Football

What our company learned in Sunday's Week 4 slate

.FOX Sporting activities' NFL pros deliver the biggest takeaways from every Sunday game in Full week 4 and what they mean for every crew going forward.Eagles: There was certainly never an uncertainty that the Eagles outburst was heading to struggle without A.J. Brown and also DeVonta Smith, yet there's actually no justification of what their self defense is actually carrying out now. They lost hope 445 backyards and also let the Bucs score goals on 3 of their first 4 drives. They can't obtain any kind of tension on the quarterback, their insurance coverage is actually normally dreadful (Baker Mayfield tossed for 347 gardens). They generated Vic Fangio to correct what was actually a protective mess last time, once again, the Eagles have one of the worst defenses in the game. If they can not begin pressing the quarterback, their program is actually unsustainable. They have 6 sacks this period in 4 video games, after the 2 they carried Sunday. Along with a front end that features Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat and also Jalen Carter, that seems to be virtually impossible.Bucs: Tom Brady was actually back at Raymond James Coliseum in Tampa Bay on Sunday-- this time as a FOX analyst-- to observe his outdated group. What he found was that he accurately left the Bucs in good palms. Baker Mayfield may possess been actually picked up off the scrap heap in 2014, but he sure resembles he wasn't only a 1 year rebirth. He is actually been actually outstanding this period and also was actually once again on Sunday, creating up the Eagles' shaky secondary for 347 gardens. He's obtained 2 great receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin), a good line, a sturdy rushing attack, an unsafe self defense. All the components sympathize him to switch the Bucs right into a genuine opponent. Mayfield still has a lot to show, but he truly performs look like the aged Mayfield-- the one that possessed sufficient talent to when be actually the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft.-- Ralph Vacchiano [Related: Tom Brady's LFG Player of the Game for Week 4: Buccaneers QB Cook Mayfield] Tom Brady breaks down Baker Mayfield, Bucs' 33-16 win over Eagles Vikings: Is there a far better playcalling duo than head train Kevin O'Connell and also defensive coordinator Brian Flores? I strain to name one. Again and again, quarterback Sam Darnold has actually provided, creating superb selections as well as getting the sphere into the palms of Minnesota's myriad playmakers. Encompassed by this a lot skill and this head trainer, Darnold never needed to have to be a world-beater, as well as but he is actually tossed for multiple scores in every video game this period. It's opportunity we start taking Darnold truly-- especially when he possesses this defense on the other side of the ball. Flores' program resembles a drifting amoeba: It has no form, no tendencies, it consistently alters throughout video games. It looks unsolvable, just inquire some of the (definitely great) quarterbacks who have broken it this period. The Vikings had five takeaways versus their department competitors in Green Bay on Sunday and also are revealing no indications of decelerating. Packers: Only when it seemed to be Matt LaFleur had actually begun to determine the aforementioned protection at the end of the 3rd fourth on Sunday against the Vikings, the Packers remained to fire themselves in the foot. The good news is actually that hasn't been a style as well as seems a lot more like an anomaly. LaFleur shifted his whole entire offending plan along with Malik Willis responsible in quarterback Jordan Love's lack. Acquiring Love back recently, LaFleur changed it back, as well as it was actually back and forth in a performance spoiled through penalties and also reduces. But it was also versus the greatest protection the Packers have actually seen this year. Participating in from responsible for also obtained the Packers away from their outrageous rhythm, which must possess included managing back Josh Jacobs a lot much more. I'm positive this isn't an indication of traits to find, however rather an offense receiving used to having its celebrity back.-- Carmen VitaliRams: Injuries were bound to nibble the Rams ultimately. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is among the best when it relates to obtaining the round out promptly and also recognizing tension. However the Bears defense made him pay for carrying the ball whatsoever, and the cracks on outburst have started to show for Los Angeles. The good news is that need to get better for the Rams when they obtain their leading two recipients back, Puka Nacua as well as Cooper Kupp. In also much better information, the Rams' defensive face appears amazing. Collegiate allies Jared Verse and also Braden Fiske are actually a heck of a tandem and are actually creating chaos. As soon as Sean McVay's device acquires well-balanced, they must confirm to be a far better crew. Until after that, it's not mosting likely to be quick and easy going. Bears: Can everyone loosen