Week 4 got off to a start on Thursday when the Jacksonville Jaguars traveled to the midwest to face off against the Cincinati Bengals. While still adjusting to football at the professional level, Trevor Lawrence took another personal step forward. Lawrence completed 17 of 24 tries for 204 yards passing and tacked on another 36 yards and a touchdown on the ground. One serious setback the Jags have realized was when DJ Chark went down with an ankle injury. The second year wideout was found to have some serious fracturing, moving him onto the injury reserve and likely ending his season. In his absence, Laviska Shenault picked up the slack, receiving just under 100 yards on the game. The bulk of the offense moved through the running game and James Robinson took the bulk of that workload. On 18 carries, Robinson accumulated 78 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback play for both teams was pretty decent on both teams though as Joe Burrow also ended the game only throwing seven incomplete passes and no interceptions. Burrow scored twice on his 348-yard day. Tyler Boyd remains a prime target as he caught nine of his 11 targets for 118 yards and CJ Uzomah caught five receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Joe Mixon had 16 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. The multi-dimensional attack of Cincinnati was just enough to give them the edge, winning this one 24-21.
Sunday brought us the Washington Football Team visiting the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan connected on 25 of his 42 tosses for 283 yards and found the end zone four times. He was greatly assisted by Cordarrelle Patterson received five of those passes for 82 yards and three touchdowns and added on 34 yards on six carries. Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts were also useful as targets with Mike Davis also getting in on the action, cashing in a touchdown reception of his own. Taylor Heinicke continues to impress, recording 290 yards and three touchdown passes on 23 of 33 through the air. Terry McLaurin caught six passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns while Antonio Gibson led the ground game with 63 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. This was another close one that came down to the wire but a last minute touchdown pass to JD McKissic would secure this win for the Football Team 34-30.
Of course, not every game was a close contest however. Such was the case with Houston in their matchup with Buffalo. Josh Allen had another solid game, going 20 of 24 on 248 yards scoring two touchdowns but allowing one interception and also tacked on six carries for 41 yards. Stefon Diggs had seven receptions for 114 yards and Dawson Knox jumped onto a lot of people’s radars with five receptions for 37 yards while finding the end zone twice. Zach Moss took control of the ground game, recording 61 yards and a touchdown on his 14 carries. This was a lopsided affair however, with the Texans not being able to accomplish much of anything on offense. While the Houston defense did not perform as miserably, it would not be enough to stop the freight train and the Bills would easily take this one 40-0.
Detroit and Chicago have had more than their share of struggles this season, so the Week 4 battle between the two franchises promised a more comparable battle. Rookie Justin Fields, while not finding a receiver in the end zone, was able to complete 11 of 17 throws for 209 yards but threw one interception. Fields was able to connect with Darnell Mooney on five occassions for 125 yards, but the ground game was more fortunate for the Bears. David Montgomery handled 23 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns before spraining his knee, relegating him to work on getting healthy for the next four to five weeks. Damien Williams took over the remainder of the running duties, registering eight carries of his own for 55 yards and culminating one touchdown. Detroit themselves had some measure of success as Jared Goff and Kalif Raymond hooked up three times for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Goff would finish his night with 299 yards but fall short as his Lions would lose here 24-14.
Dallas took the opportunity to showcase their wide array of weaponry when they hosted Carolina on Sunday. Dak Prescott had himself a day, passing for 188 yards on 14 of 22 throws and found four different receivers in the end zone. Notably, Amari Cooper and Dalton Shultz each had 69 receiving yards resulting in a score for each. Cedrick Wilson and Blake Jarwin also contributed a touchdown each, combining for just under 50 yards. Ezekiel Elliott had his first 100-plus yard game tallying up 143 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. Sam Darnold found wide receiver DJ Moore on eight receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Without Christian McCaffrey, the running game was hampered, leaving Darnold to punch in two scores himself while Chubba Hubbard took most of the handoffs for 57 yards. Darnold went 24 of 37 on passing 293 yards but would fall short without his star running back, giving this one to the Cowboys 36-28.
Indianapolis and Miami have both had issues with team health this season, but put it all on the field when they faced off this week. Jacoby Brissett, taking over for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, had a somewhat productive day going 20 of 30 on 199 yards and two touchdowns. Brissett was finally able to get DeVante Parker onto the scoreboard, connecting four times for 77 yards and a touchdown while also making use of Mike Gesicki, who had five receptions for 57 yards and a score. Not to be outdone, Carson Wentz overcame his own injury struggles on the year by completing 24 of 32 of his passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. While Michael Pittman Jr. had most of the looks, it was Mo Alie-Cox who found the end zone twice making the most of his five targets, catching three of them for 42 yards and winning this one for the Colts 27-17.
