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NFL Nation, ESPNSep 29, 2024, 11:37 PM ET
Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season started Thursday night with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the New York Giants.
On Sunday, Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo nailed a 58-yard, game-winning field goal to down the New Orleans Saints. The Indianapolis Colts handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the season, and quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pummeled the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-16.
Later, the Washington Commanders blew out the Arizona Cardinals, and the Kansas City Chiefs won a close one against the Los Angeles Chargers. On ‘Sunday Night Football’, the Baltimore Ravens had a dominant win over the Buffalo Bills.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.
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CLE-LV | BUF-BAL
Ravens
How big of a statement did the Ravens make in dominating the undefeated Bills? It took four weeks, but the Ravens looked like Super Bowl contenders for a complete game. From the first play — Derrick Henry‘s 87-yard TD run — to Kyle Van Noy‘s strip sack in the third quarter, Baltimore looked like the team that entered Sunday night undefeated. What makes the Ravens more dangerous than previous years is they’re more than Lamar Jackson on offense. Henry ran for 199 yards, scoring two touchdowns. Heading into their first AFC North game next Sunday — at Cincinnati — the Ravens appear set to make their move in the division, closing to within one game of the Steelers for first place in the AFC North.
Most surprising performance: The Baltimore pass defense. After allowing the most yards through the air in the first three games (291.7 per game), the Ravens insisted their confidence was high and proved it in slowing down Josh Allen, who was the favorite for NFL Most Valuable Player. Baltimore limited Allen to 180 yards passing and no touchdowns, hitting him eight times. Outside linebacker Van Noy, who recorded two sacks for the third straight game, delivered the biggest defensive play. After Buffalo closed to 21-10 in the third quarter, Van Noy had a strip sack of Allen, which led to Baltimore’s fourth touchdown of the night.
Eye-popping stat: On the first play, Henry ran untouched for an 87-yard touchdown. It was the longest run in the Ravens’ 29-year history. Showing his speed at 30, Henry reached 21.29 miles per hour, which is tied for the fourth-fastest speed by a ball carrier this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Henry has reached a speed of 20 mph or faster 27 times since 2018 — which trails only Tyreek Hill, who has surpassed 20 mph 73 times. — Jamison Hensley
Next game: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bills
Was this performance a fluke or will these issues become bigger problems? It was a disastrous night for the Buffalo Bills, with almost nothing going right in all three phases. The loss ended a 43-game streak without losing by 10 or more points, the longest active streak in the NFL and sixth longest in the Super Bowl era. When the second half began with things moving in the Bills’ direction, that quickly turned when wide receiver Curtis Samuel took a direct snap, passed it back to Allen, who then fumbled. Baltimore picked at the backups in the Bills defense, while the offense struggled to get in sync and inconsistencies at wide receiver were noticeable. These are problems that need to be addressed, but the Bills are better than what they showed Sunday night.
Most surprising performance: The Bills offense. After putting up 30-plus points in the first three games, this was a relative no-show. The Bills streak of 41 straight regular-season games of scoring more than 10 points ended, the longest active streak in the NFL. The offense went 2-11 on third down and Allen completed 16 of 29 passes (55.2%), down from his 75% average to start the season. The offensive line had a tough night with Allen pressured on 44.1% of throws and sacked three times after two sacks on the season.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Not having an answer for the Ravens’ rushing attack. From the very first play, when Henry ran for that 87-yard touchdown, the defense had no answers for Baltimore on the ground. The Ravens averaged 8.8 yards per carry and Henry finished the game with 199 yards. While the Bills have backups in at linebacker and nickel corner, the plan in place and adjustments for Baltimore attacking those areas did not work. — Alaina Getzenberg
Next game: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Raiders
With Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby nursing injuries, how far can this faceless team with a different mentality carry the Raiders? Aside from Adams and Crosby, the Raiders were also without four other starters in TE Michael Mayer, RT Thayer Munford Jr., LB Divine Deablo and S Marcus Epps. Plus, CB Jack Jones sat the first two defensive possessions. It was truly a team-first mentality that should only get better when the missing talent returns.
Describe the game in two words: Good morning. If last week was a wake-up call for the Raiders in getting thumped by the lowly Panthers in the home opener, the manner in which Las Vegas answered the alarm against the Browns was a much-needed morning stretch. Las Vegas came back from down 10-0, and it can take that momentum on the road in Denver next week.
