The NFL’s final Sunday of September delivered a little bit of everything, and Alabama connections were everywhere you looked. From a comeback in Denver to a thriller in Rio, Week 3 turned into a showcase for former Tide and Auburn standouts, plus a few other names with Alabama ties making their mark across the league.
Detroit got one of the biggest performances of the day from Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions running back kept the offense moving in a 31-24 win over the Jets, scoring twice on the ground and then hauling in a fourth-quarter touchdown that ended up as the game-winner. Gibbs finished with 99 rushing yards and seven catches for 65 more, while Jameson Williams added four receptions for 49 yards.
Bo Nix authored the kind of finish that changes the feel of a Sunday night. The Broncos were staring at a 16-0 halftime deficit against the Rams, then Nix led the turnaround with three second-half touchdowns, capped by a rushing score with 0:47 left. The win was the 12th time in his career that he has pulled together a game-winning drive.
In Cleveland, Bryce Young was asked to throw it nearly every which way in a tight 21-18 Browns win over Carolina. The former Alabama quarterback went 26 of 48 for 291 yards and a touchdown, including an eight-yard scoring strike to John Metchie that gave the Panthers a fourth-quarter lead.
Another former Crimson Tide standout helped Minnesota in a 23-16 win over Tampa Bay. Will Reichard stayed perfect again, converting both extra points and both field goals, with a long of 56. Dallas Turner chipped in three tackles and half a sack for the Vikings, while A’Shawn Robinson posted three tackles for the Buccaneers.
The Texans’ rough start kept getting rougher in Indianapolis, where Houston fell to 0-3 with a 19-17 loss. Will Anderson made his presence felt anyway, recovering a fumble and piling up 2.5 sacks, seven tackles, and three tackles for loss.
Kansas City handled Miami 24-10, with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs continuing to look sharper. Former Auburn quarterback Malik Willis had a tough day trying to keep pace, finishing 20 of 36 for 210 yards with an interception while adding 56 rushing yards. Rookie Kadyn Proctor also had a key block that helped set up Miami’s lone touchdown.
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati put on a scoring show before the Steelers came away with a 30-27 win. Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers each came close to 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, but a clutch Pittsburgh fumble recovery proved decisive. Former Alabama receiver Germie Bernard caught one pass for 14 yards.
Seattle’s 33-31 loss to Washington came in wet conditions outside Washington, D.C., and the Seahawks’ first defeat of the year came despite a huge night from Sam Darnold, who threw for 379 yards and four touchdowns. Two interceptions, including a Commanders pick-six, made the difference.
The Giants picked up a 12-7 win over Tennessee in Jameis Winston’s first start with Jaxson Dart out for the season because of a knee injury. Rain slowed both offenses, but former Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk still hit a milestone, recording the first sack of his career.
Las Vegas moved to 3-0 with a 35-27 win over New Orleans. Former Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry turned in a solid outing for the Saints, finishing with five tackles, three solo, and two pass breakups.
And in Rio, Baltimore’s 34-31 win over Dallas went all the way down to the final play. Derrick Henry ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns for the Ravens, while former Hoover wide receiver George Pickens had his best game of the season for the Cowboys with seven catches for 82 yards in the loss.
In Other News...
Alabama Game Day Is Becoming A Celebrity Stage For Tide Culture
Alabamas game-day scene has become more than just a football backdrop, with recent home dates drawing a mix of former Crimson Tide stars and outside names who have ties to the programs culture. Mark Ingram and Brandon Miller were among the familiar faces in attendance, adding to the feeling that Alabama Saturdays have turned into a reunion as much as a sporting event.
Scott Stapps presence fit that atmosphere, too, given his longtime support of Alabama and his family connection to the program. Kid Rock also made an appearance, and the larger point is hard to miss: Alabama football has become a stage where athletics, alumni pride and celebrity interest overlap, with the music side of that spotlight set to keep building as Creeds performances approach. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With New Depth Concerns
Alabamas injury picture is starting to crowd the conversation heading into its trip to Mississippi State, with two more players added to a list the Crimson Tide has had to manage carefully. Will Sanders and Jayvin James both came out of the South Carolina game hurt, and while Sanders is expected to be available, James is now sitting in the questionable bucket as the Tide tries to sort out who will be ready to go.
The bigger concern may be the ripple effect on the middle of the defense. Linebackers Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu are already out, which leaves Alabama thinner than it would like at a spot that can be tested quickly in conference play. With depth being pushed and availability still in question for at least one more player, the Tide will have some decisions to make before it lines up against the Bulldogs. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Heads Into Mississippi State With One Lingering Injury Concern
Alabama is getting closer to its trip to Mississippi State with a clearer picture of the injury situation along both lines, though not every answer is in yet. Kalen DeBoer said offensive lineman Jayvin James is questionable, while William Sanders is expected to be ready, which at least gives the Tide some needed depth as they head into another SEC road test.
The bigger concern may still be on the defensive side, where outside linebacker Justin Hill and defensive end Desmond Umeozulu are both out, and Umeozulu is expected to need more time. Safety Zavier Mincey also sat out the previous game after getting hurt in pregame warmups, leaving Alabama with a few moving pieces to monitor as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]