The Cincinnati Bengals celebrate their first win of the season against the Rams. Before that, the Philadelphia Eagles leave no stone unturned against the Buccaneers.

The Cincinnati Bengals breathe a sigh of relief. The AFC finalists from 2022 have overcome their crisis for the time being and recorded their first win of the season. A tough but well-deserved 19:16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

The stricken Joe Burrow was still not his old self. Out of 49 balls, 26 arrived, none of them in the end zone, but one in the hands of Rams cornerback Akhello Witherspoon. In all, Burrow threw for 259 yards, 141 of them to Ja’Marr Chase alone. Joe Mixon ran for 65 yards of space and a touchdown.

The Rams, on the other hand, were only marginally worse in terms of yards, but missed their chances recklessly. Two interceptions by Matthew Stafford and three trips into the red zone with only one touchdown speak for themselves.

In total, Stafford came up with 18 of 33 touched balls for 269 yards. New discovery Puka Nacua made five catches for 72 yards. Best runner was Kyren Williams for 36 yards.

The Bengals defence in particular was unstoppable on this night. In addition to the two interceptions, Stafford was sacked five times. For the first time since 2019, the Bengals managed at least two intercepted balls as well as five quarterback sacks.

The Bengals travel to the Tennessee Titans in week four with a tailwind, while the LA Rams host the Indianapolis Colts.

Early game: Eagles leave no stone unturned

In the first Monday Night Football game of Game 3 of the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles extended their perfect start to the season. The Eagles also won their third game, a never-threatening 25:11 victory at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jalen Hurts was again a little rusty. Although he scored one passing and one rushing touchdown, he also had to accept two interceptions. 23 of his 37 balls were received, eight times he ran for a cumulative 305 yards.

The star of the game was the running game. D’Andre Swift scored 130 yards on only 16 runs, Kenneth Gainwell also contributed 43 yards. On the pass receiving side, A.J. Brown enjoyed a 100-yard game, totaling 131 yards.

Buccaneers can’t find a means at the line of scrimmage

For their part, the Buccaneers couldn’t get their running game going. Todd Bowles’ team only managed 41 yards on the ground.

Accordingly, quarterback Baker Mayfield had little help. With 15 of 25 passes for 146 yards, one touchdown and one interception, Mayfield had the weakest game of his young season.

The only bright spot was wide receiver Mike Evans (five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown) and the defence in the form of Devin White and Dee Delaney, who each caught a Hurts pass.

This leaves the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and the Eagles as the only three undefeated teams after week three.

On Matchday 4, the Eagles will face the Washington Commanders in a divisional duel, while the Buccaneers will also face the New Orleans Saints within their division.