Football

What our team knew in Sunday's Week 4 slate

.FOX Sports' NFL specialists give the biggest takeaways coming from every Sunday game in Week 4 and also what they suggest for every staff going forward.Eagles: There was actually never a question that the Eagles outburst was mosting likely to problem without A.J. Brown and DeVonta Johnson, however there's definitely no justification of what their protection is performing now. They lost hope 445 lawns and permit the Bucs score touchdowns on three of their very first four travels. They can not obtain any kind of stress on the quarterback, their coverage is typically terrible (Baker Mayfield tossed for 347 lawns). They generated Vic Fangio to correct what was actually a protective mess final season, once again, the Eagles have some of the most awful defenses in the organization. If they can not begin compeling the quarterback, their scheme is actually unsustainable. They have 6 sacks this season in 4 activities, after the 2 they had on Sunday. With a face that consists of Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat as well as Jalen Carter, that appears just about impossible.Bucs: Tom Brady was actually back at Raymond James Coliseum in Tampa Fl on Sunday-- this moment as a FOX expert-- to see his outdated crew. What he observed was that he precisely left the Bucs in excellent palms. Cook Mayfield might have been actually picked up off the dump in 2015, however he sure appears like he wasn't simply an one-year rebirth. He's been great this season as well as was actually again on Sunday, sculpting up the Eagles' shaky additional for 347 yards. He is actually received 2 terrific recipients (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin), a great series, a strong rushing strike, a risky defense. All the active ingredients sympathize him to transform the Bucs into a genuine competitor. Mayfield still has a whole lot to verify, but he definitely does look like the aged Mayfield-- the one that had adequate skill to when be actually the No. 1 total pick in the 2018 NFL draft.-- Ralph Vacchiano [Related: Tom Brady's LFG Player of the Game for Full Week 4: Buccaneers QB Cook Mayfield] Tom Brady breaks down Cook Mayfield, Bucs' 33-16 get Eagles Vikings: Is there a much better playcalling duo than head trainer Kevin O'Connell and also defensive coordinator Brian Flores? I strain to call one. Time after time, quarterback Sam Darnold has delivered, making great selections as well as receiving the sphere right into the palms of Minnesota's myriad playmakers. Bordered by this much talent and also this head coach, Darnold never needed to have to be a world-beater, and but he is actually thrown for several ratings in every activity this time. It is actually opportunity our team start taking Darnold very seriously-- especially when he has this self defense beyond of the ball. Flores' scheme resembles a drifting amoeba: It has no shape, no possibilities, it continuously transforms throughout games. It appears unsolvable, merely talk to some of the (definitely excellent) quarterbacks that have actually gone against it this time. The Vikings had five takeaways versus their branch competitors in Environment-friendly Bay on Sunday and also are revealing no indicators of reducing. Packers: Just when it seemed to be Matt LaFleur had actually begun to find out the above mentioned self defense by the end of the 3rd quarter on Sunday versus the Vikings, the Packers remained to shoot on their own in the feet. Fortunately is actually that hasn't been a trend as well as seems a lot more like an irregularity. LaFleur shifted his whole offending plan with Malik Willis responsible in quarterback Jordan Love's lack. Receiving Love back this week, LaFleur changed it back, as well as it was actually back and forth in a functionality altered by fines and also decreases. However it was likewise versus the most effective self defense the Packers have actually found this year. Playing from behind also received the Packers away from their objectionable rhythm, which should have included operating back Josh Jacobs a whole lot more. I declare this isn't an indicator of points to follow, however somewhat an offense obtaining made use of to possessing its celebrity back.-- Carmen VitaliRams: Injuries were bound to nibble the Rams at some point. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is among the greatest when it concerns obtaining the ball out promptly and also acknowledging stress. However the Bears self defense made him spend for keeping the ball in any way, and also the fractures on offense have actually started to present for Los Angeles. Fortunately is that should get better for the Rams when they receive their leading two recipients back, Puka Nacua as well as Cooper Kupp. In even much better news, the Rams' defensive front looks remarkable. Collegiate colleagues Jared Verse as well as Braden Fiske are a hell of a tandem and are ravaging. When Sean McVay's system receives well-balanced, they need to show to become a far better crew. Up until then, it's not visiting be actually effortless going. Bears: Can everyone kick back in Chicago right now? It wasn't best, yet it was quarterback Caleb Williams' greatest day trip as well as the most ideal example of complementary volleyball the Bears have actually shown this period. The self defense once again arised link with an interception of Matthew Stafford ultimately region along with yet another to seal the activity in the 4th one-fourth. Leaning on the protective initiative, Williams &amp Co. lastly sustained offensive drives, and also it appears that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has identified his employees. D'Andre Swift had his coming-out celebration while Waldron made use of Roschon Johnson as his changeup back. The Bears are actually still acquiring utilized to each other and they need to have to clean the pre-snap charges, yet the eyesight is coming to be clearer in Chicago. The enhancement is there week to full week. This is actually exactly what need to possess been actually anticipated of this crew, and also it corrects on schedule.-- Carmen VitaliBears' Caleb Williams discovers DJ Moore for a nine-yard TD vs. Rams Steelers: Justin Area lastly flashed a capability to lug Pittsburgh's outburst. Although it came in a reduction, the Steelers needed to have to reveal the remainder of the NFL the advancement of a big-boy outburst to be thought about a major playoff opponent in the AFC. The Colts jumped out to a 17-0 top, obliging Specialization as well as Pittsburgh's outburst to open it up. Fields bound, tossing for 312 gardens and a goal, along with totaling 51 lawns and also two credit ratings on the ground. Steelers repulsive coordinator Arthur Smith bent in to Fields' special capability, allowing him to make plays outside the wallet with his upper arm as well as his feets, with really good results for the Steelers. Colts: Exists a quarterback debate in Indianapolis? Anthony Richardson experienced a hip trauma after a success through Pittsburgh safety and security Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first fifty percent, forcing the second-year QB to leave the video game. Richardson carried out certainly not come back, paving the way to last year's NFL Resurgence Player of the Year, Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old participated in well, completing 16 of 26 for 168 yards as well as two goal passes. Richardson missed out on most of his newbie period along with a shoulder accident and also has had a hard time inconsistent play when healthy. With the Colts at 2-2, Flacco could be the most effective choice for Indianapolis moving on, enabling Richardson some time to recuperate as well as learn from watching a knowledgeable veteran.-- Eric D. WilliamsSaints: Where possesses the Saints' encouraging big-play outburst gone under brand new organizer Klint Kubiak? New Orleans possessed a 59-yard touchdown outdoors quarter of the season and also three stage shows of 30-plus gardens in an outstanding win at Dallas. As well as in both weeks due to the fact that, they have not possessed a single play of 30-plus backyards. Quarterback Derek Carr's four-game style on touchdown passes is actually 3, 2, 1, no. The final 2 lackluster provings have actually led to close, late-game losses to the Eagles and Falcons. Carr had the capacity to implement a touchdown travel to take the lead with a moment left behind Sunday, however Atlanta answered with a 58-yard basket to trump the Saints. We understood New Orleans had not been visiting sustain forty five aspects a video game as it performed in the initial pair of full weeks, but sitting at 2-2 right now, the outburst has actually had two straight full weeks of regular football.Falcons: Kirk Cousins didn't throw a touchdown, however performed merely enough in the final min to put together a beast kick coming from Younghoe Koo for an essential final win over the Saints. Cousins has only four goals in four games. One TD an activity is what the Falcons were actually obtaining from middling quarterbacks final period without investing $180 thousand. If Atlanta georgia is actually going to be more than a. 500 group, the Falcons need so much more of the old Cousins, instead of a person that can easily set their partner for three field goals in the 2nd fifty percent to win a squeaker. But for now, it suffices to possess them 2-2 and also tied with the Saints going into a big home activity versus the Bucs on Thursday evening.