up in Chicago right now? It had not been perfect, however it was actually quarterback Caleb Williams' ideal trip as well as the most ideal example of corresponding volleyball the Bears have actually revealed this period. The self defense once again turned up link along with an interception of Matthew Stafford eventually zone in addition to yet another to seal the activity in the 4th quarter. Leaning on the protective initiative, Williams &amp Co. eventually maintained aggressive drives, and it appears that offensive planner Shane Waldron has actually identified his workers. D'Andre Swift had his coming-out gathering while Waldron made use of Roschon Johnson as his changeup back. The Bears are still receiving used to each other as well as they need to tidy up the pre-snap charges, yet the eyesight is actually ending up being clearer in Chicago. The improvement is there week to full week. This is actually exactly what should have been counted on of this group, and also it corrects on schedule.-- Carmen VitaliBears' Caleb Williams finds DJ Moore for a nine-yard TD vs. Rams Steelers: Justin Specialization finally showed off an ability to bring Pittsburgh's offense. Although it came in a loss, the Steelers required to reveal the rest of the NFL the advancement of a big-boy outburst to become considered a major playoff competitor in the AFC. The Colts hopped bent on a 17-0 lead, requiring Specialization as well as Pittsburgh's offense to open it up. Area obligated, tossing for 312 gardens and also a touchdown, together with totaling 51 yards and pair of scores on the ground. Steelers objectionable coordinator Arthur Johnson leaned in to Area' special capability, enabling him to create plays outside the wallet with his arm as well as his feets, along with really good outcomes for the Steelers. Colts: Exists a quarterback dispute in Indianapolis? Anthony Richardson experienced a hip personal injury after a big hit through Pittsburgh security Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 1st fifty percent, requiring the second-year QB to leave behind the activity. Richardson did certainly not come back, paving the way to in 2015's NFL Revival Player of the Year, Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old played effectively, finishing 16 of 26 for 168 gardens and 2 goal passes. Richardson missed the majority of his rookie season with a shoulder trauma and has struggled with irregular play when healthy and balanced. Along with the Colts at 2-2, Flacco can be the very best alternative for Indianapolis continuing, making it possible for Richardson some time to bounce back as well as profit from watching a knowledgeable professional.-- Eric D. WilliamsSaints: Where possesses the Saints' appealing big-play offense gone under brand-new planner Klint Kubiak? New Orleans had a 59-yard touchdown in the opening one-fourth of the season as well as 3 plays of 30-plus yards in an exceptional win at Dallas. As well as in both weeks considering that, they have not possessed a singular play of 30-plus lawns. Quarterback Derek Carr's four-game trend on touchdown passes is 3, 2, 1, no. The final pair of uninspired provings have actually led to close, late-game losses to the Eagles as well as Falcons. Carr managed to perform a touchdown travel to take the lead with a minute left Sunday, however Atlanta georgia addressed along with a 58-yard field goal to defeat the Saints. We understood New Orleans wasn't visiting receive 45 aspects a game as it performed in the 1st two full weeks, yet resting at 2-2 today, the offense has actually had 2 trustworthy weeks of ordinary football.Falcons: Kirk Cousins failed to throw a touchdown, but performed just sufficient in the ultimate min to set up a monster kick from Younghoe Koo for a crucial last-minute draw the Saints. Cousins has just 4 goals in four activities. One TD an activity is what the Falcons were getting from second-class quarterbacks final period without spending $180 million. If Atlanta georgia is actually going to be much more than a. 500 group, the Falcons need a lot more of the outdated Relatives, rather than a person who can easily establish their team up for 3 basket in the second half to win a squeaker. But for now, it's good enough to have them 2-2 and also tied with the Saints going into a large home activity versus the Bucs on Thursday night.-- Greg AumanYounghoe Koo exercises a 58-yard basket to defeat Saints 26-24 Jaguars: Only a soul-crushing defeat for the Jaguars. They played their greatest video game of the period Sunday-- the sort of functionality that can possess turned their terrible 2024 about-- yet could not discover a means to complete on either side of the ball down the extent, wasting a third-quarter top. Currently our team stand by to observe how Jacksonville reacts progressing. Does it cling to the excellent-- a season-high 20 factors, its own very first takeaway of the season (on special groups), strong functionalities from Brian Thomas Jr. and also Religious Kirk, breakout showings from 2023 draft picks Container Bigsby and Ventrell Miller-- or carries out an 0-4 gap get rid of any sort of hope