Most surprising performance: The Raiders entered the game with the worst rushing attack in the NFL, averaging 2.8 yards per carry while rushing for 153 total yards through three games. Against the Browns, Las Vegas had 95 rushing yards … in the first half and finished with 152 yards and two TDs. — Paul Gutierrez
Next game: at Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
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Raiders beat Browns with 4th-down sack on Deshaun Watson
The Raiders’ defense swarms Deshaun Watson on fourth down for a sack, sealing a 20-16 win on Sunday.
Browns
How can the Browns’ defense regain its elite 2023 form? Cleveland’s offense has failed to take off, but the defense is more concerning after being one of the best in the NFL last season. The unit couldn’t assert its dominance against an offense missing Davante Adams and allowed more than 150 rushing yards. The Browns brought back the majority of their 2023 contributors, but the traits that made the unit elite — sticky man coverage and a propensity for takeaways — have failed to carry over.
Describe the game in two words: Another failure. After failing to take care of a struggling Giants team, the Browns couldn’t finish the deal against a team without Adams and Maxx Crosby. There were continuous mistakes, from a drop leading to an interception to a missed extra point which prevented Cleveland from being able to attempt a tying field goal late in the fourth.
Eye-popping stat: With three offensive line starters sidelined by injury and another — center Ethan Pocic — suffering an injury midgame, the Browns gave up 16 quarterback pressures. Cleveland has allowed double-digit pressures in all four games. — Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Chiefs
How will the Chiefs cover for the loss of WR Rashee Rice? The problem for the Chiefs is not just Rice, who suffered a game-ending knee injury in the first quarter. They’re also without two other big offensive threats, Hollywood Brown and Isiah Pacheco. So, it’s going to take several players to make up for the lost production. The contributions against the Chargers of Travis Kelce (89 receiving yards), Kareem Hunt (69 yards rushing) and Xavier Worthy (54-yard TD) are encouraging starts.
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Most surprising performance: After sitting out the first couple of drives, Hunt became the featured back. He played more than Carson Steele or Samaje Perine and led the Chiefs in rushing. Steele’s first-quarter fumble mostly eliminated him from the playing rotation, and it will be interesting to see how Hunt’s contributions increase next week against the Saints.
Early prediction for next week: Now that the Chiefs need Kelce as much as ever, look for the Saints to try to eliminate him as a consistent threat. The Chiefs without Rice have no other steady receiver. Worthy is a rookie and a big-play threat, but he’s not going to be a high-volume pass catcher at this point of his career. — Adam Teicher
Next game: vs. Saints (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Should the Chargers be concerned with their offense? Quarterback Justin Herbert was hobbled with a right high ankle sprain and the Chargers were missing their top two tackles, but their issues seemed more extensive. Wide receivers struggled to separate, and it appeared Herbert and his receivers were not on the same page at times. Herbert and receiver Ladd McConkey connected for a 7-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but it was mostly downhill from there.
Most surprising performance: The defense holding the Chiefs to 17 points. Missing safety Derwin James Jr. and outside linebacker Joey Bosa, the Chargers’ defense had one of its best outings of the season. In the first half alone, it sacked quarterback Patrick Mahomes three times and cornerback Kristian Fulton intercepted him. The Chargers were one of the league’s worst defenses last season, but the game on Sunday was proof that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is making a difference.
Eye-popping stat: Herbert was hit at the time of throw on four pass attempts Sunday, the most in a game in the past two seasons. This is likely the result of the Chargers missing their starting tackles, along with Herbert having limited mobility. — Kris Rhim
Next game: at Broncos (Sunday, 10/13, 4:05 p.m. ET)
49ers
The 49ers got a much-needed win but at what cost? The story of San Francisco’s first four games has been injuries. By and large, those ailments haven’t been of the season-ending variety (save for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave‘s torn triceps) but many of their best players have been at less than 100%. That continued Sunday when linebacker Fred Warner departed at halftime with an ankle injury and tight end George Kittle dealt with a rib issue. Kittle returned but Warner did not. Just when the 49ers get key players back, others depart. That trend is only going to make life more difficult as San Francisco enters a pivotal stretch of divisional games.
