by The NFL season is in full stride, and the further the season progresses, the more the stars steal the headlines. This week, All-Pros Jonathon Taylor and T.J. Watt dominated and got the praise they deserve.
Due to these standout stars, the performances of other, lesser-known players often go unnoticed by most fans.
Here are some under-the-radar Week 3 performances:
Nick Herbig, Edge Rusher
With the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting edge rusher, Alex Highsmith, injured, Herbig had to step up big-time. He did deliver, getting eight pressures, four of them being in the fourth quarter, as well as a strip-sack.
Herbig had an admirable matchup, going against the rookie fourth-overall pick Will Campbell. His speed was too much for Campbell at times, with Herbig’s speed and bend allowing him to get outside on multiple occasions. His performance, along with that of the man opposite him, T.J. Watt, was a significant reason for their nail-biter win against the New England Patriots.
Sterling Shepard, Wide Receiver
The veteran wide receiver has solidified himself as a key player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense. In this game, he had four catches for 80 yards, with his final catch putting the Bucs in position for a short game-winning field goal.
Shepard’s career seemed to be coming to an end when he left the New York Giants in 2023, but his talent has been evident in Tampa Bay. His run-after-catch ability is still superb, and his route running is as crisp as ever. With Mike Evans out for some time, Shephard may see even more production in the near future.
Anton Harrison, Right Tackle
Going against the Houston Texans’ lethal edge rush duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is not easy for any offensive lineman, but Harrison did a great job. In this game, he allowed only one pressure on 42 dropbacks.
Harrison saw a lot of chip block help this game, but he was still excellent one-on-one with the edge rushers; he also created some huge running lanes. His quick feet and gigantic frame are a rare combination for a lineman, and it has set Harrison up to be one of the most underrated tackles in the league.
Quentin Lake, Free Safety
The Los Angeles Rams’ free safety was a machine in Week 3. Lake was targeted nine times, allowing four completions for 38 yards, and had four pass deflections. His physicality at the catch point was elite this game, running to the ball at full force and forcing incompletions.
Lake primarily plays in the nickel, and his quick change of direction and downhill speed often forced Jalen Hurts to go to his next read or throw the ball away. His play was a key reason the Philadelphia Eagles had a minimal pass game for much of the game.
