Sport360° view: Denver inch closer but Seattle remain the team to beat

Jay Asser 12:10 23/09/2014
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  • Team to beat: Seattle Seahawks.

    Week 3 of the NFL season delivered some compelling action and notable storylines as usual. Here are the weekend’s takeaways…

    Seahawks D still reigns

    The Denver-Seattle match-up was a lot closer this time, but aside from one Broncos drive, the Seahawks remained the dominant team.

    Yes, Peyton Manning drove the Denver offence a remarkable 80 yards in the final minute for a touchdown and two-point conversion to tie the game, but everything had to go right for it to happen.

    The Broncos essentially ran the verticals play over and over with two receivers on Seattle cornerback Byron Maxwell’s side, switching positions up the field. Maxwell was continuously a step late reading the play and the Seahawks pass rush also got little pressure, giving Manning crucial seconds to hit the uncovered receivers.

    But overall, the Denver offence only gained 36 rushing yards on 20 carries and found the end zone once prior to the tying score.
    Perhaps it was a feel-good game for the Broncos to know they can hang with the Seahawks, but Seattle still hold the upper hand.

    Cincy lead the pack
    Of the three undefeated teams remaining, the Cincinnati Bengals have clearly been the best so far.

    In Week 2, they demolished an Atlanta Falcons team that just scored 56 points, then wiped out the Tennessee Titans this weekend with a smothering effort. Cincy have a point differential of plus-47, the highest in the league, and their vaunted defence has allowed the fewest points with 33.

    The Bengals’ biggest question mark heading into the season was quarterback Andy Dalton, and while that hasn’t changed, he’s done his part in the three victories. It helps, of course, being surrounded with dynamic weapons like running back Giovani Bernard and wide receiver A.J. Green.

    We’ve seen strong stretches from Cincy before, but they’ve faltered in the playoffs. A big test comes in Week 5 against New England.

    Young QBs get the call
    Rookie quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater were thrown into the fire this week, with both showing flashes of brilliance.

    Jacksonville’s Bortles wasn’t shy about slinging the ball around, while Minnesota’s Bridgewater tried to limit risky throws. They also used their athleticism to extend plays with their legs.

    Now that they both have the starting jobs, the litmus test will be how much they grow as the season goes on.

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