-- Greg AumanYounghoe Koo exercises a 58-yard basket to trump Saints 26-24 Jaguars: Only a soul-crushing loss for the Jaguars. They played their greatest game of the time Sunday-- the kind of efficiency that could've transformed their distressing 2024 about-- but couldn't find a means to finish on either side of the sphere down the extent, wasting a third-quarter lead. Right now we hang around to view just how Jacksonville reacts continuing. Performs it cling to the really good-- a season-high 20 factors, its own first takeaway of the period (on special teams), powerful efficiencies coming from Brian Thomas Jr. as well as Christian Kirk, escapement provings coming from 2023 draft picks Container Bigsby as well as Ventrell Miller-- or performs an 0-4 opening do away with any type of chance that was left for the season? Upcoming week's date with the division-rival Colts should provide us clarity one method or even the other.Texans: Nico Collins is actually a top-five recipient in the NFL at this moment, time frame. With 12 catches for 151 yards as well as a touchdown against Jacksonville, he performs pace for 2,078 receiving lawns for the time. He is actually an inequality nightmare downfield with his mixture of size, speed and participate in durability. His scramble-drill link along with C.J. Stroud is beginning to seem like some of those fantastic quarterback-wide receiver tandems our experts've observed in latest past. Despite the fact that we've but to view Houston's recipient trio at complete toughness-- second-year expert Tank Dell, who's had a slow begin to the time, missed Sunday's video game because of personal injury-- Collins seems like the undisputed WR1. That ought to create the Texans' talented outburst all the more hard as the season endures.-- Ben ArthurBroncos: The Broncos have actually succeeded pair of in a row given that it appears they have an actually good protection. And also is necessary considering that the self defense is visiting must lug all of them this period as they make an effort to succeed even with newbie quarterback Bo Nix. At some time he'll perhaps be actually good, yet that aspect is actually certainly not today. Granted, the situations were actually poor and the Planes defense is good, however Nix was specifically horrible-- only 12 of 25 for 60 yards. He didn't throw an interception and he carried out throw his 1st profession goal elapsed, to make sure that is actually good. Yet he'll need to become a lot better to help out a defense that's carrying out all it can. Denver possessed 5 sacks and obliged a turnover against the Jets on Sunday. The Broncos have 16 sacks as well as have actually pushed 5 turn overs this season. They can easily gain with that said, if Nix can even reach a factor where he may a minimum of "manage" a video game along with any sort of consistency. Planes: Was it definitely just one week ago that Aaron Rodgers appeared like his old self and the Planes appeared prepared to end up being a Super Dish challenger? Given that what they performed on Sunday was actually the exact opposite. Their outburst appeared totally out of sync against a bad group. Rodgers tossed for simply 225 yards. Breece Venue had a hard-to-fathom four yards on 10 lugs. And also the Jets dedicated 13 fines (six of which were actually declined). Certain, it was actually raining, yet that can not perhaps be actually a justification for an offense that seemed like a remainder of their outdated, ugly, Zach Wilson days. Perhaps Rodgers' functionality recently versus the Patriots was actually the outlier. If therefore, these Planes will certainly have a hard time even contending for a playoff berth. They've got a best defense, really good younger objectionable skill, and also probably the most effective quarterback they've had in many years. However functionalities similar to this twist everything in to a rubbish.-- Ralph VacchianoBengals: The Bengals told the NFL that they are actually an AFC competitor. After shedding each of their 1st 3 activities by 6 points or even less, they trump the Panthers on the road by dual fingers. Possibly you place a reference mark certainly there because it's the Panthers, but the technique Cincinnati's outburst is actually beginning to thrum ought to make future rivals nervous. They've improved their point total weekly. Joe Retreat at this moment seems to have actually placed the wrist accident from final time responsible for him. Each JaMarr Pursuit as well as Tee Higgins possessed much more than 60 receiving lawns for the very first time this season. Probabilities protest Cincinnati bring in the playoffs with a 1-3 start, yet its offending firepower creates everything possible. Joe Retreat on what Bengals' initial succeed methods Panthers: With Andy Dalton under center, the Panthers may certainly not be a good crew, yet they're really certainly not as negative as our experts have actually been suggested. They've installed 70 aspects in pair of games along with the expert compared to thirteen in pair of with Bryce Youthful. The Panthers' second-half rally Sunday happened short, yet they have a fight to them that they really did not have along with the past No. 1 overall selection. And our company are actually observing much more from their receivers with Dalton throwing passes. Having Diontae Johnson and first-round rookie Xavier Legette to depend upon with Adam Thielen on injured reserve isn't an area that's without ability. Both possessed touchdowns against Cincinnati. Running back Chuba Hubbard possessed a second successive 100-yard rushing game, as well. Opinion is actually much more realistic for Carolina in potential years, yet it must at the very least be very competitive in 2024. Their following two rivals are each.500 in the Bears and the divisional-rival Falcons, exemplifying winnable video games.