# NFL 2026-2027: Week 3 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [September 22, 2026, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281 "2026-09-22T17:18:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/101 "2026-09-28T22:56:15Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > Don’t sacks count against passing yards Sacks count against _team_ passing yards, but not the quarterback’s yards. For instance, in this box score from the Bills/Chargers game yesterday, Josh Allen had 204 yards passing. But he also suffered 4 sacks for a total of 30 yards lost. So the team’s passing yards were 174. > **[Bills 24-16 Chargers (Sep 27, 2026) Box Score - ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401872953)** > > Box score for the Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL game from September 27, 2026 on ESPN. Includes all passing, rushing and receiving stats. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/102 "2026-09-28T23:29:07Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > My favorite play is still the one where Doug Baldwin was in the backfield for the Seahawks, Russell Wilson took the snap, tossed it back to Doug, and then Doug threw it to Russell for a touchdown pass. My favorite is the fake FG attempt where our punter (Ryan) passed it to an OT (Gillaim), not only was it great fun to watch but it really turned round the NFCCG. Also relevant for the current thread about eligible receivers. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2026, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/103 "2026-09-28T23:31:14Z")
> [@Jegpeg](#): > > My favorite is the fake FG attempt where our punter (Ryan) passed it to an OT (Gillaim), not only was it great fun to watch but it really turned round the NFCCG. My wife brings it up every once in a while because of the absolute look of terror on Ryan’s face as he threw that pass. [![](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/41/8f/72/418f729c6086609c0b579e18862e5ced.jpg) ](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/41/8f/72/418f729c6086609c0b579e18862e5ced.jpg) It’s appropriate that he married a [stand-up comedian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Colonna). ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/104 "2026-09-29T00:36:53Z")
> [@Jegpeg](#): > > My favorite is the fake FG attempt where our punter (Ryan) passed it to an OT (Gillaim), not only was it great fun to watch but it really turned round the NFCCG. Also relevant for the current thread about eligible receivers. I recall hearing that on those trick plays where the quarterback winds up catching a pass, it’s only legal if the QB starts from a shotgun position. If he receives the snap under center, he’s not an eligible receiver. That seems odd to me. Maybe I misheard, or the announcer got it wrong. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/105 "2026-09-29T00:57:37Z")
Is it true that everyone hates Cris Collinsworth? ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/106 "2026-09-29T01:36:37Z")
I’d imagine his wife doesn’t hate him. Beyond that… ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/107 "2026-09-29T02:10:34Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I guess technically for the Seahawk anecdote, Russell would have been credited for a TD pass to himself. While this has been corrected, it has in fact happened. Marcus Mariota completed a touchdown pass to himself against the Chiefs in the playoffs back in 2018. Here: [https://youtu.be/Or82E31eReM?si=rwmDb80ec2HeQNNz](https://youtu.be/Or82E31eReM?si=rwmDb80ec2HeQNNz) ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/108 "2026-09-29T02:32:02Z")
> [@Jas09](#): > > Marcus Mariota completed a touchdown pass to himself against the Chiefs in the playoffs back in 2018. I remember that! It was a fun factoid. 😆 ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/109 "2026-09-29T04:05:30Z")
And an experienced 3rd string qb leads the Bears over the Eagles. Casey Keenum making it look easy, no turnovers seems to be key. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/110 "2026-09-29T04:19:25Z")
That QB sneak into the end zone was just awesome. I don’t think anyone thought that was in the realm of possibility. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/111 "2026-09-29T07:02:56Z")
Unrelated fact: The Jets defense has now gone 20 straight games without getting a single interception, extending the NFL record. It will be intriguing to see just how long this streak of defensive futility lasts. ---
**Author:** ![OldManLogan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oldmanlogan/32/5237_2.png) [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/112 "2026-09-29T13:45:50Z")
Josh Allen also threw a touchdown pass to himself in 2024. In the snow no less. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlQeCodcEJU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlQeCodcEJU) ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/113 "2026-09-29T14:45:24Z")
