(Photo courtesy of marca.com)
Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season proved to be exciting in many ways. The league continues to become more even, with only one undefeated team remaining. These games had high stakes, even this early on in the season, but that’s life in the NFL. Let’s see how the playing field of the NFL now looks after an eventful week 4.
Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) (TNF)
Final: Bengals-24 Jaguars-21
Player of the Game: Joe Burrow (Honorable Mention: C.J. Uzomah)
The Bengals continued their surprising start to the season with their win on Thursday. The battle of the two former #1 picks was won by the same QB who was victorious in the 2019 National Title game between LSU and Clemson. Joe Burrow was calm and collected on the Bengals game winning drive, and C.J. Uzomah was a pleasant surprise for this Bengals offense already littered with receiving threats. The Bengals will look to continue their success when they play the Green Bay Packers next week.
For the Jaguars, James Robinson continued to be a glimmer of hope for this team. Good things happen when the undrafted RB gets the ball in his hands, and it seems Urban Meyer caught onto this. Trevor Lawrence flashes moments of promise and potential that he had shown leading up to his #1 draft selection. The Jaguars will look to grab their first win next week when they play division rival Tennessee Titans.
Game Highlights (All footage courtesy of the NFL): Jaguars vs. Bengals Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Detroit Lions (0-4) @ Chicago Bears (2-2)
Final: Bears-24 Lions-14
Player of the Game: David Montgomery
Justin Fields notched his first W as the starting QB of the Chicago Bears on Sunday with their win against division rival Detroit Lions. Fields didn’t do anything spectacular, but he was efficient and effective against a tough defense. David Montgomery carried the Bears offense, notching 107 yards and 2 TD. Head coach Matt Nagy has revealed that his plan is to still start Andy Dalton when he returns from injury, so we will see how that situation plays out. The Bears travel to Las Vegas to play the Raiders next week.
The Lions continue to lose, despite a strong performance from Jared Goff. The Bears limited D’Andre Swift’s offensive versatility, limiting him to only 49 yards. The Lions have clearly embraced their rebuild, which was further exemplified this past week, with the release of LB Jamie Collins. The Lions hope to get their first win when they travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings next week.
Game Highlights: Lions vs. Bears Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Cleveland Browns (3-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
Final: Browns-14 Vikings-7
Player of the Game: Kareem Hunt (Honorable Mention: Nick Chubb)
The Cleveland Browns improved to 3-1 with their win against the Vikings in a defensive battle on Sunday. The Browns dynamic backfield of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt carried the load for the Browns offense, while Baker Mayfield struggled. Cleveland’s defense held superstar Dalvin Cook to only 34 yards on the ground, which was an impressive showing.
Kirk Cousins came back to earth a bit for the Vikings, with his WR1 Justin Jefferson having a strong game. With the Vikings run game stifled, Minnesota struggled to get anything going on Sunday, leading to their eventual 7 point demise. The Vikings will hope to get their offense back on track next week when they host the Detroit Lions
Game Highlights: Browns vs. Vikings Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Houston Texans (1-3) @ Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Final: Bills-40 Texans-0
Player of the Game: Buffalo Bills’ Defense
The Buffalo Bills defense have now accomplished a feat for the first time since the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens team. They have shut out two of their first four opponents of the season. With a heavy downpour in Orchard Park, the Bills relied on their defense to generate turnovers and for Josh Allen to be effective passing, with a healthy balance of the run game. Luckily, they were able to do all of these things, claiming 5 total turnovers along the way. The Bills will play their most important game of the season so far, when they travel to Arrowhead stadium to play the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Championship game rematch on Sunday Night Football.
Davis Mills had a rude awakening in his first road start, barely able to generate any offense at all. He threw for 4 INT, and was only able to generate 8 total yards of offense at halftime. The rookie was thrown into a tough situation, facing arguably the best team in the NFL on the road, with a defense hungry to expose him. They’ll hope to get back on track next week when they host the New England Patriots.