-- Ben ArthurCommanders: The very early fave for NFL assistant coach of the year must be actually Washington repulsive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who got back to Arizona (where he was actually fired as scalp trainer) and also place on an outrageous center. He is actually a major reason why Jayden Daniels (26 of 30, 233 lawns, 1 TD, 1 INT) has looked like the very best of the newbie quarterbacks and has unbelievably finished 82.1% of his passes this season. Yes, it is actually since Daniels is great and also is making fantastic selections. But a great deal of it pertains to Kingsbury's scheme and also phones. He is actually not overusing it along with his rookie. He is actually phoning considerable amounts of brief passes and also monitors and high-percentage throws, as well as making use of a great deal of run-pass alternative (RPO) participates in to always keep the defense off harmony. He is placing Daniels in great postures to have effectiveness, and also the 23-year-old is actually benefiting from it. Oh, as well as hello, they have actually got the Leaders (3-1) in first place in the NFC East. That observed that coming? Jayden Daniels speaks on Commanders' leading 42-14 win over Cardinals Cardinals: Why possess the Cardinals turned Kyler Murray in to an activity manager? Do they presume that is actually working with him or even them? He is actually surrounding two years removed from his ACL injury, so it can not be actually that he is actually still harmed. But he's very little of an item any longer. He operated when for 3 backyards within this activity and has actually operated merely 16 opportunities this period. And although Arizona included a tool in novice receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray is not doing considerably via the air either. On Sunday, he completed 16 of 22 for merely 142 lawns versus what was actually statistically the second-worst passing defense in the NFL. Two times in 4 video games he's been under 200 lawns, and also he's covered 210 merely when. It truly looks like Jonathan Gannon and his offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, are trying to guard him, like he is actually a novice, or hurt. They are actually plainly not also trying to utilize him like he need to be actually made use of.-- Ralph VacchianoPatriots: Expense Belichick would be actually dismayed. This protection is actually a wreck without him. Throughout training camp, the refrain from New England was that the defense was mosting likely to always keep the Patriots in games, specifically trusting a sturdy second including safety and securities Kyle Dugger and also Jabrill Peppers and cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and also Jonathan Jones. Gonzalez has in fact been actually exceptional. However the defensive device, as a whole, has been foolishness. Geno Johnson, Aaron Rodgers and Brock Purdy have all dissected this unit along with startling convenience. To help make issues worse, Dugger left behind the activity and also carried out certainly not return. It's a negative scenario that only seems to get worse. It asks the question: Will the Patriots gain an additional game? 49ers: Kyle Shanahan might additionally be actually appalled. The 49ers weren't also definitely attempting. They were certainly not particularly crisp. They weren't performing in sixth equipment. Therefore the score kept closer than it ought to possess. Ball game legally could have been actually 40-0. San Francisco left behind a few turn overs on the industry. It didn't sustain the total prominence that it showed in the position 10 minutes. And the 49ers coaches can easily set up some movie on Monday to present the players where they created oversights-- as well as certainly not have their players laugh them off the platform. Yet that simply heads to demonstrate how total the 49ers are this year-- coming from quarterback to deal with to recipient to cornerback to defensive end. It is actually foolish that they can easily shoreline to triumph having fun lower than an one-fourth of great football.