NFL Week 4 grades from across the league

Bill Belichick did a lot to throw off his former enterprise accomplice, with Tom Brady finishing barely 50% of his passes within the 3-1 Buccaneers’ second straight uneven offensive efficiency. Buoyed by a run sport that outgained the Patriots’ 119 to minus-1, Brady escaped New England with a coveted victory. Brady completed with no landing go for the primary time for the reason that Saints’ 38-3 rout final November. Although, Antonio Brown dropped a wonderfully positioned toss late. With accidents piling up on protection, nevertheless, will probably be on Brady and Co. to perform extra within the coming weeks. 

BUCCANEERS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Solar.)

Given the shortage of floor assist, Mac Jones outshined his ageless QB opponent Sunday evening. The No. 15 total choose was masterful, finishing 19 straight passes at one level within the second half and doing so with a fraction of Brady’s weaponry. In sloppy circumstances, Jones delivered his finest efficiency as a professional. After a disastrous offensive season in 2020, the Patriots have air assist. Belichick’s defensive troops, sans Stephon Gilmore, proved they continue to be able to high-end work. Even in defeat, the Pats (1-3) confirmed they continue to be an element within the AFC.

PATRIOTS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Texans (Solar.)

Mocked for his or her offseason that includes the additions of some thirtysomethings, the Cardinals (4-0) had been largely anticipated to complete final within the NFC West. They now have a blowout over the staff most positioned atop post-Week 3 energy rankings. Murray eluded Ram rushers with ease and relied on his reassembled skill-position corps. Final season’s DeAndre Hopkins-dependent crew restricted Murray’s abilities, as did the QB’s shoulder harm. A.J. Inexperienced, Rondale Moore, and Chase Edmonds’ expanded position have additional unleashed Murray, who accounted for 307 yards towards a protection that stymied the Bucs. Arizona’s outing/official legitimacy provides extra warmth to a simmering NFC West race.

CARDINALS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: vs. 49ers (Solar.)

Murray overtook Matthew Stafford within the not-yet-relevant MVP dialog, and the Rams noticed their offense sputter towards a protection that — on paper — offered alternatives. Arizona’s cornerback corps options rising standout Byron Murphy and little else of observe, so far as reliability goes, however the Cardinals gained the battle with a wholesome Rams receiving arsenal. Los Angeles solely produced three performs of 20 yards. Cooper Kupp’s ascent stalled, to a point, with three of his 5 catches coming after the Rams (3-1) trailed by two scores. Sean McVay’s first stumble towards Kliff Kingsbury provides intrigue to the Rams’ Seattle journey.

RAMS GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: at Seahawks (Thu.)

With Jimmy Garoppolo’s newest harm forcing the 49ers pressured to show to Trey Lance, the Seahawks pounced with two fast third-quarter TDs to take management of a sport they wanted. Russell Wilson’s numbers (149 passing yards, 6.5 per try) had been removed from spectacular, however the perennial Professional Bowler led Seattle (2-2) on three scoring drives to swing a sport the 49ers managed for a lot of the first half. Wilson’s broken-play location of Freddie Swain for a 13-yard TD confirmed the Seahawks, at the same time as they navigate traditional defensive points and alter to Shane Waldron’s offense, is not going to be bowing out early on this yr’s historic NFC West competitors. 

SEAHAWKS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Rams (Thu.)

Trey Lance‘s time was coming quickly; his draft standing dictated that. However the traditionally uncommon QB prospect confirmed his lack of seasoning Sunday, and it’ll put Kyle Shanahan to an attention-grabbing problem throughout a season wherein the 49ers (2-2) lack a lot margin for error. A Seahawks blown protection, which led to a 76-yard Deebo Samuel rating, aided the one-year North Dakota State starter’s 157-yard stat line. The NFL’s finest division options MVP candidates quarterbacking its different three groups, making this yr maybe ill-timed for the 49ers to do this. However, Shanahan grooming Lance in a high-stakes season shall be must-see.