Game Highlights: Texans vs. Bills Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
Final: Chiefs-42 Eagles-30
Player of the Game: Tyreek Hill (Honorable Mention: Patrick Mahomes II)
The Kansas City Chiefs returned to form with a dominant performance in the passing attack led by Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill. The dynamic duo accounted for most of the Chiefs offense against a weak Philadelphia secondary. Travis Kelce wasn’t much of a factor for the Chiefs, but when Mahomes is clicking, it doesn’t matter who he’s throwing to. After two straight losses, the Chiefs were hungry to get back in the win column, and they took care of their business on Sunday. The Chiefs will look to defend their home turf when they host the red hot Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football next week.
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to limit the touches of Miles Sanders for some reason, but were able to find some success through Jalen Hurts and former Heisman winner Devonta Smith. The offense still managed to put up 30 points on a struggling Chiefs defense, so there is still some semblance of hope for Philly fans for future weeks. The Eagles will travel to Carolina to play the Panthers next week.
Game Highlights: Chiefs vs. Eagles Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
Final: Seahawks-28 49ers-21
Player of the Game: Deebo Samuel
The Seahawks picked up a very important division win on Sunday against the 49ers. Russell Wilson had an efficient game, which was enough to lead his team to a victory, with no one player really flashing for the Seahawks. Seattle will host their division rival Rams for a highly anticipated Thursday Night Football matchup in Week 5.
Despite losing the ball game, Deebo Samuel’s performance was too good to ignore, which earned him player of the game honors. The biggest story for the 49ers this game was the loss of Jimmy G to an injury and rookie 3rd overall pick Trey Lance stepping into the game. Lance has only played in a few designed packages so far this season, but showed no fear as he assumed the starting QB role halfway through the game. Lance showed very promising flashes, totaling 198 yards and 2 TD. Lance will keep the starting job for now, and will hope to keep it as they continue this season. The 49ers will hope to gain some momentum when they travel to Arizona to play the undefeated Cardinals next week.
Game Highlights: Seahawks vs. 49ers Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) @ Green Bay Packers (3-1)
Final: Packers-27 Steelers-17
Player of the Game: Aaron Rodgers
Since the Packers blowout week 1 loss, they have won three straight games, and have seemed to have found their footing. Aaron Rodgers was effective throughout the air and had a rushing TD, even with Davante Adams not having his usual elite performance. The Packers so far have been a well balanced team, with the offense carrying the load, and the defense having nice spurts of good plays. The Packers will travel to Cincinnati to play the 3-1 Bengals next week.
Since their upset victory week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers have struggled to find any sort of consistency on both offense and defense. Steelers fans may be mad about a questionable offside call on Joe Haden’s blocked field goal which would have led to a Minkah Fitzpatrick touchdown, but even then, they may have still lost. There are many fingers to point on who’s to blame, but Pittsburgh will hope to snap their losing streak when they host the Denver Broncos next week.
Game Highlights: Steelers vs. Packers Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Tennessee Titans (2-2) @ New York Jets (1-3)
Final: Jets-27 Titans-24
Player of the Game: Zach Wilson (Honorable Mention: Corey Davis)
Zach Wilson picked up his first win as an NFL starter with a huge upset win over the Titans on Sunday. Wilson finally started to show some of the potential that the Jets drafted him so highly for, with a collection of nice deep passes. The Jets were resilient and managed to drive home a game winning field goal in the overtime thriller. The Jets will travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons next week.
Despite not having A.J. Brown, or Julio Jones, the Titans would have liked to have this game back. The Jets, considered by many to be one of the worst teams in the league, were major underdogs headed into this game, and the Titans defense allowed them to stay in the game for too long, which led to their eventual collapse. The Titans will travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars next week.
