What we realized in Sunday’s Week 4 slate

FOX Sports activities’ NFL consultants present the largest takeaways from each Sunday recreation in Week 4 and what they imply for every crew going ahead.

Eagles:There was by no means a doubt that the Eagles offense was going to wrestle with out A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, however there’s actually no excuse for what their protection is doing proper now. They gave up 445 yards and let the Bucs rating touchdowns on three of their first 4 drives. They cannot get any stress on the quarterback, their protection is mostly horrible (Baker Mayfield threw for 347 yards). They introduced in Vic Fangio to repair what was a defensive mess final season, however as soon as once more, the Eagles have one of many worst defenses within the league. If they cannot begin pressuring the quarterback, their scheme is unsustainable. They’ve six sacks this season in 4 video games, after the 2 they’d on Sunday. With a entrance that features Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter, that appears virtually unimaginable.

Bucs: Tom Brady was again at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday — this time as a FOX analyst — to see his outdated crew. What he noticed was that he clearly left the Bucs in good palms. Baker Mayfield could have been picked up off the scrap heap final yr, however he positive appears like he wasn’t only a one-year revival. He is been terrific this season and was once more on Sunday, carving up the Eagles’ shaky secondary for 347 yards. He is acquired two terrific receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin), line, a powerful speeding assault, a harmful protection. All of the components are there for him to show the Bucs into an actual contender. Mayfield nonetheless has lots to show, however he actually does appear to be the outdated Mayfield — the one who had sufficient expertise to as soon as be the No. 1 total choose within the 2018 NFL draft. — Ralph Vacchiano

Vikings: Is there a greater playcalling duo than head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores? I wrestle to call one. Time after time, quarterback Sam Darnold has delivered, making glorious selections and getting the ball into the palms of Minnesota’s myriad playmakers. Surrounded by this a lot expertise and this head coach, Darnold by no means wanted to be a world-beater, and but he is thrown for a number of scores in each recreation this season. It is time we begin taking Darnold critically — particularly when he has this protection on the opposite aspect of the ball. Flores’ scheme is sort of a floating amoeba: It has no form, no tendencies, it constantly modifications all through video games. It appears unsolvable, simply ask any of the (actually good) quarterbacks who’ve gone towards it this season. The Vikings had 5 takeaways towards their division rivals in Inexperienced Bay on Sunday and are exhibiting no indicators of slowing down.Â

Packers:Simply when it appeared Matt LaFleur had began to determine the aforementioned protection on the finish of the third quarter on Sunday towards the Vikings, the Packers continued to shoot themselves within the foot. The excellent news is that hasn’t been a sample and appears to be extra like an anomaly. LaFleur switched his whole offensive scheme with Malik Willis on the helm in quarterback Jordan Love’s absence. Getting Love again this week, LaFleur switched it again, and it was up and down in a efficiency marred by penalties and drops. But it surely was additionally towards the very best protection the Packers have seen this yr. Taking part in from behind additionally acquired the Packers out of their offensive rhythm, which ought to have included operating again Josh Jacobs much more. I am optimistic this is not an indication of issues to come back, however somewhat an offense getting used to having its star again. — Carmen Vitali

Rams: Accidents had been certain to chew the Rams finally. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is among the greatest in terms of getting the ball out rapidly and recognizing stress. However the Bears protection made him pay for holding the ball in any respect, and the cracks on offense have began to indicate for Los Angeles. The excellent news is that ought to get higher for the Rams after they get their prime two receivers again, Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. In even higher information, the Rams’ defensive entrance appears phenomenal. Collegiate teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are a heck of a tandem and are wreaking havoc. As soon as Sean McVay’s unit will get wholesome, they need to show to be a a lot better crew. Till then, it isn’t going to be simple going.Â