49ERS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: at Cardinals (Solar.)

Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton’s absences did effectively to floor Jones towards the Falcons. Towards a greater protection, the third-year passer got here alive and crafted an 11-point fourth-quarter comeback. Utilizing new weapons Kadarius Toney and John Ross, in a Giants receiving corps oozing recognizable names even with out the 2 holdovers, Jones eclipsed his profession yardage excessive by 50 in a 402-yard efficiency. This included the Giants (1-3) denying the Saints an time beyond regulation possession, stopping Jabrill Peppers’ R-rated Matt Hasselbeck coin-toss routine from backfiring. The Giants nonetheless want extra solutions on their QB, however this was in all probability his finest sport.

GIANTS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Cowboys (Solar.)

The Giants couldn’t sack Jameis Winston and didn’t register a success on the brand new Saints quarterback. Alvin Kamara additionally amassed 120 speeding yards. New Orleans (2-2) nonetheless blew a two-score lead late in its return to the Superdome, shedding to the Giants in Louisiana for the primary time since 1994. Its secondary limiting Mac Jones in Week 3 aged higher by Sunday evening, however that seasoned group allowed a shaky QB with two lacking wideouts to run amok. Saquon Barkley proved an issue as effectively, together with his 54-yard TD catch-and-run resulting in a tough spotlight for Saints cowl males. A notable step again for a protection nonetheless required to guide this post-Drew Brees operation.

SAINTS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: at Washington (Solar.)

Fortunately, the Titans have Derrick Henry. Not a lot else went proper for them Sunday. Zach Wilson, whom the Patriots and Broncos rendered inept in his earlier two outings, woke up towards Tennessee (2-2) by throwing for 297 yards on 8.7 a clip. The Titans, who had been once more lacking their prime 2021 defensive acquisitions (Bud Dupree and Caleb Farley), notched one QB hit and allowed former Titan Corey Davis and fellow ex-AFC South wideout Keelan Cole to mix for 203 yards. Permitting the Jets to perform what they did is a warning signal no matter accidents for the Titans, whose grip on the NFL’s worst division will not be agency.

TITANS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Jaguars (Solar.)

A parting present from the earlier Jets regime, Quinnen Williams continues to play like one of many NFL’s finest defensive tackles. He led a Jets go rush that sacked Ryan Tannehill seven occasions, posting 1.5 sacks and manipulating Tannehill’s pocket on others. Quinnen and older brother Quincy, a linebacker not too long ago claimed off waivers, turned the primary brothers to report sacks as teammates in a sport for the reason that NFL start charting sacks in 1982. The Jets’ blitzes had been efficient as effectively. Whereas this may very well be an extended season, Gang Inexperienced (1-3) having fun with this sort of day with out prime go rusher Carl Lawson represents appreciable progress.

JETS GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Falcons (Solar., in London)

Twenty-fifth in defensive DVOA final yr, the Browns threw all their notable sources at that unit this offseason. The three-level effort is paying off. Cleveland (3-1) minimized each Kirk Cousins and the Vikings’ floor sport, which simply doused the Seahawks with out Dalvin Cook dinner. Neither Cook dinner nor Alexander Mattison might save the Vikings on Sunday, and the Browns held the hosts to 65 speeding yards and 6 of 18 on third and fourth downs. Troy Hill allowed two catches on six targets, whereas ex-Rams teammate John Johnson denied Cousins’ remaining strive. There’s a lot to love about this Browns protection, which confirmed it didn’t want an overmatched rookie to impress.

BROWNS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Chargers (Solar.)

A nasty Baker Mayfield displaying opened the door for the Vikings, however along with their points replicating their September offensive output, they may not comprise the Browns’ traditionally potent working again tandem. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt mixed for 169 speeding yards. The Vikings (1-3) allowed an 18-play drive that lined simply 64 yards to result in six factors and noticed Hunt break away on a 33-yard run later within the second quarter, organising what turned out to be the decisive subject aim within the Browns’ atypically assembled 14-point day. Minnesota let a primary alternative slip and now ranks twenty fifth in whole protection.

