Noteworthy strategies and performances from Week 3

San Diego at Green Bay

Brett Favre completed 28 of 45 passes for 369 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. AP

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• Mike McCarthy turned to Brett Favre to attack the Chargers' secondary with an assortment of underneath crossing routes. Favre continued to make smart decisions and didn't turn the ball over on the way to an outstanding performance. After entering the season with only one proven skill player (Donald Driver) on offense, the Packers have been able to run out to a 3-0 start by using a high-percentage passing game featuring shorter routes.

• After not scoring a point in the first half of their previous two games, the Chargers were able to get off to a fast start by simplifying their game plan. They continued to test the Packers' run defense with off-tackle runs to LaDainian Tomlinson, and tried to exploit the eight-man fronts/man coverage by splitting Antonio Gates out and having him run a series of short crossers and option routes. Philip Rivers benefited from this approach -- he started the game by completing 14 consecutive passes. The Chargers' 31-24 loss certainly wasn't his fault.

Detroit at Philadelphia

• The Eagles' offense finally got on track because it relied on the successful formula used during Donovan McNabb's injury. By giving Brian Westbrook early touches in the running game, the Eagles were able to throw the ball down the field successfully off play-action. The offensive balance put the Lions' defense on its heels and McNabb was able to pick them apart with accurate strikes from a clean pocket. Give Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg credit for going back to basics.

St. Louis at Tampa Bay

• The Rams' offensive woes begin with their rash of injuries along the offensive line and questionable play-calling from Scott Linehan. The Rams had not scored any points in the second half of their first two games and only scored three points all day against the Bucs. They can't protect the passer and appear to lack an offensive identity. It's perplexing to see the Rams struggle to score points, considering the talent they have at the skill positions.

Arizona at Baltimore

• Though the insertion of Kurt Warner at quarterback likely isn't permanent, it does lead to questions about Matt Leinart. Warner, a two-time league MVP, ran the no-huddle offense efficiently in leading the Cardinals back from a deep deficit, even though they came up short in a 26-23 loss. His decisiveness, accuracy and poise allowed him to riddle a defense that Leinart struggled against. Warner may not keep playing at this level over the long haul, but his performance will make Ken Whisenhunt ponder the possibility of starting the veteran.

Minnesota at Kansas City

• The Chiefs' offense got a much needed boost with the performance of rookie Dwayne Bowe. He was able to complement Tony Gonzalez in the passing game, which helped Damon Huard led the Chiefs to a better performance in the second half. Bowe gives the Chiefs another big target on the outside and should alleviate some of the pressure on Gonzalez and Larry Johnson.

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