NFL Takeaways: Week 4
Photo from Yahoo Sports
The European games have begun in the NFL, which means we can now wake up and watch football.
Not very good football, mind you!
But football, nonetheless.
Here is what we learned from week 4.
Browns defeat Steelers 27-24
The Browns, very, very quietly, have won 4 of their last 5 games dating back to last season.
More importantly, they look to have a roster and coach in Todd Monken that is set up for quick success for whatever QB they draft next season.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, and I’m sure it will blow up in the end, but watch out for the Browns.
Colts defeat Commanders 30-13
The Commanders were doing a really good job stifling a good Colts offense, but after Marcus Mariota hurt his leg and was out for the game, the Commanders couldn’t sustain drives, and the dam broke open.
Tough breaks.
Patriots defeat Bills 29-26
This was more than just a regular win for the Patriots.
Not only was it a road win against a divisional rival, but Drake Maye actually looked like Drake Maye.
Yeah, he threw a pick and had a fumble. Nobody is ever going to be perfect.
But at least he didn’t look scared out there.
He was standing in, making strong throws, and had three touchdowns himself to get the win.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, had one of the worst picks of the weekend to lose the game.
He has to be better on that front if the Bills ever want to win it all.
Bears defeat Jets 23-12
The Bears had more first downs than the Jets had plays.
Their ground game is unbelievable.
Jaguars defeat Bengals 22-17
This was a winnable game for Cincy against a fellow AFC foe, even with Ja’Marr Chase being knocked out early with a concussion.
But Joe Burrow had two terrible picks himself and the Bengals averaged 1.5 yards per rush (and only ran 15 times) as they fell to 2-2 after starting 2-0.
Weird gameplan.
Giants defeat Cardinals 36-24
The Cards had a chance to get the win down 30-24 with four plays inside the 10, and first round pick Jeremiyah Love was on the field for none of those plays because he isn’t used in the pass game.
The Cardinals took a running back third overall, who is a good receiving back, and do not use him in the pass game.
What came next was a pick six, and a 12 point loss instead of a possible 1 point win.
I don’t get it, man.
Rams defeat Eagles 24-20
The Eagles, despite all of the injuries on offense, were up by 10 with 8 minutes left on the Rams 2 yard line.
They didn’t score, they gave up two touchdowns, and did nothing offensively the rest of the game to lose in the end.
This offense is just flat out broken.
Packers defeat Buccaneers 17-14
The Packers won.
I’m not sure any Packers fan feels good about it, but they won.
Ravens defeat Titans 24-18
The first half for the Ravens was outstanding.
The second half wasn’t as good, due in large part to Lamar Jackson not playing because of an ankle injury.
Let’s just hope it isn’t long term.
Cowboys defeat Texans 34-30
Before the season, I said that CJ Stroud would have a bounce back season.
And you know what? He has.
CJ Stroud has actually been quite good this year.
But the Texans are 0-4 because their defense, widely regarded as one of the best in the league, has been terrible this year.
I never would have guessed that would be what tanks their season, but here we are.
Vikings defeat Dolphins 15-10
The Vikings are 4-0.
In two of their four games, the Vikings have not scored a touchdown.
Sure.
Chiefs defeat Raiders 30-27
The Chiefs won the move to 4-0, but this said a lot about the Raiders to me.
We had a feeling the Chiefs were back to being the Chiefs.
But the Raiders stuck in there and went toe to toe with the Chiefs for 60 minutes before just falling short.
Considering it is game 4 of the Klint Kubiak era, that was a solid game for the Raiders.
They look to be in very good hands.
49ers defeat Broncos 24-14
The most important aspect of this game for the Niners was the fact that they were in a close game against the Broncos in the 4th quarter and somehow avoided the Bo Nix and Sean Payton voodoo magic.
That, unironically, says a lot about this Niners team.
Seahawks defeat Chargers 30-23
The Seahawks lost a winnable game last week thanks to turnovers.
The Seahawks almost blew a game they were winning 30-13 in the 4th quarter thanks to bad penalties.
The talent is obviously there.
But if they don’t stop shooting themselves in the foot, it will cost them.
Panthers defeat Lions 32-26
Bryce Young and Tet McMillan? Incredible.
The Lions defense and Jared Goff throwing short of the sticks on 4th down to lose the game? Terrible.
Dan Campbell was right when he said their game against the Niners a few years ago may have been their only good shot at a Super Bowl.
Falcons defeat Saints 45-24
Turns out, the Falcons offense is a hell of a lot better when Michael Penix Jr is playing for them.
The difference in play from the first two weeks to the next two weeks has been remarkable.
Watch out…