Cleveland traveled to Minnesota to take on the Vikings but left many fans of both teams wanting more from their respective franchises. Baker Mayfield went 15 of 33 on 155 yards in this game, handing off the ball at more than twice the rate of passes. While Nick Chubb took the bulk of the runs rushing for 100 yards on 21 carries, it would be Kareem Hunt’s 14 carries on 69 yards that would produce the Brown’s only touchdown in this game. The Vikings had their own struggles finding the end zone, as Kirk Cousins went 20 of 38 on 203 yards in the air. Unsurprisingly, Justin Jefferson led receivers with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota’s defense showed sparks of improvement at times in this game but would inevitably lose the defensive battle, giving the Browns the win 14-7.
The New York Giants made their way to Louisiana to take on the New Orleans Saints in what turned out to be an overtime thriller. Daniel Jones threw for 402 yards on 28 of 40 of his passing attempts, scoring two touchdowns, throwing one interception and carrying the ball an additional 27 yards on two carries. Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney each caught six receptions for 116 yards and 78 yards, respectively while it was John Ross and Saquon Barkley who were able to find the end zone. Barkley, pulling double duties as a receiver and running back, finished with 126 yards and two touchdowns combined. Jamies Winston would not be silenced, however, and went 17 of 23 passing for 226 yards and a touchdown for the Saints. Winston found Marquez Calloway on two passes for a total of 74 yards and Juwan Johnson for another 20 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of the running work went through Alvin Kamara who rushed for 120 yards on 26 carries, but it would be the Swiss Army knife of Taysom Hill that would keep New Orleans in this game. Despite throwing an interception at the quarterback position and only catching two passes for 26 total receiving yards, Hill still made himself invaluable in the running game punching in two touchdowns on six carries for 28 yards. While the Saints would do everything they could to stay in this game, in the end it would be the Giants to come out of this one triumphant 27-21.
Zach Wilson seemed to start to find his feet under him as his Jets took on the Tennessee Titans at home in New York. The rookie went 21 of 34 on 297 yards and two touchdowns and only threw one interception on this outing. Corey Davis had four receptions for 111 yards and Jamison Crowder had seven receptions for 61 yards, both scoring a touchdown. Michael Carter also found the end zone on the ground, rushing for 38 yards on 13 carries. Tennessee also spread the love around with Ryan Tannehill going 30 of 49 on 298 yards. His lone touchdown pass was to Cameron Batson, who made the most of his only reception but it was Jeremy McNichols leading the passing game with eight receptions for 74 yards. In typical fashion, Derrick Henry took matters into his own hands (and feet) carrying 33 balls for 157 yards and scoring a touchdown. All of these titanic gestures would be for naught however as the Jets took a much needed win away, shocking Tennessee 27-24.
Kansas City had much to prove to their fans against Philadelphia this weekend after starting the season out slow. After starting the season 1-2, the Chiefs still seem to be having issues putting everything together in the way we are used to seeing from this team. Patrick Mahomes went 24 of 30 for 278 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. The rest of Kansas City’s passing offense looked about as stout as ever, with Tyreek Hill hauling in 11 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns and Jody Fortson contributing a score as well. Clyde Edwards- Helaire lead the rushing attack with 14 carries for 102 yards and also caught two passes for 12 yards and a touchdown. Darrell Williams was also useful with 10 carries on 42 yards and scoring once himself. The Chiefs’ defense, however, allowed way too much activity for an Eagles team who has struggled in almost every other game this year. Jalen Hurts was able to go 32 of 48 passing on 387 yards and scored two touchdowns while rushing for 47 yards. His favorite target for this matchup was rookie Devonta Smith who had seven receptions for 122 yards – his best showing yet. Dallas Goedert caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown while Greg Ward would take a 15-yard pass to the house himself. Kenneth Gainwell would also get in on the action, rushing for 31 yards on three carries and a touchdown but it was Eric Wilson on defense whose 15 solo tackles and one interception that kept Philly in this game. Try as they might though, Andy Reid would not be denied from entering the record books again, this time as being the first head coach to win 100-plus games with two different teams as the Chiefs walk away with this one, 42-30.
Arizona faced off against Los Angeles in an AFC West competition and Kyler Murray did not disappoint. Murray went 24 of 32 on 268 yards and two touchdowns, splitting passes between AJ Green, who accumulated 67 yards, and Maxx Williams, who recorded 66 yards of his own. Both receivers caught five receptions and each scored a touchdown. James Conner had the bulk of the carries, taking 18 handoffs for 50 yards and two touchdowns while Chase Edmonds had the more productive yardage recording 120 yards on 12 carries. The Rams did what they could to quell the attack. Matthew Stafford was 26 of 41 passing for 280 yards, twp touchdowns and an interception. Van Jefferson had six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown while the other passing score came on the shoulders of Robert Woods, who had four receptions for 48 yards. At the end of four quarters, it would be the Cardinals who would remain the only undefeated team at the end of Week 4 with a 37-20 victory over the Rams.