VIKINGS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Lions (Solar.)

It turned clear within the second half the Ravens didn’t must do a lot offensively to stave off the Drew Lock-constrained Broncos, however Marquise Brown led the way in which in creating Baltimore’s edge when the sport was unsure. Brown’s diving 49-yard TD seize atoned for his finish zone struggles in Michigan and drove the Ravens (3-1) to a two-score halftime lead. The diminutive wideout moved his breakout season again on observe. Brown caught 4 passes for 91 yards and leads an improved receiving corps, one that may characteristic a 3rd former first-round choose as soon as Rashod Bateman returns quickly.

RAVENS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Colts (Mon.)

Teddy Bridgewater‘s concussion left Denver down eight starters, together with each guards — which led to the QB’s head harm — and observing a crossroads. A familiarly erratic Lock confirmed Bridgewater’s worth in a 10-punt sport — two greater than every other staff has mustered in a 2021 sport — and the Broncos (3-1) are headed again to Pittsburgh, the place their 2020 season careened off track. Denver misplaced Lock and Courtland Sutton towards the Steelers final yr, persevering with an harm barrage that left the staff gutted. This yr’s squad can fall again on its 3-0 begin, however Lock seeing a lot time towards more durable October opponents will threaten to bury a proficient staff.  

BRONCOS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Steelers (Solar.)

The previous two Chiefs’ opponents made certain to limit the NFL’s most harmful aerial risk and take their possibilities with everybody else. Each groups beat Kansas Metropolis. The Eagles employed a laxer method with Tyreek Hill, preferring to bottle up Kelce (23 receiving yards). Hill (186) nuked Philadelphia’s secondary, beating former teammate Steven Nelson for a TD and breaking open by a minimum of 10 yards on his third rating. The Eagles (1-3) allowed each 200 speeding yards and for the Chiefs to transform 9 of 10 third downs. After permitting Dalton Schultz to crush them in Dallas, they did cease a greater tight finish. In any other case, tough week for Philly’s skilled protection.

EAGLES GRADE: D | NEXT: at Panthers (Solar.)

Per week after being transported to a Kansas Metropolis hospital, Reid was on the controls towards his former staff. The ninth-year Chiefs coach, who’s already sixth on the all-time NFL wins checklist, turned the primary to guide a number of groups to 100 regular-season victories. Displaying a higher willingness to run towards the Eagles, Reid’s offense displayed extra management than it did in faster-paced losses to the Ravens and Chargers. The Chiefs (2-2) have important defensive points, however the Reid-Mahomes partnership covers up for many of them. Reid (223-132-1) is now three wins away from Curly Lambeau’s fifth-place spot on the all-time wins checklist.

CHIEFS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Payments (Solar.)

The Panthers entered the season with some weak spots on their offensive line. Chief among the many deficiencies: they surprisingly signed journeyman Cam Erving to play left sort out. The Cowboys swarmed the Panthers’ offensive entrance in a five-sack efficiency, doing so with out the companies of Professional Bowl defensive finish DeMarcus Lawrence. Whereas the Panthers (3-1) are down guard Pat Elflein, this sport actually highlighted some predictable points given the staff’s offseason plan. Erving and proper guard John Miller mixed to permit 11 of the 14 pressures Dallas amassed, and the onslaught ended with Sam Darnold taking 11 hits. 

PANTHERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Eagles (Solar.)

At a crossroads coming into the season, Elliott confronted some warmth from elusive backup Tony Pollard. In six days, the two-time speeding champion has quieted issues and re-established himself as one of many NFL’s prime backs. Elliott’s 143-yard speeding day featured 7.2 yards per carry — one of the best mark of Zeke’s profession in a sport wherein he logged a minimum of 20 handoffs — and he even outpaced Pollard (6.7 yards per keep on 10 handoffs) on a per-tote foundation. In Elliott and Pollard, Dallas has one of the best 1-2 backfield punch outdoors of Cleveland. Flooded with weapons and that includes an improved protection, the Cowboys (3-1) are simply the NFC East’s finest staff.