Most surprising performance: DT Kevin Givens. After placing Hargrave on injured reserve this week, the Niners needed somebody on the interior to help fill that massive void. They turned to a combination of Jordan Elliott and Givens, which showed positive returns even if it was against a putrid Patriots offensive line. Givens was particularly effective rushing the passer with 2.5 sacks.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Special teams continue to be a significant problem. Over the past three weeks, the 49ers have had four special teams miscues that led directly to 20 points for their opponents. While it didn’t turn out to matter much Sunday, kick returner Isaac Guerendo‘s fumbled kick return gave New England its first touchdown of the day. Given all the injuries the 49ers have been dealing with, the margin for error against better opponents is too small for this to continue. — Nick Wagoner
Next game: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
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49ers recover fumble late in 4th to seal win
The 49ers recover a late fourth-quarter fumble to all but clinch victory vs. the Patriots.
Patriots
Will the Patriots’ sputtering offense lead to a change at QB with Drake Maye? Through the first three games, veteran Jacoby Brissett had avoided the catastrophic mistake, but that wasn’t the case Sunday. A 45-yard pick-six by linebacker Fred Warner put the Patriots in a 13-0 hole early in the second quarter. Brissett had time to throw and an open target, but Warner made a top-notch play. The Patriots’ offense is limited in what it can do based on its less-than-explosive personnel and needs Brissett to play mistake-free. Brissett didn’t have much help Sunday, which is likely part of coach Jerod Mayo’s thinking in when to turn to Maye. As much upside as Maye provides, Mayo doesn’t want to put the No. 3 pick in a no-win situation.
Troubling trend: RB Rhamondre Stevenson‘s ball security. The Patriots’ top running back has fumbled in each of the first four games. The shaky ball security didn’t hurt the Patriots in the first two games of the season because they recovered them. But they’ve stung the past two, with both recovered by opponents and turned into field goals. For a Patriots’ offense that is limited in its firepower, such self-inflicted wounds are unsustainable.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The inability to set the edge on defense. After two weeks of talking about this as a top area to address, the Patriots lost the edge three times on the 49ers’ opening drive. Keion White was responsible for two of them, and then a combo rush with White and Deatrich Wise Jr. led to the third. Then after the Patriots cut into the 49ers’ lead to close to 20-10 early in the third quarter, Joshua Uche rushed up the field to vacate his edge on an easy Jordan Mason TD run. — Mike Reiss
Next game: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Is it too early to call them NFC East contenders? No. It’s still early, of course, but they’ve playing as well as any team in the division and with a lot of confidence. Washington has an explosive offense as its only punted once and scored 101 points its past three games. Jayden Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who has yet to look like a rookie. And the run game is solid. The defense played its best game in containing Arizona’s offense on Sunday as well.
Describe the game in two words: Terrific execution. Washington’s run game excelled thanks to play design and execution. The Commanders ran from a variety of formations, causing confusion and opening holes. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 101 yards and backup Jeremy McNichols, filling in for Austin Ekeler (concussion), rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders scored on three of four red zone possessions.
Most surprising performance: Washington’s defense entered Sunday ranked 29th in both scoring and yards. It allowed Arizona to score with an easy 55-yard drive on the first possession, but the Commanders controlled the Cardinals after that. They sacked quarterback Kyler Murray four times and held Arizona to 2-of-9 on third-down conversions. — John Keim
Next game: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
Where do the Cardinals go from here? Back to the drawing board. The Cardinals need to figure things out quickly if they want to salvage the season. Arizona has shown what its offense and defense are capable of, but the loss on Sunday was emblematic of the team’s inconsistencies. Issues abounded on both sides of the ball. After falling to 1-3, the Cardinals will embark on a daunting October schedule with three road games in four weeks. They need to fix an offense that looked stagnant at times and a defense that struggled to contain either the pass or run.
Describe the game in two words: Big letdown. After taking a 7-0 lead on the first drive of the game, the Cardinals were outscored 27-0, which extended to 35-7. The Cardinals punted on three straight possessions after scoring — two of which were three-and-outs. Those were followed by a turnover on downs and then a punt on Arizona’s first drive of the third quarter.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Following the trend this season, WR Marvin Harrison Jr. went dark after the first quarter. After finishing the quarter with three catches on four targets for 21 yards and a touchdown, he didn’t have another catch until the third quarter — a stretch of 28 minutes and 25 seconds of game time. — Josh Weinfuss
Next game: at 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Broncos
How concerned should the Broncos be with their offense? On a rainy day, rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggled for the third time through four weeks. He was 7-of-15 passing for minus-7 yards at halftime and didn’t have a completion longer than two yards until his first throw of the second half (23 yards to Courtland Sutton). The Broncos didn’t convert a third down until there was just over seven minutes left in the third quarter. They committed to the run slightly more in the second half, and that — mixed with the defense — was enough. The Broncos are struggling to get the rookie settled in, but it’s not all on him.