The Seattle Seahawks have had a disappointing start this season but would try to remedy that when they took on San Francisco. Russell Wilson went 16 of 23 on the day, connecting with receivers for 149 yards and two touchdowns while also getting another 26 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Alex Collins scored once on his 10 carries for 44 yards and also received an additional 34 yards on two catches showing his versatility. DK. Metcalf caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown and Freddie Swain would also catch a touchdown pass on his three receptions for 20 yards. Jimmy Garoppolo looked primed to have a good game until a calf contusion took him out before the half. Garoppolo would end his day with 165 yards and a touchdown pass on 14 of 23 throws, allowing one interception. Trey Lance took over quarterback duties in the second half and the rookie showed real promise throwing 9 of 18 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing seven times for 41 yards. Trey Sermon was the leading rusher, taking 19 carries for 89 yards. Deebo Samuel caught eight passes for 156 yards and two scores while Ross Dwelley caught a 21-yard touchdown pass. Though Wilson has yet to show us what we all know he is capable of yet this season, it was still enough to take his Seahawks to a 28-21 win over the 49ers. Jimmy Garoppolo’s leg contusion does not seem very serious and he should be able to suit up for the Niners in Week 5.
Baltimore took on Denver in the first matchup between the two former Louisville signal-callers. While the Broncos had played very well up to that game, the injuries continue to stack up for them and Sunday afternoon’s game would not help with that front. Teddy Bridgewater went 7 of 16 on 65 yards and a touchdown but was sidelined with a probable concussion. Bridgewater was not able to practice on Monday or Wednesday and can not return to active duty until he is cleared. It looks like he will not be able to return until at least Week 6. Drew Lock took over as quarterback completing 12 of 21 passes for 113 yards and one interception. The only real highlight of Denver’s offense was Noah Fant’s six receptions for 46 yards and a score early in the game. With nine players currently injured, the Broncos could have a rough time in the weeks ahead getting back to the top of their conference. Lamar Jackson went 22 of 37 passing on 316 yards and a touchdown while also contributing 28 yards on seven carries. Hollywood Brown caught four of those passes for 91 yards, including a 49-yard bomb in the end zone. Latavius Murray carried the ball 18 times for 59 yards and a score. All in all, the Broncos were too hurt to make much of an impact in this game and the Ravens would take this matchup 23-7.
Pittsburgh traveled to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in the final day game on Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger threw 26 of 40 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His Steelers’ offense was led by Diontae Johnson, who had nine receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown, and Najee Harris, who rushed for 62 yards and a score on 15 carries. Aaron Rodgers went 20 of 36 on 248 yards and two touchdowns and snuck in for another score on the ground. The Packers were led by AJDillon, who had 15 carries for 81 yards, while Randall Cobb had his welcome home party with five receptions for 69 yards and two touchdowns. This was a pretty clear cut win for Green Bay who trailed only once in the game and were able to come out of this one unscathed 27-17.
Sunday night’s primetime matchup brought Tom Brady back to Foxborough for his first game against his old team. Whether it was Bill Belichick being able to scheme around his old quarterback, Brady’s emotions getting the better of him or just the Patriots finally figuring out how to play defense, this game unexpectedly came right down to the wire. Mac Jones had an above average day, completing 31 of his 40 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns but also threw one interception to slip from his fingers. New England’s offense was altogether pretty spotty at best though. Nelson Agholor was the leading rusher with only one carry for four yards. The passing game was slightly better as Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith both caught touchdown passes for a combined 46 yards. Things were not terribly different for Tampa Bay. Leonard Fournette had 20 carries for 91 yards and Ronald Jones took six handoffs for 25 yards and a touchdown himself. Mike Evans also caught seven passes for 75 yards. While it may not have been pretty, the Buccaneers would win this one 19-17 making Tom Brady only the fourth NFL quarterback to have defeated all 32 teams in his career.
Finally, on Monday night, the Las Vegas Raiders faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers right in the heart of old Raider country. After a rare southern California weather delay due to lightning strikes in the area, The football “bolts” took charge to prove that this is now their turf. From the beginning of this game it was pretty clear how it was going to play out. Derek Carr threw 21 of 34 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, while giving away an interception. Las Vegas’ air attack was highlighted by Darren Waller who had four receptions for 50 yards and a score and Hunter Renfrow caught six catches for 45 yards and a touchdown of his own. Los Angeles seemed to be in no mood to toy around with the Raiders, however. Justin Herbert went to work throwing 25 of 38 passes for 222 yards scoring three touchdowns in the process. Jared Cook took on most receptions, catching six passes for 70 yards and a score while Donald Parham scored his second career touchdown on two catches for 17 yards. Austin Ekeler was fluid in this game scoring once on the ground on 15 carries for 117 yards and again through the air in his three receptions for 28 yards. The Chargers would go on to double up on the Raiders in this one with a final score of 28-14.
Jimmy Jones is a Contributor for Unwrapped Sports Network. Follow him on on Twitter @JimmyUnwrapped.