The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

Week 1 NFL Results
GB 48 - DET 38 :: BUF 24 - NYJ 23 :: BAL 35 - CIN 9 :: DAL 41 - CAR 13
SEA 35 - PHI 16 :: JAX 31 - NO 0 :: CHI 21 - SF 17 :: NYG 28 - ATL 27
LAC 36 - HOU 24 :: KC 28 - MIN 9 :: PIT 31 - ARI 24 :: DEN 26 - LV 22
CLE 38 - NE 3 :: TEN 35 - IND 21 :: LAR 28 - TB 21 :: MIA 38 - 28
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Players of the Week
QB Jalen Hurts (MIA): 25 of 34, 357 yards, 4 touchdowns.
QB Dak Prescott (DAL): 20 of 24, 308 yards, 4 touchdowns.
CB Pat Surtain II (TEN): 8 tackles, 2 interceptions.
LB Kenneth Murray (LAR): 8 tackles, sack, interception.
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Notable Injuries
TE Edward Collins (ARI): Season (femur)
WR Andy Isabella (MIA): Season (knee)
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Notable Transactions
None

[Soapy]

Week 2 Preview: Las Vegas Raiders
Record: 0-1, 4th AFC West

Team Leaders
Passing: Drew Lock (48% completion, 236 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 91.1 rating)
Rushing: Josh Jacobs (50 yards, 4.2 ypc)
Receiving: Chris Godwin (6 receptions, 91 yards)
Defense: A.J. Epenesa (7 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.0 sack)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 24th
Total Defense: 17th
Points Per Game: 22nd
Turnover Differential: T-16th

Injuries
OLB Antuan Jarrett
OLB Stanley Mickel

La Vegas stumbled out of the gate with newly acquired quarterback Drew Lock facing off against his former team. Denver's D'Eriq King showed why Denver chose him over Lock, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns in a game that was close heading into the fourth quarter.

Lock showed, however, that he can be serviceable and might not be a downgrade after all after the team decided to let Jacob Eason walk and sign with Tampa Bay. If the Raiders want to be considered a contender in a division that they fiished second last season, they'll have the opportunity to showcase that this week against a rookie QB in Will Castonzo making his first road start.

[Soapy]

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LAC (2-0) | 7 | 7 | 14 | 7 || 35
LV (0-2) | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 || 23
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Castonzo Unfazed By Early Pick Six, Raiders Pressure in Chargers Win
These Los Angeles Chargers have a flair for the dramatics, fitting for their place of residency.

Jalen Ramsey's interception at the goal-line was returned for nearly 100-yards before he was brought down at the three. Three plays later, it was K'Lavon Chaisson's turn as this time around, Chaisson made it to the endzone to jump out to the 7-0 lead for Oakland in the first quarter.

After a bit of back and forth for the next two quarters, the Chargers were able to pull away and secure the 35-23 win.

Las Vegas crept back in the game after Will Castonzo was tackled trying to pitch the ball to a running back from the Las Vegas three-yard line and he fumbled it, which was recovered by Chaisson. Las Vegas then went 90-yards, culminating with a 5-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs with 7:48 left in the game to make it 28-23.

The Chargers wasted no time answering, scoring on a six play drive which included a 39-yard bomb to D.K. Metcalf on a play action pass. Metcalf played his first full game as a Charger and caught four passes for 99 yards and the touchdown.

Castonzo was up and down as he spent most of the game on his back as the Raiders kept bringing pressure. He finished 11 of 20 for 181 yards but did have three touchdowns in back to back games.

He also aided a rushing attack with 57 yards on the ground while Kyree Sampson led the way with 102 yards, Felix Whittaker ran for 89 and Duke Johnson Jr. added 43 more yards and a score for good measure.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LV] K. Chaisson, returned interception 101 Yds (5:48)
[LAC] D. Johnson Jr, 2 Yd run (0:09)

Quarter 2
[LV] N. Thomas 32 Yd pass from D. Lock (6:32)
[LAC] A. St. Brown 1 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (0:32)

Quarter 3
[LAC] K. Sampson, 1 Yd run (12:45)
[LV] J. Crutchfield, 31 Yd FG (7:48)
[LAC] H. Henry 5 Yd pass from W. Casstonzo (3:50)

Quarter 4
[LV] J. Jacobs, 5 Yd run (7:44)
[LAC] D. Metcalf 39 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (5:09)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Will Castonzo: 11 of 20, 181 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, 7 carries, 57 yards, fumble.
Felix Whittaker: 15 carries, 89 yards.
Kyree Sampson: 12 carries, 102 yards, touchdown.
Duke Johnson: 7 carries, 43 yards, touchdown.
D.K. Metcalf: 4 receptions, 99 yards, touchdown.
Hunter Henry: 2 receptions, 39 yards, touchdown.
Justin Jefferson: 2 receptions, 30 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1 reception, 1 yard, touchdown.
Donovan Bigby: 7 tackles, sack.
Samuel Fleming: 7 tackles, sack.
Derwin James: 6 tackles, 2 sacks.
Jalen Ramsey: 5 tackles, interception.
Rashard Keaton: 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack.
Christian Childs: 3 tackles, sack.