Bears: Can all people calm down in Chicago now? It wasn’t excellent, nevertheless it was quarterback Caleb Williams‘ greatest outing and the very best instance of complementary soccer the Bears have proven this season. The protection once more got here up clutch with an interception of Matthew Stafford in the long run zone in addition to one other to seal the sport within the fourth quarter. Leaning on the defensive effort, Williams & Co. lastly sustained offensive drives, and evidently offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has found out his personnel. D’Andre Swift had his coming-out celebration whereas Waldron used Roschon Johnson as his changeup again. The Bears are nonetheless getting used to at least one one other and they should clear up the pre-snap penalties, however the imaginative and prescient is changing into clearer in Chicago. The development is there week to week. That is precisely what ought to have been anticipated of this crew, and it is proper on schedule. — Carmen Vitali

Steelers: Justin Fields lastly flashed a capability to hold Pittsburgh’s offense. Though it got here in a loss, the Steelers wanted to indicate the remainder of the NFL the event of a big-boy offense to be thought-about a critical playoff contender within the AFC. The Colts jumped out to a 17-0 lead, forcing Fields and Pittsburgh’s offense to open it up. Fields obliged, throwing for 312 yards and a landing, together with totaling 51 yards and two scores on the bottom. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith leaned into Fields’ distinctive ability set, permitting him to make performs outdoors the pocket along with his arm and his toes, with good outcomes for the Steelers.Â

Colts: Is there a quarterback controversy in Indianapolis? Anthony Richardson suffered a hip damage after a giant hit by Pittsburgh security Minkah Fitzpatrick within the first half, forcing the second-year QB to depart the sport. Richardson didn’t return, giving technique to final yr’s NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months, Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old performed properly, ending 16 of 26 for 168 yards and two landing passes. Richardson missed most of his rookie season with a shoulder damage and has struggled with inconsistent play when wholesome. With the Colts at 2-2, Flacco could possibly be the most suitable choice for Indianapolis shifting ahead, permitting Richardson a while to get better and study from watching an skilled veteran. — Eric D. Williams

Saints:The place has the Saints’ promising big-play offense gone underneath new coordinator Klint Kubiak? New Orleans had a 59-yard landing within the opening quarter of the season and three performs of 30-plus yards in a powerful win at Dallas. And within the two weeks since, they have not had a single play of 30-plus yards. Quarterback Derek Carr’s four-game pattern on landing passes is 3, 2, 1, zero. The final two lackluster showings have resulted in shut, late-game losses to the Eagles and Falcons. Carr was in a position to execute a landing drive to take the lead with a minute left Sunday, however Atlanta answered with a 58-yard subject objective to beat the Saints. We knew New Orleans wasn’t going to maintain 45 factors a recreation because it did within the first two weeks, however sitting at 2-2 now, the offense has had two straight weeks of bizarre soccer.

Falcons: Kirk Cousins did not throw a landing, however did simply sufficient within the closing minute to arrange a monster kick from Younghoe Koo for an important last-minute win over the Saints. Cousins has simply 4 touchdowns in 4 video games. One TD a recreation is what the Falcons had been getting from middling quarterbacks final season with out spending $180 million. If Atlanta goes to be greater than a .500 crew, the Falcons want far more of the outdated Cousins, somewhat than somebody who can set their crew up for 3 subject targets within the second half to win a squeaker. However for now, it is ok to have them 2-2 and tied with the Saints going into an enormous dwelling recreation towards the Bucs on Thursday evening. — Greg Auman

Jaguars: Only a soul-crushing defeat for the Jaguars. They performed their greatest recreation of the season Sunday — the sort of efficiency that might’ve turned their dreadful 2024 round — however could not discover a technique to end on both aspect of the ball down the stretch, blowing a third-quarter lead. Now we wait to see how Jacksonville responds shifting ahead. Does it cling to the great — a season-high 20 factors, its first takeaway of the season (on particular groups), robust performances from Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk, breakout showings from 2023 draft picks Tank Bigsby and Ventrell Miller — or does an 0-4 gap eradicate any hope that was left for the season? Subsequent week’s date with the division-rival Colts ought to give us readability somehow.

