Football

What our company learned in Sunday's Week 4 slate

.FOX Sports' NFL experts deliver the biggest takeaways from every Sunday game in Week 4 and what they imply for each crew going forward.Eagles: There was actually never a doubt that the Eagles outburst was heading to struggle without A.J. Brown and also DeVonta Johnson, yet there is actually really no excuse wherefore their defense is carrying out at the moment. They quit 445 lawns and also allow the Bucs rack up goals on 3 of their very first 4 drives. They can't obtain any sort of stress on the quarterback, their insurance coverage is commonly horrendous (Baker Mayfield tossed for 347 yards). They generated Vic Fangio to correct what was actually a protective mess last period, once again, the Eagles have some of the most awful defenses in the organization. If they can't begin pressing the quarterback, their system is actually unsustainable. They have six sacks this period in four activities, after both they had on Sunday. With a front end that includes Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter, that appears virtually impossible.Bucs: Tom Brady was actually back at Raymond James Coliseum in Tampa Florida on Sunday-- this time as a FOX expert-- to see his outdated group. What he saw was actually that he precisely left behind the Bucs in good hands. Baker Mayfield might have been picked up off the scrap heap in 2014, but he sure seems like he had not been simply an one-year revival. He's been terrific this time and was actually again on Sunday, sculpting up the Eagles' shaky secondary for 347 yards. He is actually received two great receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin), a really good line, a sturdy hurrying assault, a harmful protection. All the ingredients are there for him to transform the Bucs right into a true challenger. Mayfield still has a whole lot to confirm, however he really carries out look like the aged Mayfield-- the one that possessed enough skill to the moment be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.-- Ralph Vacchiano [Related: Tom Brady's LFG Gamer of the Game for Week 4: Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield] Tom Brady breaks down Cook Mayfield, Bucs' 33-16 gain Eagles Vikings: Exists a much better playcalling duo than head coach Kevin O'Connell and protective organizer Brian Flores? I battle to name one. Time after time, quarterback Sam Darnold has actually delivered, making exceptional selections and obtaining the round right into the palms of Minnesota's myriad playmakers. Neighbored by this a lot talent as well as this head coach, Darnold never ever needed to be a world-beater, and also but he is actually tossed for several credit ratings in every video game this season. It's time our experts begin taking Darnold very seriously-- specifically when he possesses this self defense beyond of the ball. Flores' system feels like a floating amoeba: It has no condition, no possibilities, it continually modifies throughout video games. It appears unsolvable, only inquire any one of the (truly great) quarterbacks that have broken it this period. The Vikings had 5 takeaways versus their branch rivals in Veggie Bay on Sunday and also are revealing no signs of decreasing. Packers: Simply when it appeared Matt LaFleur had actually begun to find out the abovementioned protection by the end of the 3rd quarter on Sunday against the Vikings, the Packers continued to fire themselves in the foot. The bright side is that have not been actually a pattern as well as seems even more like an irregularity. LaFleur switched his entire objectionable system with Malik Willis at the helm in quarterback Jordan Love's lack. Obtaining Passion back this week, LaFleur shifted it back, as well as it was backwards and forwards in a functionality altered by charges as well as drops. Yet it was actually additionally against the greatest protection the Packers have observed this year. Participating in coming from behind likewise got the Packers away from their offending rhythm, which ought to possess featured managing back Josh Jacobs a great deal much more. I declare this isn't a sign of factors to find, but somewhat an outburst acquiring used to possessing its star back.-- Carmen VitaliRams: Injuries were actually tied to nibble the Rams eventually. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is one of the most ideal when it pertains to receiving the ball out rapidly and also recognizing pressure. But the Bears defense made him purchase holding the ball in any way, as well as the gaps on outburst have actually begun to reveal for Los Angeles. Fortunately is that must get better for the Rams when they receive their best two recipients back, Puka Nacua as well as Cooper Kupp. In also better information, the Rams' protective front appears extraordinary. Collegiate teammates Jared Verse as well as Braden Fiske are actually a hell of a tandem and are actually wreaking havoc. Once Sean McVay's unit acquires well-balanced, they should verify to be a better team. Up until at that point, it's certainly not visiting be quick and easy going. Bears: Can everyone relax in Chicago currently? It had not been best, but it was quarterback Caleb Williams' absolute best getaway and the most effective instance of complementary soccer the Bears have presented this season. The defense once more turned up link along with an interception of Matthew Stafford in the long run area along with one more to close the activity in the 4th one-fourth. Leaning on the defensive effort, Williams &amp Co. eventually maintained aggressive rides, as well as it appears that offensive planner Shane Waldron has actually found out his personnel. D'Andre Swift possessed his coming-out gathering while Waldron used Roschon Johnson as his changeup back. The Bears are still obtaining used to each other as well as they require to tidy up the pre-snap fines, yet the sight is ending up being more clear in Chicago. The improvement exists week to full week. This is actually precisely what should possess been anticipated of this particular team, and it corrects on time.-- Carmen VitaliBears' Caleb Williams finds DJ Moore for a nine-yard TD vs. Rams Steelers: Justin Specialization lastly flashed a capability to carry Pittsburgh's outburst. Although it was available in a loss, the Steelers needed to present the remainder of the NFL the advancement of a big-boy outburst to be taken into consideration a significant playoff challenger in the AFC. The Colts leapt bent on a 17-0 top, forcing Area and Pittsburgh's offense to open it up. Area obliged, tossing for 312 lawns as well as a touchdown, alongside amounting to 51 backyards and 2 scores on the ground. Steelers repulsive planner Arthur Johnson leaned into Area' distinct capability, permitting him to create plays outside the wallet along with his upper arm and his feet, along with excellent end results for the Steelers. Colts: Exists a quarterback conflict in Indianapolis? Anthony Richardson went through a hip personal injury after a success through Pittsburgh protection Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 1st one-half, requiring the second-year QB to leave the game. Richardson performed not give back, giving way to in 2014's NFL Resurgence Gamer of the Year, Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old played well, finishing 16 of 26 for 168 yards and two goal passes. Richardson missed out on the majority of his novice time with a shoulder injury as well as has actually battled with inconsistent play when well-balanced. Along with the Colts at 2-2, Flacco could be the most effective option for Indianapolis moving forward, permitting Richardson time to bounce back as well as gain from checking out a skilled veteran.-- Eric D. WilliamsSaints: Where has the Saints' promising big-play outburst gone under brand new coordinator Klint Kubiak? New Orleans had a 59-yard goal outdoors fourth of the season and three plays of 30-plus backyards in an impressive win at Dallas. As well as in the 2 full weeks given that, they haven't possessed a single play of 30-plus gardens. Quarterback Derek Carr's four-game trend on goal passes is 3, 2, 1, zero. The final two lackluster showings have actually resulted in close, late-game reductions to the Eagles as well as Falcons. Carr was able to execute a goal ride to pioneer with a moment left behind Sunday, but Atlanta ga addressed along with a 58-yard field goal to defeat the Saints. We understood New Orleans wasn't visiting suffer forty five points an activity as it performed in the initial two full weeks, but sitting at 2-2 today, the outburst has actually possessed pair of forthright weeks of average football.Falcons: Kirk Cousins failed to toss a touchdown, yet carried out merely enough in the last minute to put together a beast kick from Younghoe Koo for an essential final win over the Saints. Cousins has just four touchdowns in four video games. One TD an activity is what the Falcons were actually getting from medium quarterbacks last season without devoting $180 thousand. If Atlanta ga is actually visiting be actually greater than a. 500 crew, the Falcons require a lot more of the aged Relatives, rather than someone who may set their collaborate for 3 field goals in the second half to gain a squeaker. However, for now, it's good enough to possess them 2-2 and also tied along with the Saints entering into a large home game versus the Bucs on Thursday night.