COWBOYS GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Giants (Solar.)

For the second time in 4 weeks, the NFL bumped into a problem concerning an offside foul on a subject aim try. Whereas this one didn’t immediately affect a end result like Week 2’s Dexter Lawrence whistle, it did erase a possible turning level for a Steelers staff in want of all of the non-offensive assist it may well get. Officers dominated Joe Haden offside on a second-quarter Packers field goal try , which negated a Minkah Fitzpatrick would-be return TD and stopped the Steelers (1-3) from taking a 17-14 lead. It preceded a one-sided second half in what was nearly actually the ultimate Ben Roethlisberger-Aaron Rodgers matchup.

STEELERS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Broncos (Solar.)

Dealing with a more healthy Pittsburgh protection than those Derek Carr and Joe Burrow encountered, Rodgers leaned on a participant with whom he pressured a reunion. Randall Cobb’s five-catch, 69-yard day included two TDs and a pinpoint connection on a third-and-long to arrange a subject aim. Cobb’s first tenure with Inexperienced Bay included peaks however prolonged stretches of accidents and common play. Rodgers insisting the Packers (3-1) reacquire the now-31-year-old wideout appeared like overkill, however the two have a powerful rapport of their ninth season collectively. That is probably the most potent Packers receiving group since earlier than Jordy Nelson’s 2015 ACL tear.

PACKERS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Bengals (Solar.)

Staring on the prospect of Dexter Lawrence’s questionable offside name producing its solely win by 4 video games, Washington (2-2) noticed its No. 1 weapon present a rescue effort. After an in-traffic landing within the first half, McLaurin outmaneuvering Falcons cornerback T.J. Green for his second bailed out Taylor Heinicke. The third-year wideout’s 123-yard day powered Washington’s two-score comeback. Washington’s offseason effort to accumulate receiving assist has not panned out simply but, however McLaurin — months away from extension eligibility — rescued his reeling staff. 

WASHINGTON GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Saints (Solar.)

Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith have the lead jobs in Atlanta due largely to the 2020 staff’s failure to shut out video games. The 2020 Falcons, adept at distinctive fourth-quarter collapses, went 4-12 regardless of a minus-18 level differential. Smith’s squad endured the same ending, shedding to a Washington staff after mounting an eight-point lead — successfully a two-score edge after a failed WFT two-point strive — with a minute remaining. J.D. McKissic’s open-field stroll-turned-TD dive supplied a stark reminder of the problems that led the Falcons (1-3) up to now and the way far they must go.

FALCONS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Jets (Solar., in London)

“Open for enterprise” indicators are coming for a Texans staff that has a bunch of veterans however a squad that’s seeing its pressured quarterback transition yr go off the rails rapidly. Davis Mills‘ four-INT outing in Houston’s 40-0 loss ended with a 0.8 QBR, the worst single-game determine in three years. With Deshaun Watson’s commerce request and off-field drama relegating the Texans (1-3) to a dismal 2021, their bevy of veteran property — Brandin Cooks, Phillip Lindsay, David Johnson, and so on. — ought to be obtainable earlier than the Nov. 2 commerce deadline. Tyrod Taylor’s return shall be a welcome sight, however will probably be too late to salvage the season.

TEXANS GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Patriots (Solar.)

By halftime, the Texans had minus-23 staff passing yards — the worst, per ESPN Stats and Information, by a staff since November 1999. The Payments (3-1) pressured 5 turnovers, with 5 completely different gamers accountable, of their second five-score shutout in three video games. Buffalo’s go protection, which regressed final season after two elite slates to shut the 2010s, has feasted on below-average QBs. A less-than-100% Patrick Mahomes carved up a familiar-looking Payments crew in final yr’s AFC championship sport. It’s tough to inform how a lot Buffalo’s protection has bounced again, however this protection is in higher type going into its Kansas Metropolis journey.

