Week 3 produced a wet upset in Washington and a commanding performance in Detroit, and on the latest “Gronk & Jules” episode Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski each picked an Employee of the Week. Edelman honored Washington’s Marcus Mariota, while Gronkowski chose Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs — making Gibbs the first two-time Employee of the Week since the segment began in Week 1.
Gronkowski’s pick, Jahmyr Gibbs, finished with 164 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 31-24 victory over the New York Jets. Gibbs rushed 20 times for 99 yards and two rushing scores, and added seven receptions for 65 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown that gave Detroit the lead late in the fourth quarter. The outing raised his season total to six touchdowns through three games and moved him past Billy Sims into second place on the Lions’ career rushing touchdown list with 43 (trailing only Barry Sanders’ 99). This marks the second time in three weeks Gronkowski has singled out Gibbs — he also picked him in Week 1 after Gibbs scored twice versus the Saints and reached 50 career touchdowns in his first 50 games. Gronkowski had even named Gibbs a preseason candidate for Offensive Player of the Year.
Edelman’s selection, Marcus Mariota, completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers in Washington’s 33-31 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in rainy conditions. Making his first start of the season in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, Mariota connected on scoring throws to Rachaad White, Treylon Burks and Terry McLaurin — his first three-touchdown game since 2022. Washington now heads to London to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, while the Lions travel to play the Carolina Panthers.
Fan Take: These performances matter because they show emerging leaders — Gibbs looks like a bona fide offensive force for Detroit, and Mariota’s steadiness provides vital depth for Washington. If both players keep producing, it could reshape early award conversations and influence playoff races, while giving fans more compelling storylines as the season unfolds.
Source: www.foxsports.com