Oakland Raiders
Drew Lock: 22 of 38, 303 yards, touchdown, interception.
Josh Jacobs: 20 carries, 70 yards, touchdown, fumble.
Dominique Stanton: 5 receptions, 56 yards.
Dawson Knox: 5 receptions, 52 yards.
Dede Westbrook: 4 receptions, 49 yards.
Chris Godwin: 2 receptions, 35 yards.
Jahalni Tavai: 12 tackles, tackle for loss.
Maxx Crosby: 8 tackles, sack.
K'Lavon Chaisson: 4 tackles, sack, interception.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Two Win vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, 64.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, run stuff allowed, penalty, 53.1 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, 82.4 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, run stuff allowed, 57.5 PFF grade.
RT Colton McKivitz: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 61.3 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 61 snaps, 3 tackles, sack, run stuff, 66.2 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 18 snaps, tackle, 63.6 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 57 snaps, 2 tackles, run stuff, penalty, 60.6 PFF grade.
EDGE Joey Bosa: 54 snaps, 3 tackles, run stuff, 67.3 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 60 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, sack, 2 run stuffs, 71.8 PFF grade.
LB Michael Pinckney: 16 snaps, tackle, run stuff, 66.6 PFF grade.
LB Shaq Quarterman: 24 snaps, tackle, 67.6 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 51 snaps, 7 tackles, pass breakup, QB hurry, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 66.3 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 48 snaps, 5 tackles, 4 catches allowed, 59.3 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 58 snaps, 5 tackles, interception, pass breakup, 2 catches allowed, 70.3 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 64 snaps, 2 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, run stuff, 3 catches allowed, 68.3 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 64 snaps, 7 tackles, sack, 2 pass breakups, 6 catches allowed, 58.8 PFF grade.
S Samuel Fleming: 64 snaps, 7 tackles, sack, 3 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 60.4 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 64 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 sacks, catch allowed, 72.0 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 18 snaps, 2 tackles, 76.0 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2027 Report Card
QB Will Castonzo: 67 snaps, 11 of 20, 181 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception, 7 carries, 57 yards, fumble.
LT Melvin McKinley: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, 64.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, run stuff allowed, penalty, 53.1 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 68 snaps, 26 dropbacks, 42 rushes, sack allowed, run stuff allowed, 57.5 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 48 snaps, 5 tackles, 4 catches allowed, 59.3 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 18 snaps, 2 tackles, 76.0 PFF grade.
FB Eric Harper: 33 snaps, 1 carry, 12 yards.

Injury Report
HB Derrick Henry: Out (shoulder)

[Soapy]

Week 2 NFL Results
DAL 35 - NYJ 20 :: MIA 23 - PHI 17 :: CHI 24 - MIN 21 :: NE 23 - TEN 21
HOU 31 - TB 10 :: NYG 28 - TOR 14 :: ATL 31 - JAX 28 :: CAR 28 - IND 20
LAC 35 - LV 23 :: NO 28 - SF 17 :: DET 34 - KC 28 :: BAL 34 - ARI 28
CLE 16 - CIN 14 :: PIT 31 - LA 3 :: GB 30 - SEA 9 :: BUF 28 - DEN 16
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Players of the Week
QB Lamar Jackson (BAL): 26 of 35, 369 yards, 2 touchdowns, 11 carries, 52 yards, touchdown.
QB Dwayne Haskins (DET): 28 of 35, 349 yards, 3 touchdowns.
LB K'Lavon Chaisson (LV): 4 tackles, sack, interception, fumble recovery, touchdown.
LB Roquan Smith (CHI): 9 tackles, sack, 2 interceptions.
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Notable Injuries
TE Edward Collins (ARI): Season (femur)
WR Andy Isabella (MIA): Season (knee)
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Notable Transactions
San Francisco4 49ers trade HB Dion Pendleton to Green Bay Packers for 2028 6th round pick and 2029 2nd round pick.
Buffalo Bills re-sign DT Ed Oliver (2yr, $31.8 million)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign LB Devin White (4yr, $46.3 million)
Arizona Cardinals re-sign HB Kareem Hunt (2yr, $11.6 million)
Kansas City Chiefs re-sign QB Patrick Mahomes (3yr, $114 million)
Indianapolis Colts re-sign G Quenton Nelson (2yr, $26.6 million)
Dallas Cowboys re-sign WR Amari Cooper (3yr, $42.6 million)
San Francisco 49ers re-sign DE Nick Bosa (4yr, $79.8 million)
Toronto Huskies re-sign S Jamal Adams (3yr, $42 million)