[Week 4 thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-4/1033464) ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/114 "2026-09-29T17:07:49Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I recall hearing that on those trick plays where the quarterback winds up catching a pass, it’s only legal if the QB starts from a shotgun position. If he receives the snap under center, he’s not an eligible receiver. You are correct on both counts – A QB cannot be under center and it does seem odd. > **Eligibility Rules for Catching a Pass** > > Under NFL Rule 8 (Section 1), the requirements for a quarterback receiving a pass depend on who touched the ball first: > > - **Initially Ineligible:** At the snap, a quarterback positioned under center (in a traditional T-formation or directly behind the center) is an ineligible receiver. They cannot be the first player on the offense to catch a legal forward pass. > - **Becoming Eligible:** The quarterback instantly becomes an eligible receiver the moment a legal forward pass is touched by **any defensive player** or **any other eligible offensive receiver** (such as a wide receiver, tight end, or running back who was properly aligned). > - **The “Philly Special” Play:** On trick plays where the quarterback lines up in the shotgun or moves out of the backfield/line legally, or if they hand the ball off or pitch it backward first (becoming a runner/lateral source rather than a passer), they are still restricted on a direct forward pass unless a deflection/touch occurs. However, if the QB hands or pitches the ball backward to a teammate, that teammate can then throw a forward pass _back_ to the quarterback, because the quarterback is downfield or behind the line as an eligible receiver only after a touch, OR if it’s a backward pass/lateral, catching it behaves like any lateral/fumble rule. Wait—if a teammate throws a forward pass, the QB is only eligible if someone else touched it first. On a standard trick play like the “Philly Special”, the QB moves out of position to the slot/wide, but to catch a forward pass from a running back, the ball must be tipped/touched by a defender or another eligible player first, OR the play involves a backward pass (lateral) from the RB, which is not a forward pass and can be caught by anyone. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/115 "2026-09-29T17:14:26Z")
The Giants are releasing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. After not playing at all in 2025, Beckham returned to his original team this offseason; though he made the final Giants roster, he got little playing time. He was only targeted by one pass in three games, and was only on the field for six plays on Sunday. > **[Sources: Giants to release fan favorite Odell Beckham Jr.](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50059755/sources-giants-release-fan-favorite-odell-beckham-jr)** > > The Giants are releasing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., sources told NFL Network. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/116 "2026-09-29T17:26:37Z")
Just a reminder: > [@NFL 2026-2027: Week 4](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-4/1033464): > > In Week 3, Atlanta destroyed the Pack on Thursday, and the undefeated Bills kept the Chargers winless. The Browns won their second straight, while the Colts got their first win at the expense of Houston, who is 0-3. Titans are also without a win, as are the Rays, who lost their QB Baker Mayfield to a thumb injury. Commanders got their first win while handing Seattle their first loss, and the Ravens won a thriller over the Boys in Rio. Chiefs, Raiders, Vikings, and Niners are all 3-0. Bronco… ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/117 "2026-09-29T18:01:06Z")
I know we have a Week 4 thread, but this question is for a Week 3 game. > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > > [@Jaycat.again](#): > > > > How can that happen? > > Lateral from the actual receiver on a “hook and lateral” play. The yards gained by the player who takes the lateral count as receiving yards for that player, but only the actual receiver gets a reception. Correct me if I’m wrong, but on a lateral, if the catch isn’t made, it’s a fumble, and not the incompletion that a forward pass would become in a similar situation. Do I have that right? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/118 "2026-09-29T18:02:00Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Correct me if I’m wrong, but on a lateral, if the catch isn’t made, it’s a fumble, and not the incompletion that a forward pass would become in a similar situation. Do I have that right? You are absolutely correct. Unlike a forward pass, a lateral which is dropped or missed, and hits the ground, is still a live ball, and is effectively a fumble. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/119 "2026-09-29T18:04:54Z")
It’s no different than a bad handoff that’s dropped or a ball snapped by the center that goes past the QB. When a ball is going backward or sideways through the air (after being thrown) it’s live, but when it’s going forward it’s a “pass” and is dead it hits the ground or goes out of bounds uncaught (in which case it becomes an incompletion and a dead ball). Oh, and the ball has to be thrown in a forward motion to be a pass, and if it is thrown forward but goes in a different direction (slips out of the hand, deflected, and so on) it’s still a pass regardless of actual direction of ball movement. Kicks are of course their own thing. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281/120 "2026-09-29T18:10:50Z")
Come on, give it up for the Bears!! They beat the previously undefeated Eagles with their #3 QB, and they looked dominant doing it!! 😀💯 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2026-2027-week-3/1033281.md?page=7)