Texans: Nico Collins is a top-five receiver within the NFL proper now, interval. With 12 catches for 151 yards and a landing towards Jacksonville, he is on tempo for two,078 receiving yards for the season. He is a mismatch nightmare downfield along with his mix of measurement, velocity and play energy. His scramble-drill reference to C.J. Stroud is beginning to appear to be a few of these nice quarterback-wide receiver tandems we have seen in current historical past. Despite the fact that we have but to see Houston’s receiver trio at full energy — second-year professional Tank Dell, who’s had a gradual begin to the season, missed Sunday’s recreation as a consequence of damage — Collins appears just like the undisputed WR1. That ought to make the Texans’ gifted offense all of the tougher because the season wears on. — Ben Arthur

Broncos:The Broncos have received two in a row as a result of it seems they’ve a very good protection. And that is necessary as a result of the protection goes to have to hold them this season as they attempt to win regardless of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sooner or later he’ll in all probability be superb, however that time just isn’t right this moment. Granted, the situations had been poor and the Jets protection is nice, however Nix was notably terrible — simply 12 of 25 for 60 yards. He did not throw an interception and he did throw his first profession landing cross, in order that’s good. However he’ll have to be lots higher to assist out a protection that is doing all it may. Denver had 5 sacks and compelled a turnover towards the Jets on Sunday. The Broncos have 16 sacks and have pressured 5 turnovers this season. They’ll win with that, if Nix may even get to some extent the place he can no less than “handle” a recreation with any consistency.Â

Jets:Was it actually only one week in the past that Aaron Rodgers appeared like his outdated self and the Jets appeared able to grow to be a Tremendous Bowl contender? As a result of what they did on Sunday was the precise reverse. Their offense appeared utterly out of sync towards a foul crew. Rodgers threw for simply 225 yards. Breece Corridor had a hard-to-fathom 4 yards on 10 carries. And the Jets dedicated 13 penalties (six of which had been declined). Positive, it was raining, however that may’t presumably be an excuse for an offense that appeared like a remnant of their outdated, ugly, Zach Wilson days. Possibly Rodgers’ efficiency final week towards the Patriots was the outlier. In that case, these Jets may have a tough time even competing for a playoff berth. They have a prime protection, good younger offensive expertise, and doubtless the very best quarterback they’ve had in many years. However performances like this flip all of it right into a waste. — Ralph Vacchiano

Bengals: The Bengals reminded the NFL that they are an AFC contender. After shedding every of their first three video games by six factors or fewer, they beat the Panthers on the street by double digits. Possibly you place an asterisk there as a result of it is the Panthers, however the way in which Cincinnati’s offense is beginning to hum ought to make future opponents nervous. They’ve improved their level whole every week. Joe Burrow at this level appears to have put the wrist damage from final season behind him. Each JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins had greater than 60 receiving yards for the primary time this season. Odds are towards Cincinnati making the playoffs with a 1-3 begin, however its offensive firepower makes something potential.Â

Panthers: With Andy Dalton underneath heart, the Panthers is probably not crew, however they’re truly not as unhealthy as we have been led to imagine. They’ve put up 70 factors in two video games with the veteran in comparison with 13 in two with Bryce Younger. The Panthers’ second-half rally Sunday got here quick, however they’ve a battle to them that they did not have with the previous No. 1 total choose. And we’re seeing extra from their receivers with Dalton throwing passes. Having Diontae Johnson and first-round rookie Xavier Legette to depend upon with Adam Thielen on injured reserve is not a room that is devoid of expertise. Each had touchdowns towards Cincinnati. Working again Chuba Hubbard had a second consecutive 100-yard speeding recreation, too. Rivalry is extra sensible for Carolina in future years, nevertheless it ought to no less than be aggressive in 2024. Their subsequent two opponents are each .500 within the Bears and the divisional-rival Falcons, representing winnable video games. — Ben Arthur

