NFL Recap Week 4
The Philadelphia Eagles at their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, which they lost 33-16. (Kiel Leggere/Philadelphia Eagles)
By John Towey, Staff Writer
It is already week four of the NFL and some teams are rising to the top, while others are sinking. The Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings remain atop the AFC and NFC respectively and are the only undefeated teams. Here’s a recap of some of the most interesting and exciting games from week four.
The Dallas Cowboys Stumble to the Finish Line
Football kicked off this week with the Dallas Cowboys at the New York Giants on Thursday night. The Giants started hot by forcing a three-and-out on Dallas and things were already off to a better start than the last time the two teams met at MetLife.
The Giants were able to drive down the field but were stopped at Dallas’s 34-yard line and kicker Greg Joseph successfully made the field goal. This became a theme for the Giants throughout the night as they were able to make plays but unable to score any touchdowns.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made an impressive throw to star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and another to Running Back Rico Dowdle. Kicker Brandon Aubrey made an impressive 60-yard field goal in addition to a 40-yard one as well. Star pass rusher Micah Parsons seemed to be held in check by right tackle Andrew Thomas for most of the game; he was only allowed one quarterback pressure.
The Giant’s defense was able to mostly contain the Cowboy’s offense, making crucial stops on third downs. But, New York’s inability to score touchdowns, especially with two fourth-quarter opportunities, is what cost them the game. The final score was 20-15.
The New York Giants now have high-level players in key positions like nose tackle, linebacker, wide receiver, safety and offensive tackle. It seems like quarterback play may be the only thing holding them back.
Something is Up With the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 33-16. Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield had a strong performance after last week’s disaster. He threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns.
In a curious coaching decision, Saquon Barkley had a limited role in the Eagle’s offense before he hit a 59-yard run at the start of the second half. Barkley only had 10 carries through the whole game, down from 17 last week. This is especially odd since both Eagles star WRs, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, were out for the game.
After the game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts made an interesting comment to the press when asked about his relationship with head coach Nick Sirianni.
“We have our moments,” he said. This cryptic remark only adds fuel to the idea that things may not be right in the Eagle’s locker room.
Hurts may be able to reach his potential with a more experienced and tough head coach, someone like Bill Belichick might fit the bill.
The Green Bay Packers Almost Pull Off 21-point Comeback.
The Minnesota Vikings looked like they were cruising to a fourth consecutive blowout win this season. They ended the first half up 28-7 after a strong performance by WR Jordan Addison who had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. RB Aaron Jones, playing against his former team, also had a strong game and rushed for 93 yards on 22 carries.
The Packer’s defense kept the Vikings’ defense in check for a scoreless third quarter. Safety Xavier McKinney notched his fourth interception in as many games, becoming the first Packer to do so. Their offense came back strong in the fourth quarter and scored 22 points. WR Dontayvion Wicks caught his second fourth-quarter touchdown with just 56 seconds left.
The Packers did not recover their onside kick which sealed the game for the Vikings. The final score was 31-29.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love, in his first game back since week one, told the reporters, “We fought the whole game and started making plays later, but too little, too late.”
The Baltimore Ravens Expose the Buffalo Bills in Primetime
The Buffalo Bills traveled to Baltimore Sunday night to cement their status as the best team in football following their previous three dominant wins. They had a solid first drive but had to settle for a field goal.
Unfortunately for them, Derrick Henry proved age was just a number and hit an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first possession. Henry, who turned 30 this year, ended the game with 199 rushing yards, one receiving touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Buffalo’s injuries seemed to catch up with them this game as they were missing LB Terrel Bernard and OT Tylan Grabel. The final score was 35-10 Ravens.
The Seattle Seahawks’ Undefeated Run Ends
Similarly to the Buffalo Bills, the Seattle Seahawks’ hopes for an undefeated season ended in primetime as they fell 42-29 to the Detroit Lions. Their previously dominant defense could not hold up against Detroit’s explosive offense.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff was easily the most impactful player of the night. He passed for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He did so with a 100% completion rate, making 18 passes out of 18 attempts. Additionally, he also had one receiving touchdown.
The Seahawks offense also played well, quarterback Geno Smith threw for 395 yards and one touchdown. WR D.K. Metcalf also played well and had seven receptions for 104 yards.
Next week, some matchups to look forward to will be the NFC South showdown between the Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons, the Bills at the Houston Texans, the Ravens at the Cincinnati Bengals, and the New Orleans Saints at the Kansas City Chiefs.
