Carson Wentz, Marcus Mariota, and Mac Jones pulled off impressive outings in Week 3, filling in for injured starters and guiding their respective teams to big wins in the National Football League (NFL) on Sunday.
Wentz turns back clock for Vikings
Former NFL Most Valuable Player contender Wentz had a vintage performance as fill-in Minnesota quarterback on Sunday night, completing 14 of 20 passing attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns to help the Vikings rout the Cincinnati Bengals 48-10.
Wentz, a former number two overall pick, suited up for his sixth team in six seasons and played like the former Philadelphia Eagles ace whose MVP hopes were dashed by a torn ACL that he is.
He looked comfortable in the offensive scheme of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, avoided mistakes, and withstood pressure while playing for his favourite team.
The 6’5’’ signal-caller ended up posting a 129.8 passer rating – the second-highest of his career.
In addition, Wentz connected with Justin Jefferson five times for 75 yards and tossed TD passes of 12 yards to Josh Oliver and five yards to TJ Hockenson.
The Vikings improved to 2-1 with the win and the North Dakota State standout will have a chance to have an encore against Pittsburgh on September 28 in Dublin, Ireland, if starting QB J.J. McCarthy continues to be sidelined.
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Mariota leads triumphant Washington against Raiders
Another number two draft pick had an unforgettable stint on Sunday, leading the Washington Commanders to a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Filling in for Jayden Daniels, 2015 first-rounder Mariota starred for the Commanders’ offence, making 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown.
He also ran for 40 yards and a TD in an efficient and aggressive performance.
With Mariota on centre, the Commanders offence racked up 400 yards and even gave coach Dan Quinn a bloody nose during a sideline collision.
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Jones helps 49ers to tight win
Elsewhere, former New England Patriots quarterback Jones completed 27 of 41 passes for 284 yards with one TD and one interception, guiding the San Francisco 49ers to a 16-15 squeaker over the Arizona Cardinals.
The former number 15 pick in the draft made his second consecutive start this season after Brock Purdy remained sidelined with a toe injury.
Jones, who suited up for Kyle Shanahan’s team despite a nagging knee injury, drove the 49ers to a 10-play, 63-yard drive that ended with an Eddy Pineiro 35-yard game-winning field goal.
Shanahan hailed Jones for his excellent showing despite surrendering an interception and a safety, describing his game-winning drive as unbelievable.
The Alabama standout was tabbed as the long-term successor to Tom Brady after New England drafted him in 2021.
He led the Patriots to 10 wins and the play-offs as a rookie, but things didn’t work out and he’s now onto his third team after spending last year in Jacksonville.
On Sunday, Jones’ leadership lifted the 49ers to a 3-0 start, moving them ahead of the Los Angeles Rams, the Cardinals, and the Seattle Seahawks – all 2-1 – in the NFC West standings.
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