What We Learned This Week
The Cleveland Browns pass rush went nuclear on the Justin Fields and Matt Nagy-led Chicago Bears. In the 26-6 blowout, the pass rushers put up nine sacks! Chicago had no answers for the likes of Myles Garrett (see below) and Jadeveon Clowney. Coming up next, the Browns have the Vikings followed by the Chargers, two offenses that should hold their own a little better. That said, continue to start your Browns defensive studs.
In a week that will go down as an anomaly, five touchdowns were scored by DSTs in Week 3. The teams that scored included the Saints, Cardinals, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Eagles. Players to make the big plays were Malcolm Jenkins, Byron Murphy, Elandon Roberts, Trevon Diggs, and Fletcher Cox. Touchdowns are obviously rare, but when your IDP starter scores, it’s a lot of fun for fantasy managers.
Finally, the Saints’ defense put its stamp on the beginning of the season. So far, the New Orleans defenders have created six sacks, six interceptions, two blocks, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown in the young season. Next up on the schedule come the turnover-prone Giants and the Taylor Heinicke-led Washington Football Team. With that schedule ahead, it is officially wheels up time for Saints contributors like Demario Davis, Paulson Adebo, the aforementioned Malcolm Jenkins, and Marshon Lattimore.
Top Player Performances
Myles Garrett – DE – CLEVELAND BROWNS
The beast defender decimated the Bears’ offense on Sunday, impacting the game from start to finish. On the afternoon, the All-Pro Texas A&M alum notched seven total tackles, four TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Some players are just special, and if you indeed roster Garrett, you are one of the lucky ones.
Logan Wilson – LB – CINCINNATI BENGALS
Wilson’s slash line was spectacular on Sunday. He totaled 14 tackles, intercepted two balls, and defended two passes on the day. The Bengals linebacker is asked to do a lot of work in his second year in the league. Confidently start the 2020 third-round pick in all formats.
Kenny Young – LB – LOS ANGELES RAMS
Young, the 25-year fourth-round pick in 2018, has found a nice little home in LA over the past few seasons. In week three this year, the UCLA product produced 10 total tackles, three TFLs, a forced fumble, and a sack against the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers. Now with a three-down role, Young has climbed the IDP ranks in his fourth season.
Notable Injuries
Blake Martinez – LB – NEW YORK GIANTS
Martinez suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against Atlanta and was quickly ruled out of the game. Tests later confirmed that he tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. Known to be a consistent LB1 for his entire career, Martinez will be sorely missed by the Giants and IDP managers alike. Reggie Ragland will likely garner a majority of the snaps in Martinez’s absence while Tae Crowder may be asked to handle more responsibility in the New York defensive scheme.
Trevon Moehrig – S – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
After playing 100% of the defensive snaps in the Raiders’ first two games of 2021, Moehrig had to leave week three with an injured Ankle on Sunday. The rookie second-round pick is listed as questionable at the time of writing but could miss time if the sprain is of the high ankle variety. If Moehrig is ruled out, look for Dallin Leavitt or Divine Deablo to get more snaps.
Jamel Dean – CB – TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Dean suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s contest against the Rams. The third-year man may need multiple weeks to come back from the injury. Currently, the Buccaneers are already without Sean Murphy-Bunting (elbow) for an extended period of time, so their cornerback group is growing quite thin. Ross Cockrell and Dee Delaney will continue to see increased snaps, but Tampa Bay is also kicking the tires on free agent Richard Sherman as a possible candidate to shore up its secondary.
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