Week four in the books! We got some backup QBs into action, two undefeated teams left and some disappointing performances-- nothing too out of the ordinary. Let's talk turkey.
So. Many. Flags.
The Cowboys-Giants game on Thursday night was nearly unwatchable at points, with the two teams combining for 15 penalties on the night. 12 of those came in the first half, probably exacerbating the problem, but brutal to watch nonetheless. Al Michael's flag day comment and general irritation was pretty entertaining.
Historic Loss for New Orleans
Scoring 24 points and not allowing an offensive touchdown seems like as safe a recipe to win as any. But the Saints managed to lose anyway on Sunday, losing a fumble in Atlanta's end zone, throwing a pick six and giving up four field goals. Not the way you want to get into the record books.
Three Targets
That was Kyle Pitts' stat line. No catches, no yards, no nothing. The Falcons' offense has looked pretty dysfunctional overall, but the fact that Pitts isn't remotely involved in as surprising as it is concerning.
Wow D'Andre Swift
Chicago's free agent running back had put up 114 total yards through weeks 1-3, prompting ample discussion on social media about him being washed and how bad the Bears offensive line was. Just as soon as you benched him on your fantasy team, Swift went off against the Rams, rushing for 93 and a score on 16 carries while adding 72 through the air on 7/7 targets. Impressive showing that had their offense finally looking balanced.
Rams Can't Hang
Last week's win over the Niners was as miraculous as it was unlikely. The reality in LA is they're a severely banged up team that's still scrappy, but simply not good, even at 100%. One furious comeback is all that separates them from an otherwise pretty uncompetitive 0-4 start.
Minnesota the Juggernaut
Letting Green Bay creep back in late made things a little sketchy, but this Vikings team is 100% legit. Jordan Addison's back like he never skipped a beat and TJ Hockenson won't be far behind. The defense forces turnovers and can hang with the best of them. And Sammy D, still well in the MVP discussion. Kevin O'Connell, starting preparing that Coach of the Year speech.
Box Score Full of Love
Jordan looked bad through three quarters, sparking speculation that he returned too early from that knee injury. But man, that fourth quarter was something. He'd ultimately finish 32/54 for 389 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions; the first Packers QB to throw for 4 TD's and 3 picks since Brett Favre-- whose jersey Love conveniently donned as he entered the stadium that morning. Maybe Love's a big fan of embezzlement?
Joe Flacco Beats Pittsburgh, One More Time
Colts fans have to be a little frustrated with their QB situation, as Anthony Richardson shined prior to getting hurt twice in a three play stretch and having to exit the game. Questions for Shane Steichen there... However, they were armed with an elite backup who had Indy's receivers ballin' out en route to a victory at home. Interested to see AR-15's timeline to return, especially if Joe Flacco can stay sharp.
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| Photo: Justin Casterline/ Getty Images |
Offensive Lulls
Not advocating for Russell Wilson, at all, but it would be nice to see Justin Fields take that next step. The Chicago castaway has been competent all season but hasn't really elevated the talent around him. Fields had the Yinzers close to completing a comeback, but the hole probably shouldn't have been that deep in the first place. Najee Harris was nonexistent and passing game was too inconsistent, storylines we've heard many times in the Steel City. Is a turnaround imminent?
Drama on Broadway
Speaking of offensive lulls...what happened to the Jets? They haven't been world beaters by any means, but all they could muster at home was three field goals? Off of nine days rest? Yikes.
Breece Hall had 18 total yards on 12 touches. Garrett Wilson was suffocated by Patrick Surtain II. The offensive line committed 5 false starts, leading to chatter about Aaron Rodgers cadences. Robert Salah can't coach. Same old, same old in New York.
Bo Nix' Numbers
We may never see another win like Bo Nix put together Sunday. The rookie from Oregon went 7/15 for -7 yards in the first half, ultimately finishing 12/25 for 60 and a score. In case you forgot your calculator, that's 2.4 yards per attempt. Pulling this one out was absolutely remarkable by every metric, though Denver fans will surely want to see a little more out of Nix.
Fire Sirianni
"We have our moments." A quote from Jalen Hurts during his post game interviews when asked about his discussions with Nick Sirianni. Seems like the two are on the same page!
In all seriousness, this team looks dejected and is playing like it-- much of what we saw down the stretch in 2023. Injuries aside, it's a supremely discouraging development that makes it appear that the head coach has lost the team. Who saw this coming?! Tough to replace any coach midseason but Philly needs a spark somewhere soon.
The Fun Quarterback
Outside of that stinker versus Denver, Baker Mayfield's been awesome for the Bucs. He took observance to how former Tampa QB Tom Brady left the organization though, noting that there was a lot of tension when Brady was through and that guys were constantly on the grind. Odd comment, especially when the pudding was proofed from such efforts. Brady fired back how rings take hard work and fun is for his kids at Disneyland, in so many words. Maybe there's a middle ground each can agree upon?
The Thrill of the Chase
The Bengals offense was finally able to outscore their opponents-- a theme that'll likely follow any and all wins they manage this season. Chase Brown and Ja'Marr Chase were critical parts of the explosive output, combining for 177 yards and 3 scores on the day. Ja'Marr gave us a cool moment too, delivering his touchdown ball to his father in the stands. Cincy's no longer winless!