Most surprising performance: LB Justin Strnad. The casual fan may have raised an eyebrow at how often Strnad made a play Sunday, which was his first time taking defensive snaps since his rookie season in 2021. He had a sack on the defense’s first snap and was repeatedly in the right spot. The special teams stalwart will get plenty of work at inside linebacker in the weeks ahead because of injuries.
Biggest hole in the game plan: If the Broncos are going to lean on Nix, they need more from the team’s wideouts beyond the quick game. The wideouts had no catches for positive yardage in the first half. When Nix has time to survey, receivers haven’t consistently created enough separation. And when they have, Nix has not delivered. Beyond Sutton, and occasionally Josh Reynolds, the Broncos aren’t forcing opposing defenses to make decisions in coverage, which has affected the run game since it doesn’t pull defenders away from the line of scrimmage. — Jeff Legwold
Next game: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Jets
Should the Jets be worried about their QB Aaron Rodgers-led offense? This was a performance out of 2023, which is the unkindest thing you could say about the Jets’ offense. This was a complete mess, from Rodgers (24-of-42, 225 yards) to the offensive line (five sacks) to the lack of discipline (10 penalties). It was only the fifth time in Rodgers’ career that his offense failed to generate a touchdown, including the playoffs. They faced a formidable defense in rainy conditions, but the Jets failed to mount any consistent threat. They made no adjustments and were a step behind all day. Rodgers was also limping late with a possible left leg injury, though he finished the game. After the game, Rodgers acknowledged that both legs were “banged up,” though he said he’d be fine.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson‘s lack of involvement was alarming. Continuing a recent trend, Wilson was targeted eight times (five catches for 41 yards). He was covered by Pat Surtain II on most plays, but offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett needs to find creative ways to get the ball in his hands on the perimeter. Running back Breece Hall, too, was a nonfactor — four yards on 10 carries. The Jets can’t function when their two stars aren’t producing. By the fourth quarter, Hall was on the bench in favor of rookie Braelon Allen (43 yards on eight carries).
Eye-popping stat: Nix’s minus-7 passing yards at halftime was the fewest by a QB in a first half with multiple completions since 1978, according to Elias Sports. Still, the Jets didn’t find the end zone once in the opening two quarters. They scored two field goals. — Rich Cimini
Next game: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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0:40
Jets fall short as Greg Zuerlein misses game-winning FG attempt
The Jets fall to the Broncos 10-9 after Greg Zuerlein’s 50-yard game-winning field goal attempt misses just right.
Vikings
How much does coach Kevin O’Connell trust QB Sam Darnold? The short answer: A lot. The Vikings had gone six consecutive possessions without scoring when the Packers made it a one-score game early in the fourth quarter at 28-22. Darnold had fumbled on a sack on his previous play, but O’Connell called six passes on the Vikings’ next seven plays. Those plays included passes of 17 and 27 yards to receiver Justin Jefferson and got the Vikings in position for a 33-yard field goal. With tailback Aaron Jones available and pushing toward a 100-yard day, O’Connell’s commitment to Darnold was aggressive, confident, risky and ultimately successful.
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Describe the game in two words: Sunny day. A beautiful, sun-splashed day at Lambeau Field played a big role in the Packers’ first score of the game. Just before halftime, Vikings punt returner Jalen Nailor — playing in place of the injured Brandon Powell — lost the ball in the sun and muffed it. The Packers recovered at the Vikings’ 3-yard line and scored two plays later, making it 28-7.
Most surprising performance: Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. The Packers picked on Murphy often during their comeback, but he responded by forcing turnovers on consecutive fourth-quarter possessions to halt the Packers’ progress. That included an interception in the end zone with 6:13 remaining and a forced fumble at the 4:18 mark. — Kevin Seifert
Next game: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
Did QB Jordan Love‘s knee injury impact his accuracy? It was nearly a triumphant return for Love after missing two games because of his sprained left MCL, and it might have been a victorious one if not for a slow start that included some uncharacteristically inaccurate throws. His ball placement was low or late at times. It didn’t help that the Packers had a Tucker Kraft fumble, struggled with pass protection and finished with five drops. Three drops were by Dontayvion Wicks (including a potential 32-yard TD in the third quarter) and one each by Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs. While Love threw four touchdown passes, he posted his second career three-interception game.