Game Highlights: Titans vs. Jets Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Indianapolis Colts (1-3) @ Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Final: Colts-27 Dolphins-17
Player of the Game: Jonathan Taylor
The Indianapolis Colts finally picked up their first win of the NFL season, in a convincing performance against the Miami Dolphins. Carson Wentz looked similar to his old self, having a clean and efficient game. Jonathan Taylor carried the load on the ground, having himself a very nice game. Mo Alie-Cox had 2 TD grabs as well. The Colts will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens next week.
Since the injury to Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have struggled to grab a win, just not having enough to finish the teams on their schedule. Jacoby Brissett played fine, but didn’t have enough to compete with the Colts and their performance on Sunday. The Dolphins will stay in Florida next week when they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Bucs next week.
Game Highlights: Colts vs. Dolphins Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Washington Football Team (2-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-3)
Final: WFT-34 Falcons-30
Player of the Game: Taylor Heinicke (Honorable Mention: Terry McLaurin)
Coming off of a blowout loss to the Bills last week, Washington bounced back beating the Falcons on sunday. He may forever be doubted, but Taylor Heinicke is a gamer. He may not be the flashiest or most consistent, but Taylor Heinicke has one of the biggest hearts in the NFL, and he will never quit without a fight. Heinicke and McLaurin both balled out, and it was enough to lift their team to a victory. Washington will host the New Orleans Saints next week in a battle of NFC playoff hopefuls.
Matt Ryan had a vintage performance Sunday, and Cordarrelle Patterson has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the NFL season so far, especially in terms of fantasy football. Atlanta’s defensive struggles dating back to the Dan Quinn era, have been the biggest reason for this team’s struggles, but their offense showed enough potential for success moving forward. Atlanta will play the New York Jets in London next week, for an overseas battle.
Game Highlights: Washington Football Team vs. Falcons Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
New York Giants (1-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Final: Giants-27 Saints-21
Player of the Game: Daniel Jones (Honorable Mention: Saquon Barkley)
Danny Dimes and the New York Giants managed to secure their first win of the season with an impressive upset win over the New Orleans Saints. Saquon Barkley returned to form, having a day in both the run and pass game. The Giants seemed to have gained some momentum from this overtime thriller victory, and will hope to continue it when they travel to Dallas to take on the division leader Cowboys next week.
The Saints were not expecting this Giants team to take this one, but the saying is “any given sunday.” Taysom Hill was the ultimate weapon, as he has become famous for, notching 2 rushing TD. Alvin Kamara did what he could on the ground, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t enough offense to carry his team to a win. The Saints will travel to Washington to take on the Football Team next week.
Game Highlights: Giants vs. Saints Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Carolina Panthers (3-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Final: Cowboys-36 Panthers-28
Player of the Game: Trevon Diggs
The Dallas Cowboys continue to impress as they have shown a very good balance of their well known offense, but now their defense as well. The Dallas Cowboys currently have the second most takeaways in the league defensively, a stark contrast to their historically bad defense last year. Dak Prescott notched 4 TD passes while throwing for only 188 yards, and Zeke Elliot carried the load on the ground against a very good Carolina front. Dallas will hope to carry this momentum into next week when they host the New York Giants.
The Carolina Panthers had their undefeated start to the season stifled by a red hot Dallas Cowboys team whose defense has been dominant so far. Sam Darnold totaled 4 TD in an effort to will his team to a win, but NFL INT leader Trevon Diggs had other plans, snagging 2 INT. Catching footballs is second nature to the Diggs family, with both Stefon and now Trevon being must watch stars. The Panthers await Christian McCaffrey’s return, but until then, they will hope to get back in the win column, when they host the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
Game Highlights: Panthers vs. Cowboys Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Arizona Cardinals (4-0) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Final: Cardinals-37 Rams-20
Player of the Game: Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals on paper have had one of the best rosters in the NFL over the past two seasons. Last year, they ended the year 8-8, but now, with some new offseason additions as well, they are finally starting to live up to the hype. Kyler Murray might be the favorite for NFL MVP so far with this week 4 victory over a team many had as the NFC favorite. Murray was a threat in both the pass and run game, as he is every game, and Chase Edmonds was an offensive weapon this game as well. Arizona’s defense has played very well so far this season, and if they want to keep winning games, they will have to continue this level of consistent success they are experiencing. The Cardinals will look to stay undefeated when they host their division rival San Francisco 49ers next week.