A Little Chuba
What a bad contract that Miles Sanders one continues to be. Carolina always had their running back in Chuba Hubbard, but felt the need to overpay the historically okay-at-best Sanders to ride their bench. Chuba was a big part of their game plan, racking up 121 yards and a touchdown on 22 touches. His recent string of strong performances gives Dave Canales a tough decision once rookie Jonathan Brooks returns from the IR.
So Close Jaguars...
Almost Jacksonville, almost. Nonetheless, there's a goose egg in that win column and vibes are at an all time low. Doug Pederson's even blaming the players now-- justified comments, but probably indicative of his impending professional demise and overall frustration.
Nico Collins
The true WR1 receiver in Houston's been playing out of his mind so far, nabbing 30 of 43 targets for 489 yards and 2 touchdowns. That ties him for the second in receptions and #1 in receiving yards, showing his rapport with CJ Stroud is bulletproof and that he's the top weapon in this offense.
Historic Run for Jayden Daniels
82.1%. That's the #2 pick's completion percentage through the first 4 games of his career. It's a level of accuracy the league has never seen over a four game stretch, topping Peyton Manning and Tom Brady runs. Good company, I'd say. The Commanders have themselves a budding star and they're playing winning football.
Same Shit, Different Sunday
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals looked impeccable early on, starting game with a touchdown drive to Marvin Harrison Jr. Same as last week. Then, again, they just decided to stop scoring, being held off the board until James Conner ran one in with 11 seconds left in 3rd. For all the money they're paying Murray, his own field production has truly not translated into any type of consistent success. Overrated. And short.
Rhamondre's Yips
Looks like Jacboy Brissett's fumblitis is contagious because Rhamondre's got it, losing his second in as many games. To make matters worse, his backup Antonio Gibson had himself a nice outing, in the pass game anyway. Stevenson's far from the biggest issue in New England, but he's working his way up that list faster than we'd expect.
Bad News CMC
Double tendonitis in his Achilles. Who thought that was even a thing? Good thing Jordan Mason's balling out because this is a big blow for a team poised to compete for the NFC. We'll see what this German doctor can do for Christian.
Browns Sputter
Cleveland started the game with an emphatic touchdown drive, spanning the first 9:22. They'd score 10 points in 1st quarter, building themselves a nice lead. And not a single offensive point the rest of the way, with a fourth quarter score coming via a fumble-six. Dustin Hopkins couldn't even manage to hit the extra point to cut the deficit to three. Deshaun Watson and company mustered 154 yards after the first, looking completely inept against a middle of the pack Raiders defense. Factory of Sadness in full swing.
Trying to Lose
The Raiders led 20-10 going into quarter four before Zamir White lost fumble inside their own 10-yard line, gifting the Browns a score. This team cannot afford mistakes and White's was a big one. Not sure what Alexander Mattison's got to do to steal that RB1 spot, he's surprisingly been much better-- including Sunday where he rushed for 10 more yards on 12 less carries.
Hate Seeing it Rashee Rice
Not sure you'll see a more brutal development then a star quarterback tearing his top wideout's ACL while trying to make a post-interception tackle. Rice had been shining early on in his sophomore stint too, hoping for a quick recovery.
Missed Opportunities
The Chargers had a chance to pull off the upset, but they started the second half with a missed field goal and turnover on downs at the KC 3, while the Chiefs scored 10 unanswered. LA only had the ball twice after that, earning 12 yards on 8 total plays. Jim Harbaugh will keep this team in every game, but they need more from the offense.
The King
Derrick Henry kicked off Sunday night with an 87-yard house call and didn't really slow down from there, battering the Bills front seven early and often. He'd finish with 199 on the day, plus two touchdowns, putting the league on notice that this Baltimore rushing attack could be a real problem.
What Was That Trick Play?!
Buffalo had cut the deficit to 11 and were across the 50 yard line, moving the ball with relative ease against a tough Ravens D. Then they run a reverse, pitch back, nonsensical play which Kyle Van Noy sniffed out two ways over, strip sacking Josh Allen to kill any momentum they were building. If ever there was a "got too cute" moment, this was it.
Mason Rudolph
That's Tennessee's backup quarterback, in case you weren't aware, and he helped the Titans to their first win of the season on Monday. Neat!
Dolphins are Dead
Hardly even watchable at this point, as Mike McDaniel's luster begins to quickly wear off. A true Wunderkid coach wouldn't have the Dolphins looking this sad.
Jared Goff Perfection
18/18 passing, plus a touchdown reception on a Philly Special! What a day for Jared Goff, who'd had a relatively cold start to 2024. That was the Lions' ceiling on display Monday night, and it's a formidable one.
Geno's Sore Arm
Geno Smith dropped back over 60 times Monday, attempting 56 passes on the evening. Racking up 395 yards isn't too much of a shock, but he somehow only managed one passing touchdown. Not a bad loss for the Seahawks, just ran into a Lions team that was ready to roll.
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@Choppinglines
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