Describe the game in two words: Coverage issues. The Packers didn’t have their best cornerback, Jaire Alexander, and struggled in coverage without him. Justin Jefferson drew a pass interference penalty against Eric Stokes and caught a touchdown on Keisean Nixon. When the Packers pulled to within 28-22 in the fourth quarter, Jefferson was wide open for a 27-yard catch-and-run that led to a field goal with 6:50 to play. The only plus side for the Packers’ secondary was safety Xavier McKinney‘s fourth interception this season.
Early prediction for next week: The Packers will have a new kicker. Rookie Brayden Narveson, who missed two field goals in the first three games, missed two more in the first half against the Vikings. He hit the right upright from 37 yards on the opening drive and then missed wide right from 49 yards midway through the second quarter. The Packers claimed Narveson off waivers from the Titans after a training camp battle between Greg Joseph and Anders Carlson didn’t identify a clear winner. Joseph is now with the Giants, while Carlson remains unsigned. — Rob Demovsky
Next game: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Colts
Can the offense maintain this consistency without QB Anthony Richardson? It’s unclear whether Richardson’s injury is serious, but if he misses any time in the lineup, the Colts got some reassurance of what they can do in his absence. Backup Joe Flacco was steady throughout. He completed 16 of 26 attempts for 168 yards, delivering a mix of quick, short throws with the more aggressive ones he has embraced throughout his long career. But Flacco didn’t do it alone. The offensive line, despite starting rookie backup center Tanor Bortolini, was dominant at times, WR Michael Pittman Jr. had his best day of the season and RB Jonathan Taylor ran hard, per usual.
Most surprising performance: Pittman had been off to a shockingly slow start to this season on the heels of his three-year, $70 million extension. Pittman had produced 36, 21 and 31 receiving yards in his first three games. On Sunday, he exploded for 113 yards on six receptions. Pittman also notched his longest reception of the season in the process, a 32-yarder on the first offensive play of the afternoon.
Describe the game in two words: Needed win. The Colts travel to Jacksonville next week, a place they haven’t won since 2014. But with Jacksonville now 0-4, and that game followed by contests against the Titans and Dolphins, the Colts have set themselves up to make a bit of a run. They can easily continue their momentum after a win that got them back to .500. — Stephen Holder
Next game: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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0:30
Anthony Richardson exits game early with a hip injury
Anthony Richardson takes two hard hits and exits the game in the first half with a hip injury against the Steelers.
Steelers
Did the Colts expose the game plan for how to thwart the Steelers’ vaunted defense? It took just one play for the Colts to put the Steelers defense on its heels. Quarterback Anthony Richardson launched a 32-yard pass to Michael Pittman Jr. on the first play of the game, jump-starting a three-minute scoring drive aided by big plays. Richardson lit the Steelers up with three completions for 71 yards before exiting with a hip injury. Flacco picked right up where Richardson left off, tossing a 25-yard completion to Josh Downs on third down in the final seconds of the third quarter. Three plays later, Flacco hit Drew Ogletree for a 15-yard touchdown on third-and-long. Though Taylor got loose for a couple big runs, it was the explosive pass plays that did the Steelers defense in — concerning with WR CeeDee Lamb next on the docket.
Most surprising performance: QB Justin Fields. A week after putting together his best Steelers performance, the full Fields experience was on display Sunday. He had the lows of losing more than 20 yards on a play before fumbling, and the highs for a dime to WR George Pickens for a 37-yard game on third down. Fields had an impressive bounce back as he led three second-half scoring drives and pulled the Steelers within three late in the fourth. He scored rushing touchdowns on the first two drives.
Eye-popping stat: Entering Sunday’s game, the Steelers defense led the league by holding opponents to a 21.88% success rate on third-down conversions. The Colts, though, converted 8-of-15 for 53%, including two third-and-10 conversions on a late-game scoring drive to go up two touchdowns. It also marked the first second-half touchdown allowed by the Steelers this season. — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can the offense fix its sloppy play? On paper, the Texans’ offense was supposed to be explosive coming into 2024. But through four weeks, the offense is averaging 18 points per game because of self-inflicted wounds. Sunday afternoon was no different. Earlier in the week, coach DeMeco Ryans said “the penalties were addressed,” but the offense still had multiple penalties that wiped out first downs and caused offensive drives to stall. That’s part of the reason why the offense scored seven points in the second half, which kept the Jaguars in it until the end.