that was left for the period? Following week's date with the division-rival Colts must provide us quality one technique or even the other.Texans: Nico Collins is a top-five receiver in the NFL now, time period. Along with 12 catches for 151 lawns as well as a goal versus Jacksonville, he's on rate for 2,078 acquiring gardens for the season. He's a mismatch problem downfield along with his combination of dimension, rate and also participate in toughness. His scramble-drill link with C.J. Stroud is actually starting to seem like several of those wonderful quarterback-wide receiver tandems we've seen in latest record. Despite the fact that we have actually yet to observe Houston's recipient triad at full strength-- second-year expert Container Dell, that's possessed a slow-moving beginning to the time, missed Sunday's game due to trauma-- Collins looks like the unquestioned WR1. That ought to bring in the Texans' skilled offense all the more tough as the period endures.-- Ben ArthurBroncos: The Broncos have actually won 2 in a row considering that it appears they have a definitely great protection. And that is crucial since the self defense is mosting likely to need to lug them this time as they make an effort to succeed despite newbie quarterback Bo Nix. Eventually he'll perhaps be terrific, yet that factor is actually certainly not today. Given, the conditions were actually inadequate as well as the Planes defense is actually great, yet Nix was especially awful-- just 12 of 25 for 60 lawns. He didn't throw an interception and also he did throw his first profession goal elapsed, in order that's excellent. However he'll require to be a whole lot far better to assist a defense that's carrying out all it can. Denver possessed five sacks as well as compelled a turnover against the Jets on Sunday. The Broncos possess 16 sacks and have compelled five turnovers this period. They can succeed with that, if Nix can even come to a point where he may a minimum of "manage" a game with any congruity. Planes: Was it truly merely one full week ago that Aaron Rodgers resembled his old self and also the Jets appeared prepared to end up being a Super Dish opponent? Due to the fact that what they did on Sunday was actually the exact contrary. Their offense appeared entirely out of sync against a poor team. Rodgers tossed for merely 225 backyards. Breece Hall had a hard-to-fathom 4 gardens on 10 carries. And the Jets dedicated thirteen penalties (6 of which were declined). Certain, it was raining, however that can't probably be an excuse for an offense that resembled a remnant of their old, hideous, Zach Wilson days. Possibly Rodgers' performance recently against the Patriots was the outlier. If therefore, these Planes will definitely have a tough time even completing for a playoff berth. They've received a top protection, excellent youthful offending skill, and also perhaps the greatest quarterback they have actually invited decades. But functionalities similar to this turn it all right into a misuse.-- Ralph VacchianoBengals: The Bengals helped remind the NFL that they're an AFC contender. After dropping each of their 1st three video games through 6 aspects or far fewer, they defeat the Panthers when driving by dual digits. Possibly you put a reference mark there because it is actually the Panthers, yet the method Cincinnati's offense is actually beginning to thrum need to create future enemies stressed. They've enhanced their point overall every week. Joe Shelter at this moment seems to have placed the hand personal injury coming from final time responsible for him. Each JaMarr Hunt as well as Tee Higgins had more than 60 obtaining yards for the very first time this season. Chances are against Cincinnati making the playoffs along with a 1-3 begin, but its own objectionable firepower creates anything feasible. Joe Retreat about what Bengals' first win methods Panthers: Along with Andy Dalton under facility, the Panthers might not be a good crew, however they're really certainly not as negative as our team've been led to believe. They have actually installed 70 aspects in 2 games with the veteran contrasted to 13 in 2 along with Bryce Youthful. The Panthers' second-half rally Sunday came short, but they possess a fight to them that they didn't have along with the former No. 1 overall selection. And we're seeing much more coming from their receivers with Dalton throwing successfully pases. Having Diontae Johnson and first-round novice Xavier Legette to depend on with Adam Thielen on wounded reserve isn't a room that's lacking talent. Each had touchdowns against Cincinnati. Operating back Chuba Hubbard possessed a 2nd successive 100-yard rushing game, as well. Contention is much more practical for Carolina in future years, yet it needs to at least be competitive in 2024. Their following two enemies are actually each.500 in the Bears as well as the divisional-rival Falcons, exemplifying winnable games.