Personally, I liked having two games on Monday night. But, all good things must come to an end and it did this week. There was only one game on the Monday slate, pitting the Seattle Seahawks against my beloved New York Giants. Anyway, let’s just dive into my NFL Week Four Takeaways.
Jaguars Take Over London
In what will be the first of two games in London, the Jacksonville Jaguars handled business in the earliest game on Sunday. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence only threw one touchdown (30-yard pass to Calvin Ridley), but it was enough to lead his team to victory.
The former Clemson product finished 23/30 for 207 yards and also added 42 yards with his legs. His college and current teammate Travis Etienne Jr. led the team in rushing with 55 yards on 20 carries. Wideout Christian Kirk had a day, catching eight balls for 84 yards.
As for Atlanta, Desmond Ridder may not be the franchise savior. He struggled against Jacksonville, throwing two interceptions while throwing for just 191 yards. So far, he has struggled to win away from home. But overall, a QBR of 29.8 through four games is not going to get it done.
Desmond Ridder ? Darious Williams
— PFF (@PFF) October 1, 2023
pic.twitter.com/6vTyOBx2fM
Bijan Robinson is clearly the lone star on the team, contributing both on the ground (105 yards) and with his hands (32 yards on five receptions). Is it too late to call Kyle Pitts a bust?
Atlanta’s best facet of their offense is clearly the run game, but when you’re down 17-0 at halftime, it’s hard to run the ball like you want to.
Justin Fields Was Phenomenal. They Still Lost
After a rough three weeks to start 2023, Justin Fields needed a bounce-back game. Even if it was to be against one of the worst teams in the NFL.
He was that man against the Denver Broncos. Finishing with just seven incompletions, he threw for 335 yards and four touchdowns. Sure, he only ran four times for 25 yards. But, his arm shined on Sunday.
Every Justin Fields drop back against the Broncos. #Bears pic.twitter.com/QUjbcN76MV
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) October 1, 2023
DJ Moore showed out too. Eight catches for 131 yards and a touchdown will get you approval from your fans. Tight end Cole Kmet had a great game himself (two touchdowns and 85 receiving yards).
In all, the team outgained Denver 471 to 311. They ran more plays, won the time of possession, and had more first downs.
Yet, the Bears still lost. Denver’s defense did just enough to get their first win of the season.
Justin fields throws interception & broncos get their 1st win ???? pic.twitter.com/TRMxPsAopy— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) October 1, 2023
Russell Wilson played well, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns. I guess he was cooking a little bit.
Down 28-14 after the third quarter, the Broncos scored 17 unanswered points to complete the comeback. A win is a win, no matter the margin. Although, allowing 98 points through two games may be a sign to fire the defensive coordinator.
Allow 20 Points, Only Score 20 Points
The Miami Dolphins got a taste of their own medicine against the Buffalo Bills.
After scoring 70 on the Broncos last week, they were limited to just 20 points against the Bills’ defense. Ironic, since they allowed 20 points to Denver.
Tua Tagovailoa had just one touchdown and also threw an interception. For the first time, Miami looked stoppable on offense.
De’Von Achane had 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Raheem Mostert had just seven carries for nine yards.
But, enough about Miami. The Bills scored 48 points, thanks to Josh Allen‘s four passing touchdowns. Three of those were to… Guess who?
STEFON DIGGS: CONFIRMED DAWG.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 1, 2023
?: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/lyqTy1zYVx
My favorite play of the week, indeed. Diggs finished with six catches for 120 yards, and the duo is starting to heat up.
Buffalo’s defense sacked Tagovailoa four times, led by Greg Rousseau with two of them.
The Bills scored double-digit points in each quarter but the fourth, and sent a message to the league: it’s possible to stop this Dolphins’ offense. We have a race for the AFC East after all.
Dallas Took Care Of Business, Dominate Patriots
New England’s defense is a unit that is highly respected around the league. The Cowboys were supposed to fall to 2-2. Boy, did they prove me wrong.
Dallas hung 38 points on the Patriots, thanks to ironically their own defense. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch had an 11-yard fumble return for a score, and DaRon Bland picked off Mac Jones for a 54-yard return.
Leighton Vander Esch picks up the loose ball and scores!
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
?: #NEvsDAL on FOX⁰?: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/tak5vVAE8f
I told y’all to RELAX after the Trevon Diggs injury. I told y’all DaRon Bland is HERE. Y’all didn’t listen #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/yYtAHupS7W
— Ernie (@es3_09) October 1, 2023
That was just one of his two interceptions on the day. So much for missing Trevon Diggs, right?
Dak Prescott did throw a touchdown pass in this game and completed 28 of his 34 pass attempts. Tony Pollard was held to just 47 yards rushing. But, the team collectively contributed to 124 yards on the ground and a score (Hunter Lupeke three-yard run).