Describe the game in two words: Close call. A win is a win, so the Texans shouldn’t apologize for it. But they have to clean it up on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars were winless, and the Texans allowed them to be the better team in the second half. Every Houston win this year has been by less than a touchdown and that’s not sustainable in the long term.
Eye-popping stat: The Texans’ defense had a season-low pressure rate of 25% — coming into Week 4, they ranked first in the NFL at 46%. As a result, they allowed Trevor Lawrence to have multiple TD passes for the first time this season. — DJ Bien-Aime
Next game: vs. Bills (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
What is wrong with the Jaguars’ defense? The unit played much better than it did last week in a blowout loss in Buffalo, but it didn’t have enough against the Texans with many injured key players. Though nickelback Darnell Savage (quad) should return this week, the statuses of LB Devin Lloyd (knee) and DE Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) are uncertain. Corner Tyson Campbell (hamstring) and LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) are still on IR. It’s a tough hand for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to deal with as Jacksonville tries to save its season.
Describe the game in two words: Season over? Effectively, anyway. Only one team has come back from an 0-4 start to make the playoffs (1992 San Diego Chargers) and now the Jaguars are four games behind the Texans (3-1) in the AFC South. Owner Shad Khan said before the season the expectation was making the playoffs. So, will this loss cause him to reevaluate the program?
Most surprising performance: Trevor Lawrence missed some throws — notably deep shots to Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. that could have been TDs — but this was the best he’s looked all season. He looked confident and poised, which he hasn’t since the first half of the season opener. He didn’t light it up — 17-of-31 for 178 yards — but his two TD passes equaled his total through the first three games. — Mike DiRocco
Next game: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Does this win instill confidence in the Bengals’ season outlook? Not necessarily. To be clear, it was a much-needed win for a team that could not afford to go 0-4. But the Bengals didn’t salt the game away as early as they should have. Cincinnati’s offense stalled out on a few drives in the second half. Carolina wasn’t able to make the Bengals pay for misfiring, but Cincinnati should have been able to breathe a sigh of relief much earlier than it did against the Panthers.
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Most surprising performance: CB Cam Taylor-Britt. His big Week 2 performance against Kansas City feels like a lifetime ago. The third-year cornerback, who has played well, struggled on Sunday. He allowed five catches on six targets while the nearest defender, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. One of them was a 21-yard touchdown to wideout Diontae Johnson. Taylor-Britt rotated in and out of the game.
Eye-popping stat: RB Chase Brown and WR Ja’Marr Chase outperformed their projections in a couple of key categories. Brown finished 24 rushing yards over expectation on his first 15 carries, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Chase also had 57 receiving yards over expectation, with 48.5 of those coming on his 63-yard touchdown catch. — Ben Baby
Next game: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Does Andy Dalton at QB give the Panthers the best chance to win? Yes. For the second straight game, Dalton’s steadying force and pinpoint passing — he finished 25-for-40 for 220 yards, two touchdowns and an interception — had a huge impact. Had it not been for a drop in the end zone by Diontae Johnson on the first series, who knows how this one turns out? Dalton has brought the deep ball back, something the Panthers didn’t have with Bryce Young. In addition, the running game has opened up everything.
Biggest hole in the game plan: There was no answer for WR Tee Higgins when it mattered. Missed tackles aside, Carolina did a decent job on Chase with Jaycee Horn defending. Higgins was almost unstoppable against Michael Jackson in the first half. He had six catches and drew two pass interference penalties late in the half to set up a TD.
Most surprising performance: Rookie receiver Xavier Legette. He stepped up big-time with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on IR. Legettte entered the game with six catches for 77 yards. He had five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He should only get better. — David Newton
Next game: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
Is it too early to be concerned about the Falcons’ offense? QB Kirk Cousins & Co. pulled a rabbit out of a hat again, winning in the final minute just like in Week 2 against the Eagles. Younghoe Koo drilled a career-long 58-yard field goal with two seconds left. But worries remain. On Sunday, the Falcons got scores on defense and special teams. But for the first time since Sept. 26, 2004, Atlanta won without scoring an offensive touchdown.
Eye-popping stat: Going into the fourth quarter, Cousins was pressured on six of 27 dropbacks (22%). The quarterback had struggled when pressured this season and Atlanta had two starting offensive linemen (C Drew Dalman and RT Kaleb McGary) out with injuries. C Ryan Neuzil and RT Storm Norton came up big in relief.