-- Ben ArthurCommanders: The very early favorite for NFL aide instructor of the year has to be actually Washington annoying planner Kliff Kingsbury, that went back to Arizona (where he was actually fired as head instructor) and place on an annoying clinic. He is actually a huge main reason why Jayden Daniels (26 of 30, 233 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) has actually seemed like the greatest of the newbie quarterbacks and has actually unbelievably accomplished 82.1% of his successfully pases this time. Yes, it is actually since Daniels is really good as well as is creating great decisions. But a considerable amount of it pertains to Kingsbury's scheme and also contacts. He is actually not overusing it along with his novice. He is actually calling lots of short elapseds as well as displays and high-percentage throws, as well as utilizing a bunch of run-pass choice (RPO) participates in to keep the self defense off harmony. He is actually placing Daniels in wonderful settings to have success, and the 23-year-old is benefiting from it. Oh, as well as hey, they've obtained the Leaders (3-1) in first place in the NFC East. That found that coming? Jayden Daniels speaks on Leaders' prevalent 42-14 gain Cardinals Cardinals: Why possess the Cardinals switched Kyler Murray into a game manager? Do they think that is actually working with him or them? He's surrounding 2 years taken out coming from his ACL personal injury, so it can not be that he's still harmed. Yet he's very little of an item any longer. He ran when for three lawns in this particular activity and also has managed merely 16 times this time. As well as although Arizona included a weapon in rookie recipient Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray is refraining a lot through the sky either. On Sunday, he ended up 16 of 22 for only 142 yards against what was statistically the second-worst passing away protection in the NFL. Twice in four games he's been under 200 backyards, as well as he's covered 210 merely once. It truly appears like Jonathan Gannon as well as his outrageous planner, Drew Petzing, are attempting to protect him, like he's a rookie, or hurt. They are actually precisely certainly not even trying to use him like he ought to be used.-- Ralph VacchianoPatriots: Costs Belichick would be horrified. This Patriots self defense is a wreck without him. Throughout training school, the refrain from New England was actually that the defense was actually visiting keep the Patriots in games, primarily trusting a solid secondary including safeties Kyle Dugger and also Jabrill Peppers and also cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and also Jonathan Jones. Gonzalez has actually been outstanding. Yet the protective unit, overall, has actually been crap. Geno Johnson, Aaron Rodgers as well as Brock Purdy have all dissected this unit with surprising ease. To produce matters worse, Dugger left the activity and also performed certainly not return. It's a poor condition that merely seems to worsen. It pleads the concern: Will the Patriots win another activity? 49ers: Kyle Shanahan might also be actually appalled. The 49ers weren't even truly trying. They were not particularly sharp. They weren't performing in 6th equipment. Consequently ball game kept closer than it ought to have. The score legitimately might possess been 40-0. San Francisco left a few turn overs on the industry. It didn't sustain the general prominence that it presented in the position 10 mins. And also the 49ers coaches can set up some movie on Monday to show the players where they created mistakes-- as well as certainly not possess their gamers laugh all of them off the platform. But that only mosts likely to demonstrate how full the 49ers are this year-- coming from quarterback to tackle to receiver to cornerback to defensive end. It is actually absurd that they can shoreline to victory having fun lower than a fourth of excellent regulation football.-- Holly McKenna'Found a method with each other': Brock Purdy after 49ers' gain Patriots Chiefs: Travis Kelce awoke coming from an early-season rest, totaling 7 catches for 89 yards on nine aim ats. Novice Xavier Worthy added 73 getting lawns, featuring a 54-yard celebration for a TD. That's a good idea due to the fact that the Chiefs require the creation from Kelce and Worthwhile along with the group's top aim at in Rashee Rice suffering a leg personal injury that Chiefs move coach Andy Reid later on described as "bad." Along with Rice inaccessible, Kelce should reemerge as Patrick Mahomes' security blanket as well as Worthwhile also requires to handle a bigger duty. Alongside that, Mahomes still has actually certainly not played to his standard MVP-level by means of the initial fourth of the time, with 6 touchdown passes as well as five interceptions in 4 activities. But Kansas Urban area is 4-0, which must be actually distressing for the remainder of the NFL. Chargers: While scalp coach Jim Harbaugh did not obtain the gain versus his AFC West rival, the Bolts showed they may combat toe-to-toe along with the defending Super Bowl champs. Quarterback Justin Herbert was actually suspicious heading right into this weekend's contest after complicating a high-ankle sprain recently versus the Steelers. Yet Herbert presented excellent range of motion in participating in by means of the discomfort, accomplishing 16 of 27 passes for 179 backyards and also a goal, without any interceptions. Herbert was actually sacked two times and also attacked another 10 times. Outrageous planner Greg Roman carried out a strong job of stressing the operating game and also acquiring the ball away from Herbert's palms quickly to avoid any kind of unneeded smash hits.