[Soapy]

Week 3 Preview: Cleveland Browns
Record: 2-0, 1st AFC North

Team Leaders
Passing: Baker Mayfield (72% completion, 466 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 128.2 rating)
Rushing: Nick Chubb (172 yards, 4.1 ypc)
Receiving: Odell Beckham Jr. (8 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD)
Defense: A.J. Epenesa (7 tackles, 3 TFL, 1.0 sack)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 9th
Total Defense: 1st
Points Per Game: 14th
Turnover Differential: T-2nd

Injuries
None

It doesn't seem like that long ago when the Cleveland Browns were the media darlings following a busy offseason. Since that 2019 off-season, the team has been to three Super Bowls and won two of them with quarterback Baker Mayfield at the helm.

Mayfield is now 32 while Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett are also on the other side of 30 with Odell Beckham Jr. likely on his last legs at 34. The team has been able to surround Mayfield with some younger talent such as 6'6" receiver T.J. Vasher. Nevertheless, the window is closing for the Browns to punch in their third Super Bowl, which could classify them as a dynasty.

Los Angeles has started the last few games slow, getting down early. They cannot afford to do so against a vaunted Cleveland defense that should be able to generate a pass rush and a rushing attack that could help close the game out.

[Soapy]

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CLE (2-1) | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 || 16
LAC (3-0) | 3 | 10 | 7 | 14 || 34
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Chargers Thoroughly Dominate Browns Behind Running Game, Defense
The Los Angeles Chargers offense had been getting most of the shine through the team's first two games with their dynamic rookie quarterback, surprisingly strong running game and bevy of big play receivers.

The Chargers defense kept the Cleveland Browns out of the endzone until the final minutes of the fourth quarter and limited them to less than 300 yards of total offense in the team's 34-16 win.

Despite the fumbling issues of Will Castonzo which gifted Cleveland good field position, the Browns kept finding themselves kicking field goals as the Chargers defense would tighten down. Jalen Ramsey didn't surrender a single catch, essentially rendering T.J. Vasher into a ghost with just one catch that came when Ramsey wasn't on him.

Five different Chargers were able to get to Baker Mayfield who was under pressure all afternoon.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] M. Badgley, 27 Yd FG (5:06)

Quarter 2
[CLE] J. Nixon, 32 Yd FG (13:32)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 22 Yd FG (8:45)
[LAC] D. Metcalf 38 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (3:13)

Quarter 3
[LAC] E. Harper, 4 Yd run (7:11)
[CLE] J. Nixon, 38 Yd FG (0:39)

Quarter 4
[CLE] J. Nixon, 44 Yd FG (13:27)
[LAC] F. Whittaker, 11 Yd run (8:39)
[LAC] D. Metcalf 29 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (7:42)
[CLE] N. Chubb 67 Yd pass form B. Mayfield (6:41)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Will Castonzo: 12 of 19, 193 yards, 2 touchdowns, 8 carries, 70 yards, 2 fumbles.
Felix Whittaker: 24 carries, 120 yards, touchdown.
Kyree Sampson: 5 carries, 32 yards.
D.K. Metcalf: 3 receptions, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 3 receptions, 68 yards.
Justin Jefferson: 1 reception, 6 yards.
Derwin James: 12 tackles, sack.
Layne Scott: 6 tackles, 2 sacks.
Joey Bosa: 2 tackles, 3 sacks.
Anthony Nelson: 2 tackles, 2 sacks.

Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield: 19 of 31, 218 yards, touchdown.
Nick Chubb: 18 carries, 104 yards, fumble, 3 receptions, 79 yards, touchdown.
Odell Beckham Jr: 6 receptions, 76 yards.
David Njoku: 6 receptions, 41 yards.
Jacob Phillips: 6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
A'Shawn Robinson: 5 tackles, 2 sacks.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Three Win vs. Cleveland Browns

