NFL Preseason Week 3: Herbert, Mendoza headline five key takeaways

Dillon Gabriel stood out for Cleveland, Justin Herbert needed just a handful of snaps to let his arm do the talking for the Chargers, and Fernando Mendoza endured another difficult evening with the Raiders.

Here are the five main takeaways from the early preseason Week 3 slate.

NFL Preseason Week 3 results

Dillon Gabriel shines as Patriots' depth raises concerns

Third in the Cleveland quarterback depth chart behind Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel made the most of his opportunity.

The second-year player completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a single half.

He drove the Browns to scores on five of six possessions in the 37-13 victory over New England. Luke Floriea was his primary beneficiary, hauling in two receiving touchdowns.

The game also highlighted the lack of depth within the Patriots. Mike Vrabel rested 38 players, but New England's backups were thoroughly outclassed, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary.

The starters sat out all three preseason games — a decision designed to minimise injury risk, but one that leaves a few questions unanswered ahead of Week 1.

Vrabel offered no excuses after the game, telling reporters the result was simply "Not good enough."

Herbert and Johnston make an impact in just four snaps

The Chargers' first-team offense was on the field for just four snaps, but that was enough to produce one of the most spectacular plays of the night.

After a first possession ended on a fumbled snap involving Omarion Hampton, Justin Herbert responded immediately.

The quarterback found Quentin Johnston for a 65-yard touchdown, offering an early glimpse of what Mike McDaniel's offense could be capable of.

The Chargers ultimately fell 20-18 to the Rams, but the Herbert-Johnston connection had already delivered the most important takeaway of the evening.

Fernando Mendoza ends his preseason on a low note

The first overall pick from the most recent Draft still needs time to develop.

Fernando Mendoza completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, with one interception and two sacks taken in the Raiders' 18-12 loss to the 49ers.

Las Vegas failed to score a single touchdown and Mendoza ended his preseason with 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

In contrast, Kirk Cousins was clean, completing eight of eleven passes for 51 yards. The veteran did not lead the Raiders into the end zone either, but he remains clearly ahead in the depth chart ahead of the start of the regular season.

Klint Kubiak acknowledged that his rookie would need more game time to continue his development. Mendoza showed some positive signs over the summer, but this final outing served as a reminder of how far he still has to go before being ready for a starting role in the NFL.

Tim Warner / Stringer

The kickers take centre stage

The 49ers won their game without scoring a single touchdown. Eddy Piñeiro accounted for all 18 of their points by converting all six of his field goal attempts.

Three of his attempts were converted from beyond 50 yards, including one from 59 yards. A perfect display that allowed San Francisco to make the difference despite their offense's difficulties.

It was also a positive evening for Harrison Mevis. The Rams kicker converted two field goals from 27 yards against the Chargers and ends the preseason with a perfect record of six from six.

With roster cut-downs just days away, performances like these can definitively secure a place on a roster. Piñeiro was the 49ers' sole scorer, while Mevis did not miss a single attempt all summer.

Skyler Bell seizes his final opportunity

Having missed the Bills' first two preseason games with a groin injury, Skyler Bell had just one evening to make his case. The rookie delivered with seven receptions for 49 yards, adding a 28-yard end-around touchdown run.

Competition remains fierce behind DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman and Josh Palmer. Bell nonetheless gave the Buffalo coaching staff a final performance that will be difficult to overlook when the roster is trimmed.

The Bills then came from behind to beat the Steelers in the closing minutes, winning 28-27 to finish their preseason with three victories. More than the result itself, Bell's performance could prove decisive when the final calls are made.

Watch every game of the 2026 NFL season only on Game Pass

The 2026 NFL season is nearly here, including a record nine international games, and Game Pass is the only place where you can catch every snap.

Features include American commentary throughout, plus RedZone, NFL Network, Game in 40, Sunday in 60, Multiview, and more, with prices starting from £179.99 per year or £18.99 per month.

With every preseason game also live and free on DAZN, it is the perfect chance to see what Game Pass has to offer from Week 1 all the way to the Super Bowl.

Sign up for Game Pass on DAZN today and get your front-row seat to the action.