown an interception or fumbled the ball away so far this season.

The Browns failed to capitalize on the Ravens loss which would have seen them joint top in the AFC North. Both their losses have come at home.

Baker Mayfield scored a TD and threw a pick – a desperate end-zone heave in the final seconds – on his way to 195 yards on 18-of-36. Beckham was also kept quiet with six catches for 56-yards.

Jared Goff connected 24-of-38 throws for 269-yards on his way to two TDs and two picks. It was enough for the win despite his struggles. He’s now thrown 11 TDs and 11 interceptions from his last nine games.

The Rams defense ultimately did enough to win this one with three sacks on Mayfield as well as holding explosive playmakers Odell Beckham Jnr, Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb in check.

Andy Dalton and Josh Allen both finished with a touchdown and an interception, throwing 249-yards and 243-yards respectively.

The Bengals go 0-3 for the second time in three years. More worryingly for the Bengals is their trend of slow starts. Despite their horrific first half showing they did rally from a 0-14 deficit to be up 17-14 at one stage.

The Bills go 3-0 for only the third time in 27-years. The last two times were in 2008 and 2011. They missed the playoffs both times with 7-9 and 6-10 records so fans in Buffalo won’t be ‘Billieving’ just yet.

Despite conceding five turnovers which included three red-zone turnovers, the 49ers managed to win this one for their first 3-0 start since 1998.

Jimmy Garoppolo connected 22-of-32 for 277-yards. Mason Rudolph in his first start finished 14-of-27 for 174-yards and will be encouraged with his two second half TD’s including a 76-yard strike to JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Pittsburgh will be disappointed to lose this one. With under seven minutes left they forced a turnover on their own 10-yard line. The 49ers forced a fumble only three plays later to set up the game winning score.

The Steelers will be pleased with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s extraordinary debut following his trade from Miami last week. He became the first Steelers player since 2008 to finish an opening half with an interception and a forced fumble.

Shout out to all of those at #sportstalk. Originally posted on my Wolf Gang Sports blog, I hustle jerseys and produce content about players and their journeys with a bit of smack talk along the way. 

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