-- Greg AumanYounghoe Koo drills a 58-yard field goal to defeat Saints 26-24 Jaguars: Merely a soul-crushing loss for the Jaguars. They played their finest game of the season Sunday-- the type of performance that could possibly've transformed their horrific 2024 all around-- yet couldn't locate a method to finish on either side of the ball down the extent, blowing a third-quarter top. Right now our company stand by to observe exactly how Jacksonville answers proceeding. Does it cling to the great-- a season-high twenty aspects, its own very first takeaway of the period (on exclusive crews), powerful functionalities from Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk, escapement showings from 2023 draught selects Tank Bigsby and Ventrell Miller-- or even carries out an 0-4 gap eliminate any sort of hope that was left for the period? Upcoming full week's time along with the division-rival Colts must give our company quality one way or the other.Texans: Nico Collins is actually a top-five receiver in the NFL right now, period. Along with 12 catches for 151 backyards and a touchdown versus Jacksonville, he gets on rate for 2,078 getting gardens for the period. He is actually a mismatch nightmare downfield with his mix of measurements, velocity and play strength. His scramble-drill hookup along with C.J. Stroud is starting to appear like some of those wonderful quarterback-wide receiver tandems our experts've viewed in current record. Although our company've yet to find Houston's receiver trio at full strength-- second-year expert Tank Dell, that's possessed a slow start to the time, missed Sunday's video game as a result of accident-- Collins looks like the recognized WR1. That ought to bring in the Texans' gifted outburst all the more challenging as the period wears on.-- Ben ArthurBroncos: The Broncos have actually succeeded 2 straight because it appears they have an actually excellent self defense. Which is essential considering that the self defense is actually going to must bring all of them this period as they make an effort to succeed regardless of novice quarterback Bo Nix. At some time he'll probably be actually very good, yet that point is certainly not today. Given, the conditions were inadequate and the Jets self defense is actually great, but Nix was especially nasty-- only 12 of 25 for 60 backyards. He didn't toss an interception and he did toss his first occupation touchdown elapsed, so that is actually great. Yet he'll need to become a great deal better to help out a protection that's doing all it can. Denver had five sacks as well as obliged a turnover versus the Planes on Sunday. The Broncos have 16 sacks and have actually required 5 turnovers this time. They can gain with that said, if Nix can even reach a factor where he can at least "manage" a video game along with any kind of consistency. Planes: Was it actually just one week ago that Aaron Rodgers looked like his aged personal and the Jets looked prepared to end up being a Super Dish opponent? Since what they did on Sunday was the exact contrast. Their outburst appeared entirely out of sync versus a poor staff. Rodgers threw for just 225 gardens. Breece Hall possessed a hard-to-fathom four backyards on 10 carries. And the Jets dedicated thirteen charges (six of which were decreased). Sure, it was drizzling, however that can't potentially be a justification for an outburst that seemed like a leftover of their aged, unsightly, Zach Wilson times. Maybe Rodgers' performance last week against the Patriots was actually the outlier. If so, these Jets are going to have a hard time even competing for a playoff berth. They've received a leading self defense, great younger outrageous ability, and perhaps the greatest quarterback they've had in years. However functionalities enjoy this twist all of it in to a refuse.-- Ralph VacchianoBengals: The Bengals reminded the NFL that they are actually an AFC opponent. After shedding each of their first three video games through six aspects or even far fewer, they trump the Panthers when traveling by dual fingers. Maybe you place a reference mark there due to the fact that it is actually the Panthers, but the means Cincinnati's outburst is beginning to hum need to create future opponents anxious. They've strengthened their factor total weekly. Joe Den at this moment appears to have actually placed the arm personal injury coming from final time responsible for him. Each JaMarr Chase and also Tee Higgins had more than 60 getting backyards for the first time this period. Odds protest Cincinnati bring in the playoffs along with a 1-3 start, however its outrageous firepower makes everything possible. Joe Burrow on what Bengals' 1st win methods Panthers: With Andy Dalton under facility, the Panthers might not be actually an excellent team, however they're actually certainly not as poor as we have actually been actually converted. They've installed 70 factors in pair of games along with the pro contrasted to thirteen in two with Bryce Young. The Panthers' second-half rally Sunday happened short, but they have a match to them that they failed to possess along with the previous No. 1 overall choice. And our experts are actually seeing more coming from their recipients with Dalton throwing elapseds. Possessing Diontae Johnson and first-round novice Xavier Legette to depend on along with Adam Thielen on harmed reserve isn't an area that is actually without talent. Both possessed goals versus Cincinnati. Running back Chuba Hubbard had a 2nd successive 100-yard hurrying video game, as well. Contention is actually much more reasonable for Carolina in future years, however it needs to at the very least be actually very competitive in 2024. Their upcoming pair of challengers are actually both.500 in the Bears as well as the divisional-rival Falcons, standing for winnable video games.