clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
SBNation.com homepage

Filed under:

Controversy and courage: NFL Week 3 in pictures

Week 3 was just like any other in the NFL, from questionable officiating to courageous play.

By Ryan Van Bibber
  • St. Louis Rams cornerback breaks up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery in the first quarter of the Chicago Bears 23-6 win. Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE
  • Week 3 in the NFL started on a sad note with the passing of NFL Films co-founder Steve Sabol. His work was widely credited with shaping the modern era of professional football. Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE
  • Cam Newton goes over the top of the pile to score a touchdown in the Carolina Panthers' Thursday night loss to the New York Giants. Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE
  • Some call it a block, some call it decapitation. Miami Dolphins tackle Jake Long "blocks" New York Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin. Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
  • Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts III (84) makes a diving leap into the end zone for the winning score late in the fourth quarter as Indianapolis Colts defender Cassius Vaughn (32) tries to make the stop at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jacksonville won the Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE
  • Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Ryan Succop (6) celebrates punter Dustin Colquitt (2) after hitting a field goal to win over the New Orleans Saints in overtime of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 27-24 in overtime. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
  • Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (11) can't reach a pass as Buffalo Bills cornerback Aaron Williams (23) defends during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
  • RGIII runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals. Larry French, Getty Images
  • Everyone knows the Dallas Cowboys inspire a particular brand fanatics, but this? Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
  • Detroit Lions wide receiver catches a Hail Mary pass that was batted down. He scored a touchdown on the unlikely play. Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
  • Christian Ponder led the Minnesota Vikings in a surprising upset of the San Francisco 49ers. Hannah Foslien, Getty Images
  • Larry Fitzgerald caught nine passes for 114 yards and a touchdown as the Arizona Cardinals topped the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-6, moving the Cardinals to 3-0 on the season. Christian Peterson, Getty Images
  • It's the shirt, also. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
  • Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns strong safety T.J. Ward (43) tries to tackle him during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
  • Peyton Manning's early season struggles continued in a Week 3 loss to the Houston Texans. Justin Edmonds, Getty Images
  • Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) tries to regain possession of the ball after after making a catch next to Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) and free safety Matt Giordano (27) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn is carted off the field with a season-ending knee injury in his team's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE
  • New York Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was quite pleased with his team's overtime win against the Miami Dolphins. Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
  • Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield. Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE
  • San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws the ball in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE
  • A streaker takes to the field at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore where the Ravens defeated the New England Patriots with a last second field goal. Rob Carr, Getty Images
  • Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had his own issues with the referees this week. Rob Carr/Getty Images
  • Torrey Smith scored two touchdowns in the Baltimore Ravens' win over the New England Patriots on Sunday night, hours after learning about the death of his brother. Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
  • Dual catch, double trouble for the NFL and its replacement referees. Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
  • NFL replacement referee Richard Simmons breaks up an altercation between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers after the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 14-12. Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

The third week of the 2012 NFL season ended in the only way it really could have: with controversy. Replacement official missed a key call, taking away an interception from the Green Bay Packers and giving a game-winning touchdown to the Seattle Seahawks.

While controversy dominated the conversation, there were plenty of other ups and downs across the country. The week started on a sad note when legendary NFL Films co-founder Steve Sabol passed away after a lengthy fight with brain cancer. Teams paid tribute to Sabol, who is widely credited with shaping modern professional football.

Injuries and upsets also worked their way into the headlines this week. New York Jets cornerback Darelle Revis, whose season ended with a torn ACL on Sunday, led a long list of injured super stars.

The San Francisco 49ers lost a stunner to the Minnesota Vikings. San Francisco was widely regarded as the league's best team prior to that game.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg for Week 3 in the NFL. Join us for a look back at some the week's most memorable moments.

In This Stream

NFL Week 3: Arizona, Atlanta And Houston Remain Undefeated

View all 99 stories

Next Up In NFL