Most surprising performance: Inside linebacker Troy Andersen, who missed most of last year due to injury, had an interception return for a touchdown, a tackle for a loss, a pass defended and the most tackles (17). Andersen has played more than many expected due to Nate Landman (calf) being on injured reserve. He exited the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and was questionable to return. — Marc Raimondi
Next game: vs. Buccaneers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
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0:34
Younghoe Koo nails 58-yard game-winning FG for the Falcons
Younghoe Koo hits a career-long 58-yard field goal to put the Falcons up for good in a 26-24 win over the Saints.
Saints
Can the Saints find their Week 1 offensive groove again? The Saints have had to adjust the past two weeks without important players on offense, and it was clear how much Taysom Hill was needed after he scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and left with an injury. Their offensive output also dropped sharply when he wasn’t in the lineup last week. New Orleans will have to figure out how to adjust with a patchwork offensive line if it wants to return to the heights of the first two weeks.
Describe the game in two words: Injuries abound. The Saints came into this game shorthanded with two offensive linemen and starting linebacker Demario Davis out. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Hill were also dealing with injuries. Things only got worse during the game when Hill went out with an abdomen injury (he was previously listed as having a chest injury), linebacker Willie Gay was ruled out and Tyrann Mathieu had a groin injury.
Most surprising performance: Kamara’s performance despite injury. Kamara came in the game with a hip/rib issue and took several shots to his ribs throughout the game. Kamara scored the go-ahead touchdown, had a key blitz pickup toward the end of the game, rushed for 77 yards and caught seven passes for 42 yards. — Katherine Terrell
Next game: at Chiefs (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
What changed for the Bucs after last week’s collapse against the Broncos? QB Baker Mayfield and the Bucs scored three touchdowns in the first 16 minutes and four total in the game. They exploited Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s soft coverage with a ton of quick hitters, protecting the vulnerable right side of an offensive line still without right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion). Defensively, their meager pass rush saw 6 sacks after just 2 in the first three games and their secondary looked more sure-footed.
Describe the game in two words: David-dominated. Lavonte David contributed eight total tackles, including 2 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a pass breakup and a quarterback hit in one of his finest games in recent memory.
Early prediction for next week: The Bucs have entered arguably their most difficult stretch of the season, with three divisional games in a span of four weeks, plus games against the Ravens, Chiefs and 49ers, with three of those games played in prime time. That includes the Falcons on the road Thursday night in Week 5, a game that, based on the Falcons-Saints finish and Liam Coen and Raheem Morris’ history working together, will result in an overtime finish. — Jenna Laine
Next game: at Falcons (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Eagles
What should we make of the Eagles heading into their Week 5 bye? They’re an average, mistake-prone team right now. True, they were operating without OT Lane Johnson (concussion), WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) and WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) against Tampa Bay, but that doesn’t excuse them sleepwalking through the first quarter, when they were outgained 186-0. It doesn’t absolve a defense that gave up nearly 30 first downs and well over 400 yards to the Bucs. And it doesn’t wash away the fact that they have lost the turnover battle in every game so far. The coaching has left something to be desired, as the talented roster has struggled to put it all together. It will be a long couple of weeks in Philly before the Eagles host the Browns on Oct. 13.
Promising/troubling trend: Jalen Hurts has 27 turnovers since start of last season, the most in the NFL (four more than anyone else). Seven of those have come this season, which ranks second in the NFL behind only Titans quarterback Will Levis. Hurts had a crusher of a giveaway late in the third quarter at the Tampa Bay 19-yard line. He initially evaded pressure from LB Lavonte David on first-and-10 but was stripped from behind by David as Hurts tried to take a shot into the end zone. As has been the case with many of his turnovers, it was an example of trying to do too much.
Biggest hole in the game plan: RB Saquon Barkley had just two rushes on the Eagles’ first three possessions as the team fell behind 24-0. On a day when Philadelphia was missing its top two receivers and its standout tackle in Johnson, a Barkley-heavy, ball-control game plan would have served the team well. The coaching staff waited too long to get him going. — Tim McManus
Next game: vs. Browns (Sunday, 10/13, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
What improvements can the Bears’ offense build on? Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had completed just 44% of his passes against the blitz through the first three weeks, but he was 8-of-9 for 75 yards with a touchdown against the Rams’ blitz. The Bears also figured out how to attack a goal-line opportunity after failing a week earlier against the Colts. Roschon Johnson scored from a yard out for the game’s first TD.