-- Ben ArthurCommanders: The early favorite for NFL aide coach of the year has to be actually Washington offending planner Kliff Kingsbury, who got back to Arizona (where he was fired as head train) and also put on an objectionable facility. He is a big reason Jayden Daniels (26 of 30, 233 lawns, 1 TD, 1 INT) has actually resembled the most effective of the rookie quarterbacks and has actually unbelievably finished 82.1% of his successfully pases this season. Yes, it is actually given that Daniels is actually good and also is actually making terrific selections. But a lot of it concerns Kingsbury's scheme as well as calls. He is actually certainly not overdoing it along with his novice. He is actually getting in touch with considerable amounts of brief passes as well as displays and also high-percentage throws, and utilizing a lot of run-pass option (RPO) participates in to always keep the defense off balance. He is actually putting Daniels in excellent settings to possess results, and the 23-year-old is making the most of it. Oh, and hi there, they have actually obtained the Leaders (3-1) in starting point in the NFC East. That observed that coming? Jayden Daniels communicates on Leaders' prevalent 42-14 gain Cardinals Cardinals: Why possess the Cardinals turned Kyler Murray into a game manager? Do they assume that is actually working for him or all of them? He's surrounding pair of years cleared away coming from his ACL injury, so it can not be actually that he's still harmed. However he's very little of a weapon any longer. He operated when for three backyards in this particular game and also has actually managed just 16 times this season. And although Arizona added a tool in newbie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray is actually not doing considerably via the air either. On Sunday, he completed 16 of 22 for merely 142 gardens versus what was statistically the second-worst death defense in the NFL. Two times in four activities he's been under 200 yards, and he's topped 210 only the moment. It actually resembles Jonathan Gannon and his outrageous planner, Drew Petzing, are making an effort to defend him, like he is actually a novice, or even pain. They're precisely certainly not also attempting to utilize him like he must be used.-- Ralph VacchianoPatriots: Bill Belichick would certainly be dismayed. This Patriots self defense is actually a clutter without him. During training camp, the avoid New England was that the defence was heading to always keep the Patriots in activities, especially banking on a powerful secondary including securities Kyle Dugger and also Jabrill Peppers as well as cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez as well as Jonathan Jones. Gonzalez has actually been actually exceptional. However the defensive unit, all at once, has been foolishness. Geno Johnson, Aaron Rodgers as well as Brock Purdy have all dissected this system along with surprising ease. To make concerns worse, Dugger left behind the video game as well as performed not return. It is actually a negative situation that merely seems to worsen. It begs the inquiry: Will the Patriots gain one more game? 49ers: Kyle Shanahan might also be horrified. The 49ers weren't even truly attempting. They were actually certainly not specifically sharp. They weren't executing in 6th gear. Consequently the score remained closer than it must have. The score properly might possess been 40-0. San Francisco left a few turnovers on the industry. It really did not maintain the overall domination that it showed in the opening 10 mins. And also the 49ers trainers can easily install some film on Monday to present the players where they made mistakes-- as well as not have their gamers laugh them off the podium. However that just heads to demonstrate how comprehensive the 49ers are this year-- from quarterback to tackle to recipient to cornerback to defensive end. It is actually foolish that they can easily coast to success playing lower than an one-fourth of good football.