Commanders: The early favourite for NFL assistant coach of the yr must be Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who went again to Arizona (the place he was fired as head coach) and placed on an offensive clinic. He’s a giant purpose why Jayden Daniels (26 of 30, 233 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) has appeared like the very best of the rookie quarterbacks and has unbelievably accomplished 82.1% of his passes this season. Sure, it is as a result of Daniels is nice and is making nice selections. However lots of it has to do with Kingsbury’s scheme and calls. He is not overdoing it along with his rookie. He is calling a number of quick passes and screens and high-percentage throws, and utilizing lots of run-pass choice (RPO) performs to maintain the protection off steadiness. He’s placing Daniels in nice positions to have success, and the 23-year-old is benefiting from it. Oh, and hey, they have the Commanders (3-1) in first place within the NFC East. Who noticed that coming?Â

Cardinals: Why have the Cardinals turned Kyler Murray right into a recreation supervisor? Do they suppose that is working for him or them? He is closing in on two years faraway from his ACL damage, so it may’t be that he is nonetheless damage. However he isn’t a lot of a weapon anymore. He ran as soon as for 3 yards on this recreation and has run solely 16 instances this season. And despite the fact that Arizona added a weapon in rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray just isn’t doing a lot by way of the air both. On Sunday, he completed 16 of twenty-two for simply 142 yards towards what was statistically the second-worst passing protection within the NFL. Twice in 4 video games he is been underneath 200 yards, and he is topped 210 solely as soon as. It actually appears like Jonathan Gannon and his offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, are attempting to guard him, like he is a rookie, or damage. They’re clearly not even attempting to make use of him like he must be used. — Ralph Vacchiano

Patriots: Invoice Belichick could be appalled. This Patriots protection is a large number with out him. Throughout coaching camp, the chorus from New England was that the protection was going to maintain the Patriots in video games, particularly leaning on a powerful secondary that includes safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers and cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones. Gonzalez has truly been excellent. However the defensive unit, as an entire, has been crap. Geno Smith, Aaron Rodgers and Brock Purdy have all dissected this unit with startling ease. To make issues worse, Dugger left the sport and didn’t return. It is a unhealthy scenario that solely appears to worsen. It begs the query: Will the Patriots win one other recreation?Â

49ers:Kyle Shanahan may also be appalled. The 49ers weren’t even actually attempting. They weren’t particularly crisp. They weren’t executing in sixth gear. And so the rating stayed nearer than it ought to have. The rating legitimately may have been 40-0. San Francisco left a couple of turnovers on the sector. It did not keep the general dominance that it displayed within the opening 10 minutes. And the 49ers coaches can put up some movie on Monday to indicate the gamers the place they made errors — and never have their gamers snicker them off the rostrum. However that simply goes to indicate how full the 49ers are this yr — from quarterback to deal with to receiver to cornerback to defensive finish. It is ridiculous that they’ll coast to victory taking part in lower than 1 / 4 of fine soccer. — Henry McKenna

Chiefs: Travis Kelce awoke from an early-season slumber, totaling seven catches for 89 yards on 9 targets. Rookie Xavier Worthy added 73 receiving yards, together with a 54-yard reception for a TD. That is factor as a result of the Chiefs want the manufacturing from Kelce and Worthy with the crew’s prime goal in Rashee Rice struggling a knee damage that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid later described as “not good.” With Rice unavailable, Kelce should reemerge as Patrick Mahomes‘ safety blanket and Worthy additionally must tackle a bigger position. Together with that, Mahomes nonetheless has not performed to his standard MVP-level by way of the primary quarter of the season, with six landing passes and 5 interceptions in 4 video games. However Kansas Metropolis is 4-0, which must be scary for the remainder of the NFL.Â

Chargers: Whereas head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t get the win towards his AFC West rival, the Bolts confirmed they’ll battle toe-to-toe with the defending Tremendous Bowl champs. Quarterback Justin Herbert was questionable heading into this weekend’s contest after aggravating a high-ankle sprain final week towards the Steelers. However Herbert confirmed good mobility in taking part in by way of the ache, finishing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and a landing, with no interceptions. Herbert was sacked twice and hit one other 10 instances. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman did a strong job of emphasizing the operating recreation and getting the ball out of Herbert’s palms rapidly to keep away from any pointless hits. — Eric D. Williams

The next writers contributed to this story: Ben Arthur (@benyarthur); Greg Auman (@gregauman); Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis); Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano); Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV); Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams).

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