-- Eric D. WilliamsBrowns: Kevin Stefanski was NFL Coach of the Year in 2013! That creates it even more impressive that Cleveland is 1-3 and also their only gain protests the 0-4 Jaguars. The fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Raiders is actually a damning assortment of self-implosion-- an 82-yard goal quashed through a holding charge, a fourth-down sack after getting nine backyards out of a game-winning touchdown. You can lead to Deshaun Watson being actually regular, however this was the best protection in football in 2013, and also they've dropped to Gardner Minshew as well as Daniel Jones. Right now they go to heated Washington, as well as it's hard to spot the next succeed on Cleveland's timetable. It feels like benching Watson is inescapable, but also certainly not modifying the final outcome a lot either.Raiders: The most ideal portion of Sin city pulling out a close get Cleveland? The Raiders located some form of a running game in the post-Josh Jacobs globe. Las Vegas was available in balancing a league-low 52 gardens per game, however blew up for 152 on 29 carries Sunday. Alexander Mattison hurried for 60, Zamir White came via for fifty, and also when you hurry for 152, it's fine if your quarterback throws for just 130 backyards, as Gardner Minshew performed. For a game in which the Raiders really did not possess their best 2 gamers in Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, a hideous gain is actually still a fantastic win. It does not eliminate shedding to the Panthers, and also they'll possess their hands full with 2 far better defenses in Denver and also Pittsburgh up upcoming, however if they can create even a second-rate operate activity, it makes low-scoring success achievable in those games.-- Greg AumanBills: John Harbaugh outcoached Sean McDermott. On a play-to-play manner, it was actually thus very clear. It felt like the Ravens were playing with 12 males-- with an extra body system in every scenario. Buffalo horribly requires its starters back in the lineup. I've been praising trainer McDermott for connecting and participating in the data backups on the deepness graph. As well as they starred. But also for the very first time this season, our experts began to see why they are actually data backups. Linebacker Dorian Williams, cornerback Web cam Lewis and also safety and security Cole Bishop were actually unsatisfactory versus Lamar Jackson and also Derrick Henry. While McDermott outcoached his challengers outdoors three weeks, his team appeared not really prepared and unready for the Ravens' physicality.Ravens: Therefore this was what Baltimore general manager Eric Decosta had in mind when he signed Derrick Henry? When the period kicked off, the Ravens' repulsive line was performing at such a poor amount that Holly had no space to run. On the opening play of the team's draw the Expenses, Holly went unaffected for 87 yards. He got on pace to hurry for over 1,000 lawns-- in the activity. He wound up along with 209 lawns from scrimmage. That took the lots off Lamar Jackson, that only had six carries. Therefore while Josh Allen tried to do it all beyond of the ball (as well as took way a lot of success), Jackson profited of amazing run support. This is actually the offense the Ravens wanted to manage. The workers is actually clicking on. As well as they are actually just as harmful as our team imagined they 'd been back in cost-free force when Holly signed up with the Ravens.-- Holly McKennaThe observing article writers resulted in this story: Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) Greg Auman (@gregauman) Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams). [Want great tales delivered straight to your inbox? Make or even visit to your FOX Sports profile, follow leagues, teams and gamers to obtain a customized bulletin daily.] recommended.NFL supposedly greats Rams $100K for pushing case vs. 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk.QB Tyler Huntley beginning for Dolphins vs. Titans, Tim Boyle to become back-up.2024 NFL Full Week 4 Blazin' 5: Last will and testament favorited Eagles, Ravens control the weekend break?Bears vs. Rams 2024 Prediction, Possibilities, Specialist Select.2024 NFL Week 4 pro selections, prophecies, best options through Chris 'The Bear' Fallica.Eagles vs. Buccaneers 2024 Prediction, Odds, Expert Choose.49ers vs. Patriots 2024 Prophecy, Possibilities, Expert Choose.Cowboys stay clear of situation mode, yet Micah Parsons trauma is cause for problem.Cardinals vs. Commanders 2024 Prediction, Chances, Professional Pick.Acquire even more coming from National Volleyball Organization Follow your faves to obtain details regarding games, news and also additional.