-- Henry McKenna'Found a way together': Brock Purdy after 49ers' draw Patriots Chiefs: Travis Kelce awoke coming from an early-season rest, totaling seven catches for 89 backyards on 9 aim ats. Rookie Xavier Worthy added 73 obtaining gardens, consisting of a 54-yard function for a TD. That's a good thing due to the fact that the Chiefs need the development coming from Kelce and also Worthy with the staff's best aim at in Rashee Rice going through a leg accident that Chiefs head trainer Andy Reid later on referred to as "not good." Along with Rice not available, Kelce should reemerge as Patrick Mahomes' emotional support and Deserving additionally needs to have to tackle a bigger job. Together with that, Mahomes still has not participated in to his standard MVP-level with the initial one-fourth of the time, with six touchdown passes and 5 interceptions in four video games. However Kansas Area is actually 4-0, which ought to be scary for the remainder of the NFL. Chargers: While head trainer Jim Harbaugh performed not acquire the win versus his AFC West competing, the Screws revealed they may battle toe-to-toe with the standing up for Super Bowl champs. Quarterback Justin Herbert was doubtful moving into this weekend's contest after worsening a high-ankle strain recently versus the Steelers. However Herbert revealed really good mobility in participating in via the pain, accomplishing 16 of 27 masquerade 179 lawns as well as a touchdown, without any interceptions. Herbert was actually sacked twice and struck yet another 10 opportunities. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman did a sound project of emphasizing the running video game as well as acquiring the ball away from Herbert's hands quickly to stay clear of any sort of unneeded favorites.-- Eric D. WilliamsBrowns: Kevin Stefanski was NFL Train of the Year in 2015! That makes it all the more impressive that Cleveland is actually 1-3 and also their only succeed is against the 0-4 Jaguars. The 4th one-fourth of Sunday's loss to the Raiders is actually a damning selection of self-implosion-- an 82-yard goal negated by a supporting charge, a fourth-down sack after acquiring nine gardens far from a game-winning touchdown. You can point to Deshaun Watson being actually usual, yet this was actually the most effective defense in regulation football in 2013, and also they have actually dropped to Gardner Minshew and also Daniel Jones. Currently they go to red-hot Washington, as well as it is actually tough to find the next gain on Cleveland's schedule. It seems like benching Watson is actually inescapable, however additionally not changing the last result a lot either.Raiders: The very best component of Sin city pulling out a close get Cleveland? The Raiders located some form of an operating activity in the post-Josh Jacobs globe. Sin city came in balancing a league-low 52 gardens per game, yet blew up for 152 on 29 lugs Sunday. Alexander Mattison hurried for 60, Zamir White happened with for 50, and when you hurry for 152, it is actually fine if your quarterback throws for simply 130 backyards, as Gardner Minshew did. For an activity through which the Raiders really did not possess their absolute best 2 gamers in Maxx Crosby as well as Davante Adams, an awful gain is still a terrific win. It doesn't get rid of shedding to the Panthers, and they'll have their palms total with 2 better defenses in Denver and Pittsburgh up upcoming, but if they may develop also a below average operate activity, it creates low-scoring wins feasible in those activities.-- Greg AumanBills: John Harbaugh outcoached Sean McDermott. On a play-to-play basis, it was actually so very clear. It believed that the Ravens were actually enjoying with 12 guys-- with an additional physical body in every scenario. Buffalo grass badly needs its starters back in the lineup. I have actually been commending train McDermott for connecting as well as playing the backups on the deepness graph. As well as they starred. But for the first time this time, our company began to find why they're back-ups. Linebacker Dorian Williams, cornerback Web cam Lewis and safety Cole Diocesan were inappropriate versus Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. While McDermott outcoached his opponents outdoors three weeks, his group looked unprepared and also unready for the Ravens' physicality.Ravens: So this was what Baltimore overall supervisor Eric Decosta wanted when he signed Derrick Henry? When the season started, the Ravens' objectionable line was actually conducting at such an inadequate degree that Henry possessed no area to run. On the opening play of the group's sway the Bills, Holly went unaffected for 87 yards. He was on measure to hurry for over 1,000 yards-- in the activity. He wound up along with 209 lawns coming from skirmish. That took the lots off Lamar Jackson, who merely possessed 6 lugs. So while Josh Allen made an effort to do all of it on the other side of the ball (as well as took means too many big hits), Jackson reaped the benefits of awesome operate assistance. This is actually the offense the Ravens desired to manage. The staffs is actually clicking on. As well as they are actually just like unsafe as our company envisioned they will been actually back in free operation when Henry joined the Ravens.-- Henry McKennaThe observing writers resulted in this tale: Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) Greg Auman (@gregauman) Holly McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams). [Want terrific stories supplied straight to your inbox? 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