As for the Patriots, concerns have arisen. Mac Jones was benched late in the third quarter after struggling mightily against the Cowboys’ defense. Bailey Zappe replaced him, going 4/9 for 57 yards the rest of the way.
The Ezekiel Elliott revenge game? Non-existent, as he had just 16 yards rushing. Ouch.
Dallas heads to San Francisco for a big Sunday night game next week. As for the Patriots, bigger issues are in need of fixing before their game against the Saints.
Chiefs Hang On Against The Jets In Primetime
Let’s remember: Patrick Mahomes is human. Even as the best quarterback in the league, he does make mistakes. Oh boy, did the New York Jets show evidence of that.
Patrick Mahomes has thrown two interceptions in the first half pic.twitter.com/RokmRfP4EE
— Grace (@gracesporttakes) October 2, 2023
He just didn’t have it against the Jets. Yet, they pulled out the win thanks to a play by his legs (and possibly some help from the referees?)
"We've seen it a million times so we shouldn't be surprised, but it continues to surprise us how many different ways Patrick Mahomes can win a game"
— Strickly NFL (@StricklyNFLPod) October 2, 2023
–Cris Collinsworth's analysis of this Patrick Mahomes interception, which was negated by a…questionable flag. pic.twitter.com/jIMoh2GfKX
That penalty would be pivotal, as it gave the Chiefs a chance to run more clock and move down the field. It led to this run by Mahomes (and referees, are you guys blind?)
This was pretty bad on the big Patrick Mahomes run. Nothing was called on this.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 2, 2023
pic.twitter.com/S9kfZB6lje https://t.co/hvqonbuA2R
Let’s face it: the Jets played pretty well against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
After a rough start to the game, Zach Wilson played well. 28/39 for 245 yards and two touchdowns will earn you a round of applause from Jets fans. He’s gone through so much criticism, it was nice to see him play the way he did.
I firmly believe the Jets would have come back and won if they got the ball back. The defense held Kansas City to just three points in the second half and made life difficult than expected for them all game long.
If Wilson plays like this consistently, maybe Gang Green has a chance to shock the NFL world. It’s still early and anything can happen.
Oh, and I agree. It shouldn’t have been holding on Gardner. A hold on Donovan Smith was clearly missed. Not a great game called by the referees. But, it is what it is right?
Seattle Dominate The Giants, Sacking Jones 10 Times
Nope, you did not read that wrong.
The Giants’ offensive line entered Monday’s game without left tackle Andrew Thomas. To make matters worse, center John Michael Schmitz left the game with a shoulder injury early in the first half.
Put those two injuries together, and you got yourself an offensive line that once again could not protect Daniel Jones.
It felt like Jones didn’t have time at all to get rid of the football. But, he didn’t perform well when he had time either.
DEVON WITHERSPOON 97 YARDS TO THE HOUSE ?
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 3, 2023
Witherspoon has two sacks, six tackles and now an interception.
Seahawks pick-6 Daniel Jones to extend the lead.
? @NFL pic.twitter.com/PNt2vmN8Tq
All you need to know is that Seattle got to Jones 10 times and had a field day on defense. Limiting the Giants to three points was a great showing. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is living up to his fifth overall pick status, with two sacks and the interception for a touchdown. Bobby Wagner led the way with 17 tackles for the Seahawks.
Geno Smith threw for just 110 yards but had a touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf to end the first quarter.
Kenneth Walker III ran for 79 yards and a score of his own.
In total, Seattle outgained New York 281-248. But, they didn’t need to do much on offense as Seattle’s defense kept the Giants in check.
I won’t waste my time discussing the Giants’ offense. Here’s all you need.
Brian Daboll is disgusted with Daniel Jones pic.twitter.com/F7ngrsxLhC
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 3, 2023
Other Takeaways
- C.J. Stroud is the best rookie quarterback in the league. Another outstanding game and Texans improve to 2-2.
- Mark Andrews is back, catching two touchdowns in the Ravens’ 28-3 win. Also, welcome to the REAL NFL Dorian Thompson-Robinson. It ain’t the preseason no more.
- Joe Burrow is not looking like himself right now. But, what should the Bengals do?
- Puka Nacua caught a touchdown! The Rams won in overtime!
- Baker Mayfield has rejuvenated himself in Tampa Bay, improving to 3-1 with the Bucs with a win over New Orleans.
- Sam Howell almost beat the Eagles, but Philadelphia won in overtime.
- Justin Jefferson remains the league’s best receiver (two touchdowns in a win over Panthers)
- Chargers hang on to beat Raiders despite Justin Herbert playing with an injured finger.
- Christian McCaffrey is a clear MVP candidate.
Thank you for reading! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X!
Featured Image: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