BILLS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Chiefs (Solar.)

Becoming a member of solely the Jaguars at 0-4, the Lions accelerated that path by finishing a uncommon sequence. Every of Detroit’s first three drives reached Chicago’s 10-yard line. The Lions got here away with zero factors, with a fumbled snap and a Robert Quinn sack-strip highlighting the misfortune. Whereas little was anticipated of a Lions staff that made no secret it was rebuilding, Dan Campbell’s bunch didn’t bounce again from Justin Tucker’s kick and slumped by a winnable sport.

LIONS GRADE: D | NEXT: at Vikings (Solar.)

Opponent however, Fields deserves credit score for recovering after one of many worst debuts in trendy NFL historical past. With Matt Nagy benching himself as Bears play-caller for the second straight yr, Fields successfully executed a number of of offensive coordinator Invoice Lazor’s choices. Whereas the rookie quarterback didn’t do an excessive amount of to ease the ache of Allen Robinson’s fantasy GMs, Fields sprayed a number of dimes to second-year goal Darnell Mooney (125 receiving yards) and took only one sack. The Ohio State product is way from a certain factor, after an 11-for-17 day with an INT, however that is progress for a Bears staff (2-2) in disaster.

BEARS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: at Raiders (Solar.)

The Titans’ loss to the Jets opens the door for the Colts to claw their manner again. In a division with two groups going nowhere, Indianapolis (1-3) could have alternatives in its one-on-one battle for the AFC’s No. 4 seed. Saddled with a worse O-line scenario than in earlier video games, with All-Professional guard Quenton Nelson on IR, Carson Wentz accomplished 75% of his passes and navigated a Dolphins squad affected by ill-timed turnovers. Because the NFL moved to a 12-team playoff subject in 1990, solely 4 0-3 groups went on to qualify. With 9 wins maybe sufficient to safe the AFC South title, the Colts can’t be written off.

COLTS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Ravens (Mon.)

After subsequent week’s Buccaneers tilt, 5 of the Dolphins’ subsequent eight video games come towards zero- or one-win groups. Jacoby Brissett and Jakeem Grant shedding fumbles doomed Miami (1-3), however the staff provided little for a Colts staff with out two premier O-linemen and trotting out a quarterback rehabbing two sprained ankles. Tua Tagovailoa is about to return to begin the Dolphins’ simpler stretch. For a quarterback who was drafted within the prime 5 coming off a extreme harm, he’ll face an unreasonable quantity of stress upon returning.

DOLPHINS GRADE: D | NEXT: at Buccaneers (Solar.)

After oddly doubling down on working again investments this offseason — Carlos Hyde in free company, Travis Etienne in Spherical 1 — the Jaguars have once more turned to James Robinson. The again who managed extra scrimmage yards than any undrafted rookie in NFL historical past (1,414) managed to re-wrangle his job, impressing a second teaching employees. Robinson may be managed on low salaries by 2023. His re-emergence has not led to a win, however the Robinson-Trevor Lawrence tandem — with Etienne’s future unsure on account of harm — represents a promising backfield for a staff with out a lot else. 

JAGUARS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Titans (Solar.)

Via 4 video games, the Bengals rank seventh in factors allowed and ninth towards the run. Primarily based on the place they had been the previous two years defensively, that’s trigger for celebration. The Bengals devoted intensive sources to restocking its defensive position, bringing in Trey Hendrickson and Larry Ogunjobi by way of free company to the staff with 2020 addition D.J. Reader. The commerce piece Cincinnati netted for Billy Value, nevertheless, is paying off as effectively. B.J. Hill leads the Bengals in sacks (three) and joins Reader in Professional Soccer Focus’ defensive sort out prime 10. It’s early, however the Bengals protection has not generated positivity like this in years.

BENGALS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Packers (Solar.)