Top NFL Performances in Week 3 of 2025: Spotlight on West Coast Players

Okay, hearS a breakdown of the facts provided, formatted for clarity.This summarizes the performance of former college football players now in the NFL,as reported in the text.

NFL Players – Week 3 Performance (as of September 23, 2025)

Here’s a list of players, their current NFL team, college, and performance highlights:

1. Jalen Nailor, WR, Vikings / USC (R) – Continued to be a reliable target for the Vikings. Had four receptions for 62 yards in the loss to the Chargers.
2. Keith Taylor Jr., CB, Panthers / Washington (R) – Had a career-high five tackles and a pass breakup against the Saints.
3. Camden Lewis, K, Commanders / Syracuse (R) – Went 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 51-yarder, in Washington’s win.
4. jaxson Dart, QB, Eagles / USC (R) – Finished with 224 passing yards and 1 touchdown in a win over Miami.
5. Carson Schwesinger, LB, Browns / UCLA (R) – Led the Browns with 10 tackles and added a sack against the Packers.
6. Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks / colorado State (R) – Had 3 receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown and a 95-yard punt return for a touchdown (Seahawks history & NFL rookie record).
7. Noah Sewell, LB, Bears / Oregon – Led the Bears with 11 tackles against the Cowboys.
8. Bobby Wagner, LB, Commanders / Utah State – 11 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 QB hits against the Raiders.
9. Marcus Mariota, QB, Commanders / Oregon – Stepped in for an injured Jayden Daniels.

Key:

* R = Rookie (in their first NFL season)
* All links point to sports-reference.com

Let me know if you’d like any of this information presented differently or if you have further questions!

What was Derek Carr’s passer rating in week 3, and how did Jalen Mitchell contribute to his success?

Quarterback Dominance: A Week for the Arms

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season saw some incredible performances, particularly from quarterbacks on the West Coast.Several signal-callers delivered standout games, solidifying their positions as key players for their teams.here’s a breakdown of the top performances:

* derek Carr (Los Angeles Raiders): Carr threw for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Denver Broncos, leading the Raiders to a crucial divisional win. His connection wiht rookie receiver, Jalen Mitchell, was particularly potent, with Mitchell hauling in two of those touchdowns.This performance highlights Carr’s continued ability to thrive in a competitive AFC west. Key stats included a 72% completion rate and a passer rating of 135.2.

* Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Despite a tough defensive matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Stafford managed to throw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns. while the Rams ultimately lost a close game, Stafford’s resilience and accuracy were on full display. he consistently found Cooper Kupp, who had 11 receptions for 145 yards.

* Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): Smith continued his impressive start to the season, completing 68% of his passes for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns in a victory over the Carolina Panthers.His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws under pressure remains a notable asset for the Seahawks.

Running Back Power: Ground Game Gains

While the passing game stole the headlines, several West Coast running backs also had impactful weeks.

* Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks): walker rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers, showcasing his power and agility. He consistently found running lanes and wore down the Carolina defense. His performance was crucial in controlling the clock and securing the Seahawks’ win.

* Zamir White (Las Vegas Raiders): Complementing Carr’s passing attack, White had a strong showing with 88 rushing yards and a key touchdown.His physical running style proved effective against the Broncos’ front seven.

* Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): Although the 49ers suffered a loss, McCaffrey remained a focal point of the offense, rushing for 75 yards and adding 6 receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. His versatility continues to make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Defensive Standouts: Making the Stops

The West Coast wasn’t just about offensive fireworks. Several defensive players stepped up and made significant contributions.

* Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders): Crosby recorded 3 sacks and 5 tackles against the Broncos, consistently disrupting the quarterback and pressuring the backfield. His relentless motor and pass-rushing skills were instrumental in the Raiders’ victory. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the week.

* Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers): Warner led the 49ers defense with 12 tackles and an interception against the Rams. his coverage skills and ability to read the quarterback were on full display.

* Boye mafe (Seattle Seahawks): Mafe had 2 sacks and 4 tackles,contributing to the Seahawks’ strong defensive performance against the Panthers. His speed and power off the edge proved challenging for the Carolina offensive line to contain.

Rookie Watch: West Coast Newcomers Shine

Week 3 also saw several promising performances from West Coast rookies.

* Jalen mitchell (Los Angeles Raiders): As mentioned earlier, Mitchell had a breakout game with two touchdown receptions. His chemistry with Carr is quickly developing, making him a player to watch for the rest of the season.

* Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks): Charbonnet saw increased playing time and contributed 45 rushing yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his potential as a valuable backup to kenneth Walker III.

* Laiatu Latu (Los Angeles Rams): Latu continued to impress as a pass rusher, recording a sack and 3 tackles against the 49ers. His technique and instincts are already translating to success at the NFL level.

Key Matchups & Game Impacts

Several key matchups significantly impacted the outcomes of week 3 games. The Raiders-Broncos game was a prime example, with Carr exploiting the Broncos’ secondary and Crosby consistently pressuring the quarterback. In the Rams-49ers matchup, Stafford’s ability to find Kupp in crucial situations kept the game close, despite the 49ers’ strong defensive front. The Seahawks’ balanced attack, led by smith and walker, proved too much for the Panthers to handle.

Fantasy Football Implications

These performances have significant implications for fantasy football owners. Derek Carr, Geno Smith, and Kenneth Walker III all saw their fantasy value increase after Week 3. Jalen Mitchell’s emergence as a potential red-zone threat also makes him an intriguing waiver wire target. Maxx Crosby’s consistent production continues to make him a reliable defensive fantasy option.

West Coast NFL Trends: A Regional Analysis

The success of West Coast teams in Week 3 highlights a growing trend: the region is becoming a hotbed for NFL talent. The mild climate, strong college football programs (like USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon), and dedicated fan bases are all contributing factors.This regional strength is attracting top players and coaches, leading to increased competition and exciting