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, sack allowed, 62.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, QB hurry allowed, run stuff allowed, 64.6 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, 2 sacks allowed, 3 run stuffs allowed, 25.2 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, sack allowed, 4 run stuffs allowed, 35.9 PFF grade.
RT Colton McKivitz: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, run stuff allowed, 73.3 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 58 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, 2 penalties, 54.6 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 22 snaps, tackle, penalty, 51.2 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 48 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, run stuff, 68.4 PFF grade.
EDGE Joey Bosa: 52 snaps, 3 tackles, 3 sacks, 67.6 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 51 snaps, 3 tackles, 56.2 PFF grade.
LB Michael Pinckney: 13 snaps, 2 tackles, sack, 75.1 PFF grade.
LB Shaq Quarterman: 26 snaps, tackle, 67.4 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 52 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 sacks, pass breakup, 2 QB hurry, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 66.3 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 44 snaps, 4 tackles, 3 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 51.6 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 54 snaps, 3 tackles, pass breakup, 96.1 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 56 snaps, 9 tackles, pass breakup, 5 catches allowed, 55.3 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 57 snaps, 7 tackles, pass breakup, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 71.8 PFF grade.
S Samuel Fleming: 57 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 3 catches allowed, 66.5 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 59 snaps, 12 tackles, sack, pass breakup, 2 QB hurry, catch allowed, 75.3 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 23 snaps, tackle, 73.9 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2027 Report Card
QB Will Castonzo: 67 snaps, 12 of 19, 193 yards, 2 touchdowns, 8 carries, 70 yards, 2 fumbles.
LT Melvin McKinley: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, sack allowed, 62.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, QB hurry allowed, run stuff allowed, 64.6 PFF grade.
RG Jerron Bowman: 68 snaps, 23 dropbacks, 45 rushes, sack allowed, 4 run stuffs allowed, 35.9 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 44 snaps, 4 tackles, 3 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 51.6 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 23 snaps, tackle, 73.9 PFF grade.
FB Eric Harper: 35 snaps, 7 carries, 27 yards, touchdown.

Injury Report
HB Derrick Henry: Doubtful (shoulder)
HB Clinton McDonald: Out (thumb)

[Soapy]

Week 3 NFL Results
JAX 13 - NYJ 10 :: TB 38 - IND 3 :: SEA 28 - DET 17 :: NYG 28 - BUF 7
KC 41 - CHI 24 :: NO 26 - PHI 24 :: DAL 24 - ATL 14 :: PIT 34 - CIN 31
LAC 34 - CLE 16 :: HOU 27 - TEN 24 :: LAR 24 - ARI 17 :: GB 28 - DEN 21
SF 29 - MIN 17 :: CAR 28 - TO 10 :: MIA 34 - NE 27 :: BAL 31 - LV 21
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Players of the Week
QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): 27 of 32, 318 yards, 4 touchdowns.
QB Jacob Eason (TB): 23 of 27, 268 yards, 4 touchdowns.
DT Lester Briggs (NE): 9 tackles, 4 sacks.
LB Foyesade Oluokun (PHI): 11 tackles, 3 sacks.
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Notable Injuries
TE Edward Collins (ARI): Season (femur)
WR Andy Isabella (MIA): Season (knee)
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Notable Transactions
Buffalo Bills re-sign QB Josh Allen (3yr, $77.3 million)
Cleveland Browns re-sign CB Denzel Ward (1yr, $15 million)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign WR Mike Evans (2yr, $25.6 million)
Atlanta Falcons re-sign QB Manny Dillard (5yr, $140 million)
Detroit Lions re-sign QB Dwayne Haskins (3yr, $72.5 million)
Carolina Panthers re-sign HB Christian McCaffrey (3yr, $41.7 million)
Los Angeles Rams re-sign WR Jamarr Chase (4yr, $62.9 million)
Toronto Huskies re-sign RT Collin Nortman (4yr, $56.9 million)
Houston Texans re-sign QB Deshaun Watson (3yr, $109 million)

[Soapy]

Week 4 Preview: Chicago Bears
Record: 2-1, 2nd NFC North

Team Leaders
Passing: Rob Lucas (64% completion, 737 yards, 6 TD, 4 INT, 92.3 rating)
Rushing: Dalvin Cook (168 yards, 4.3 ypc)
Receiving: Marcus Boone (11 receptions, 159 yards, 4 TD)
Defense: Roquan Smith (21 tackles, 3 INT, 1.0 sack)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 18th
Total Defense: 24th
Points Per Game: 17th
Turnover Differential: T-14th

Injuries
CB Chad Compton

Despite drafting running back Mack Lincoln in the second round last season and him finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, Chicago went out and landed arguably the second biggest name on the free agency market in Dalvin Cook.

Cook has been good for the Bears as they look to get over that proverbial hump with offseason acquisitions such as left tackle Taylor Agnew andre-signing former top draft pick defensive end Rashod Bryant.

The secondary is still patchy and with Chad Compton out, there are yards out there for D.K. Metcalf and Company to take advantage of.