Most surprising performance: D’Andre Swift was averaging 1.8 yards per carry and had 114 yards of offense through the first three weeks of the season. The Bears vowed to keep featuring the Pro Bowl running back, who broke through as Chicago’s leading rusher (93 yards) and receiver (72) against the Rams. His 36-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter was the Bears’ longest since Velus Jones Jr. ran in a 42-yard touchdown in Week 18 of 2022.
Describe the game in two words: Defensive stops. Chicago’s first touchdown came after the defense gifted the offense a 16-yard field after sacking Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and recovering the fumble. The Bears sealed the game when safety Jaquan Brisker intercepted Stafford late in the fourth quarter. — Courtney Cronin
Next game: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Rams
Can running back Kyren Williams keep the Rams afloat until wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return? A week after a comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams’ offense struggled for most of the game. Their lone touchdown came on a 3-yard run by Williams early in the fourth quarter. It was Williams’ seventh straight game with a rushing touchdown, which breaks a tie for the second-longest streak by a Rams player since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. Williams ran for 94 yards and a touchdown on 19 attempts. Nacua will miss at least one more game on injured reserve with a knee injury. There is a chance Kupp could be back for Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, but coach Sean McVay has been clear the Rams won’t rush the receiver back.
Biggest hole in the game plan: Red zone conversions. The Rams only scored one touchdown on four trips to the red zone. They didn’t move the ball consistently and struggled on third down, converting just 5 of 11 attempts (45%).
Eye-popping stat: Rookie kicker Joshua Karty‘s missed field goal in the second quarter was the first miss of his NFL career, but the 12th missed field goal for a Rams kicker since the start of last season. According to ESPN Research, that’s the most in the NFL during that time period. Karty did make his four other field goal attempts. — Sarah Barshop
Next game: vs. Packers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
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Matthew Stafford shows off with crafty flick pass
Matthew Stafford avoids a sack by flicking the ball to Colby Parkinson to pick up the first down.
Cowboys
Just how big was this win against the Giants? Imagine what a loss would have been like. Three straight losses, and it would have been Armageddon. Folks would be wondering when the Cowboys would win again, with a schedule that features the Steelers, Lions and 49ers in the next month. The Cowboys can take some solace in their run defense, even if the Giants don’t have an Alvin Kamara or Derrick Henry in their backfield. In addition, WR CeeDee Lamb rebounded from a poor performance against the Ravens in Week 3.
Most surprising performance: Cornerback Amani Oruwariye was elevated from the practice squad Thursday afternoon, and he dressed because rookie Caelen Carson was out with a shoulder injury. Oruwariye was then called on in the second half after Andrew Booth struggled, and he ended the game with an interception on a Hail Mary. Carson’s injury might not be long term, and DaRon Bland (foot) has had his eyes on a potential return against the Steelers, but Oruwariye helped settle down the secondary.
Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 22 of 27 passes, marking the 12th time he has completed at least 80% of his attempts in a game, which is the most by any player since 2016. Prescott was dialed in throwing outside the numbers, completing 10 of 12 throws for 117 yards and a touchdown, according to ESPN Research. Inside the numbers, he was 12-of-14 for 104 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 5.4 air yards per attempt, his lowest mark in a game since Week 3 of last season, after averaging 8.8 in the first three games. — Todd Archer
Next game: at Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Giants
Have the Giants closed the gap between themselves and the top of the NFC East? They’ve definitely closed the gap on the Cowboys, as evidenced by what unfolded Thursday night. The Giants got outscored 89-17 in their two meetings with Dallas last season, but they had a chance to win in the first meeting this time. “Again, the result stinks,” coach Brian Daboll said, “but I thought there was improvement.”
Early prediction for next week: Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is back for Week 5 in Seattle. He left Thursday’s contest late in the fourth quarter with a concussion. But Nabers was in the Giants’ facility on Friday and in good spirits, according to Daboll. The 10 days in between games gives him a better chance to clear the concussion protocol and not miss a game.
Troubling trend: The Giants averaged 1.1 yards per carry against a Cowboys team that came into the contest with the worst run defense in the NFL. Running back Devin Singletary had 14 carries for 27 yards. Quarterback Daniel Jones did nothing on the ground. This wasn’t the blueprint for success against the Cowboys. Not even close. That will need to improve if the Giants are to get a win against the Cowboys or Eagles this season. — Jordan Raanan
Next game: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