-- Holly McKenna'Found a method with each other': Brock Purdy after 49ers' sway Patriots Chiefs: Travis Kelce woke up from an early-season sleep, totting 7 drawbacks for 89 lawns on 9 aim ats. Rookie Xavier Worthy incorporated 73 getting gardens, featuring a 54-yard reception for a TD. That's a benefit considering that the Chiefs require the development coming from Kelce and Worthy along with the staff's leading intended in Rashee Rice experiencing a leg personal injury that Chiefs head instructor Andy Reid eventually referred to as "bad." With Rice unavailable, Kelce should reemerge as Patrick Mahomes' security blanket and also Deserving additionally needs to tackle a much larger task. Along with that, Mahomes still has actually not participated in to his typical MVP-level via the initial fourth of the period, with 6 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions in 4 video games. Yet Kansas City is actually 4-0, which should be scary for the remainder of the NFL. Chargers: While head train Jim Harbaugh did not obtain the win versus his AFC West rivalrous, the Screws presented they can easily combat toe-to-toe along with the speaking up for Super Dish champs. Quarterback Justin Herbert was doubtful moving in to this weekend break's competition after worsening a high-ankle sprain last week against the Steelers. But Herbert presented excellent flexibility in participating in via the pain, accomplishing 16 of 27 masquerade 179 backyards as well as a goal, with no interceptions. Herbert was actually sacked twice as well as hit an additional 10 times. Offending planner Greg Roman performed a strong project of highlighting the managing game and receiving the reception away from Herbert's hands promptly to stay away from any excessive favorites.-- Eric D. WilliamsBrowns: Kevin Stefanski was actually NFL Train of the Year in 2013! That makes it even more outstanding that Cleveland is actually 1-3 and also their only gain protests the 0-4 Jaguars. The 4th one-fourth of Sunday's loss to the Raiders is a damning assortment of self-implosion-- an 82-yard goal negated by a holding charge, a fourth-down sack after getting 9 yards off of a game-winning goal. You may suggest Deshaun Watson being average, but this was the greatest protection in regulation football in 2013, and they have actually dropped to Gardner Minshew as well as Daniel Jones. Now they go to heated Washington, and also it's difficult to identify the next win on Cleveland's schedule. It feels like benching Watson is inescapable, yet additionally not transforming the last end result a lot either.Raiders: The most ideal part of Sin city pulling out a close get Cleveland? The Raiders discovered some semblance of a running game in the post-Josh Jacobs world. Las Vegas came in balancing a league-low 52 backyards per game, yet blew up for 152 on 29 carries Sunday. Alexander Mattison hurried for 60, Zamir White came through for fifty, as well as when you hurry for 152, it is actually fine if your quarterback throws for simply 130 gardens, as Gardner Minshew performed. For an activity through which the Raiders really did not possess their absolute best two gamers in Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, an awful win is actually still a terrific succeed. It doesn't get rid of shedding to the Panthers, and also they'll have their palms complete with 2 far better defenses in Denver and Pittsburgh up upcoming, yet if they can easily develop even an average run video game, it makes low-scoring wins possible in those games.-- Greg AumanBills: John Harbaugh outcoached Sean McDermott. On a play-to-play manner, it was so crystal clear. It believed that the Ravens were actually having fun with 12 guys-- with an extra body system in every scenario. Buffalo grass horribly requires its own starters back in the lineup. I've been actually complimenting coach McDermott for connecting and playing the backups on the intensity chart. As well as they starred. But for the first time this season, our company began to view why they're data backups. Linebacker Dorian Williams, cornerback Web cam Lewis as well as security Cole Diocesan were actually unworthy against Lamar Jackson and also Derrick Holly. While McDermott outcoached his challengers in the opening three weeks, his crew appeared unready and unready for the Ravens' physicality.Ravens: So this was what Baltimore basic manager Eric Decosta thought about when he signed Derrick Henry? When the period kicked off, the Ravens' annoying line was actually conducting at such an unsatisfactory degree that Henry possessed no space to operate. On the position play of the group's get the Expenses, Henry went unblemished for 87 gardens. He got on step to rush for over 1,000 backyards-- in the game. He ended up with 209 yards coming from skirmish. That took the lots off Lamar Jackson, who simply possessed six lugs. Therefore while Josh Allen tried to accomplish all of it beyond of the round (and also took technique a lot of big hits), Jackson profited of excellent run help. This is the outburst the Ravens would like to manage. The workers is hitting. And they're equally as harmful as our team envisioned they 'd been actually back in free of cost operation when Henry participated in the Ravens.-- Henry McKennaThe following writers brought about this story: Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) Greg Auman (@gregauman) Holly McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams). [Want terrific tales delivered straight to your inbox? 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