The Rams were humbled on Sunday, after coming off of a week 3 victory against the defending Super Bowl champs. Matt Stafford started off slow with a 1st quarter INT, but played well after. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get his team a victory, the Cardinals’ offense doing too much for the Rams to ever catch up. The Rams will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in a very important Thursday Night divisional game.
Game Highlights: Cardinals vs. Rams Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Baltimore Ravens (3-1) @ Denver Broncos (3-1)
Final: Ravens-23 Broncos-7
Player of the Game: Lamar Jackson
The Ravens put an end to the undefeated streak of the Denver Broncos on Sunday, running the ball at will. Lamar Jackson had a nice day both rushing and passing, doing enough to secure the win. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown had a spectacular touchdown grab that extended the Ravens lead, and took a lot of wind out of Denver’s sails. The Ravens will host the Indianapolis Colts next week.
After a few easy opening opponents, the Denver Broncos came down to earth on Sunday after a deflating loss to the Ravens. Teddy Bridgewater left the game with a concussion, leaving Drew Lock to assume the starting role he used to play in. Lock didn’t impress much, even throwing an INT to seal the deal. The health and availability of Bridgewater will be the story for this team moving forward, as they set their sights on the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers, who they play next week.
Game Highlights: Ravens vs. Broncos Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) @ New England Patriots (1-3) (SNF)
Final: Buccaneers-19 Patriots-17
Player of the Game: Tom Brady
While it definitely wasn’t the dominant game we expected from Tom Brady, he managed to take the frenzy of the week and channel it into a win for his team. Tom Brady broke the NFL all time passing record in his old home, passing Drew Brees, and he has also now beaten every NFL franchise in the league, adding two more accomplishments to his long list. It was raining during this game, so the Bucs passing attack wasn’t as effective as it usually can be, but it worked enough to get the win. Now finally having played in his homecoming game, Brady and the Bucs will set their sights forward and look to next week, where they will host the Miami Dolphins.
In a hyped matchup of Brady vs Belichick, the main story of the actual game was arguably the performance of rookie QB Mac Jones. Belichick did have a few tricks up his sleeve, as he played Brady and the Bucs well, being stingy on defense all night, but Jones’ poise and composure in a high pressure game should be something that is acknowledged. Even with the loss, the Patriots should have seen enough from their team last night to have some hope moving forward. They will travel to Houston to play the Texans next week.
Game Highlights: Buccaneers vs. Patriots Week 4 Highlights | NFL 2021
Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) @ Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) (MNF)
Final: Chargers-28 Raiders-14
Player of the Game: Justin Herbert (Honorable Mention: Austin Ekeler)
The L.A. Chargers earned themselves another significant AFC West win with their victory over the Raiders on Monday night. Justin Herbert was posed and ready to strike all night, throwing for 3 TD against an improved Raiders defense. Austin Ekeler was an all around offensive weapon, being effective on the ground and in the passing game. The Chargers duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams weren’t much of a focus, as they both were held under 50 yards receiving. Derwin James Jr. sealed the deal, intercepting Derek Carr in the final minutes of the game. The Chargers now sit atop the AFC West, and will face another tough test next week when they host the Cleveland Browns.
The Raiders are no longer undefeated, mainly due to a lackluster night from Derek Carr and the offense. The Raiders got down early, being behind 21-0, but managed to score 14 unanswered and narrow the deficit. The Raiders defense that has been an improvement from last year struggled on Monday night, being outmatched by mainly Herbert and Ekeler. The Chargers managed to hold the hot Raiders offense to only 14, so Vegas will look to get back on track next week when they host the Chicago Bears.
Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QzsgYY9leI