Loading...
Week 3 of the NFL season often brings a mix of mid-season intensity and early-season drama. Throughout its history, the league has witnessed some extraordinary performances during this week. From record-breaking individual feats to memorable moments in football lore, here’s a detailed look at some of the most impressive NFL records set during Week 3.
One of the most legendary performances in NFL history came in Week 3 of the 1945 season when Green Bay Packers wide receiver Don Hutson etched his name into the record books. In a dominant 57-21 victory over the Detroit Lions, Hutson exploded for 29 points in a single quarter, a record that still stands today.
During the second quarter of that game, Hutson found the end zone four times, showcasing his elite receiving skills with six catches for 144 yards and four touchdowns. Scoring 29 points in just one quarter, Hutson’s performance remains a marvel, not just in the context of Week 3 but in the entire history of the NFL. His impact on the game was profound, and his name continues to be synonymous with wide receiver excellence.
In the modern NFL, we often judge quarterbacks by their ability to deliver in the clutch, and no one exemplified that better than Cooper Rush in Week 3 of the 2022 season. As the backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Rush engineered three game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime across his first three career starts – a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in over five decades.
Rush’s Week 3 performance against the New York Giants, where he led the Cowboys to a narrow victory, solidified his place in NFL history. The ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver wins in such critical moments is rare, and Rush became the first quarterback in 52 years to achieve this in his first three starts. While his name might not carry the weight of some of the NFL’s elite QBs, Rush’s Week 3 heroics made him a part of the league’s long-standing narrative of clutch play.
In Week 3 of the 2023 season, the Miami Dolphins made headlines with their offensive explosion in a 70-20 demolition of the Denver Broncos. Amidst the fireworks, Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders set a remarkable record for most points after touchdown (PATs) attempted and made in a single game, nailing 10 out of 10 extra-point attempts. His perfect performance highlighted the precision required at the kicker position, and the context of the game made it even more impressive.
Running backs Raheem Mostert and rookie Devon Achane each found the end zone four times, powering the Dolphins’ offense to one of the most dominant performances in NFL history. Sanders’ 10-for-10 day in PATs complemented a truly unforgettable offensive showcase and further cemented Week 3, 2023, as one for the record books.
No list of NFL Week 3 records would be complete without mentioning Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s incredible game-winning field goal against the Detroit Lions in Week 3 of the 2021 season. With the game on the line, Tucker stepped up and delivered a 66-yard field goal as time expired, setting the record for the longest field goal in NFL history.
This was an astounding display of leg strength and accuracy and a clutch moment, as the Ravens defeated the Lions 19-17 at Ford Field. Tucker’s kick became an instant NFL legend, further establishing him as one of the greatest kickers ever. His 66-yard bomb is the perfect example of how the smallest margin can make the biggest difference in the NFL.
While Justin Tucker’s Week 3 heroics in 2021 are unforgettable, another kicking performance worth noting came from Matt Gay in Week 3 of 2023. Gay, playing for the Indianapolis Colts, hit four field goals from 50+ yards, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Colts edged out the Ravens 22-19.
Gay’s feat of nailing four long-range kicks in a single game set a new standard for 50-yard field goals, highlighting the increasing importance of long-distance accuracy in today’s NFL. His contributions were vital to the Colts’ victory, demonstrating that kickers can be as decisive as any other player on the field.
Long before the high-flying passing offenses of today, Bob Shaw set a receiving touchdown record in Week 3 of the 1950 season that still stands today. Playing for the Chicago Cardinals, Shaw hauled in eight catches for 165 yards and five touchdowns in a dominant 55-13 victory over the Baltimore Colts.
Shaw’s five touchdown receptions in a single game remain a benchmark of receiving excellence, and his Week 3 performance is a reminder of how prolific offenses can be in any era. His ability to consistently find the end zone that day was unparalleled, and his record continues to serve as a goal for today’s wide receivers.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.