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Miles Sanders #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts to a primary down.
Nick Sirrani took the subsequent step in his evolution as a head coach, and the Philadelphia Eagles cemented their standing because the crew to beat within the NFC amid soaking rain and swirling winds inside Lincoln Monetary Subject on Sunday, October 2.
In opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts opened Week 4 uncharacteristically erratic — be it as a result of onslaught of the downpour or Jacksonville’s swarming front-seven, the final of the NFL’s unbeaten discovered themselves in a 14-0 early gap.
Buoyed by an Andre Cisco interception return for a landing, Jacksonville surged to a 2-touchdown lead as Hurts was held to only 4-of-8 passing for 60 yards and the interception within the first quarter.
That’s when Sirianni course-corrected, dedicated to the Eagles’ bread-and-butter, and Philadelphia ran roughshod over the AFC South-leading Jaguars.
Whereas it’s completely true the Eagles’ offense is a big-play ready to occur within the vertical passing sport since extensive receiver A.J. Brown’s arrival and Hurts had accomplished 67.3% of his passes by means of the primary three weeks, Philadelphia is at its greatest when it runs the soccer successfully.
From the second quarter onward, the Eagles as a crew rushed for 150 yards, 4 touchdowns, and by the sport’s finish, averaged 4.29 yards per carry en path to 29 unanswered factors in a 29-21 victory.
The Eagles’ offensive line is probably the most dominant within the NFL, and Sirianni adjusted to the depressing situations and his quarterback’s struggles to let the road highway grade for a secure of backs that carried the offense.
Miles Sanders rushed for a career-high 134 yards and a couple of touchdowns, Kenneth Gainwell chipped in 19 yards and a landing, and Hurts’ mobility continued to pay dividends with 38 yards and a rating.
When the Eagles wanted seven robust yards to maneuver the chains on third & 7 with 2:22 remaining and nursing an 8-point lead, Sanders delivered, as he did all afternoon.
The Eagles have confirmed they’ll beat you thru the air. However on Sunday afternoon, Philadelphia pounded the Jaguars into submission on the bottom. In the meantime, Jonathan Gannon’s protection compelled 5 turnovers.
“[Sirianni] did a very nice job immediately,” an Eagles crew supply instructed Heavy, of Sirianni’s in-game efficiency. “I felt like he actually began to show a nook final yr, however this sport was a very stable job of adjusting.”
Profitable video games like Sunday again up the Eagles’ preseason Tremendous Bowl hype.
“They’ve an entire offense,” an AFC South Scouting Director instructed Heavy on Sunday. “However in addition they have a very good protection. So, while you see what they did to Jacksonville, they are often one of many high groups within the NFC.”
Listed below are 10 different takeaways from Sunday’s Week 4 motion throughout the NFL.
It Takes 60 Minutes of Domination to Beat the Payments
Till the clock strikes zero, the Buffalo Payments are at all times a menace.
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens discovered that lesson the laborious method Sunday afternoon.
One week after merely operating out of time to trot out the sphere purpose unit for a game-winning attempt in Miami, quarterback Josh Allen and the Payments’ offense unleashed a frenetic comeback in Baltimore.
Even the Ravens leaping out to a 20-3 second-quarter lead couldn’t preserve the cardiac Payments from carding a bounce-back win towards a fellow AFC heavyweight.
Allen and the Payments stormed again with 20 unanswered factors, capped by a Reid Ferguson 21-yard game-winner simply as time expired, 23-20, Payments’ standing as Tremendous Bowl favorites intact.
How did Buffalo do it?
Allen put the offense on his again, dashing for 53 yards and a landing after halftime, along with 108 second-half passing yards and a landing. Throw in Ravens head coach John Harbaugh opting towards making an attempt a go-ahead chip shot subject purpose attempt with 4:15 remaining, that as an alternative wound up a back-breaking Jackson interception.
“Good luck slowing that crew down,” an AFC South scout instructed Heavy, of the Payments. “They’ve weapons in all places, and that quarterback is a cyborg.”
Sunday in Baltimore, the Ravens simply couldn’t fairly maintain Allen and the Payments’ weapons down for 60 minutes. They paid the value.
This was the kind of win that would considerably impression the race for home-field benefit within the AFC, because the Payments transfer to 3-1 with the tiebreaker in hand over the 2-2 Ravens.
Aaron Rodgers’ Milestone a Glimpse of the Packers’ Future
There’s one thing a bit poetic about rookie Romeo Doubs being on the receiving finish of Aaron Rodgers‘ five hundredth profession passing landing.
That’s what occurred with 6:14 remaining towards the New England Patriots, within the Inexperienced Bay Packers‘ eventual 27-24 time beyond regulation escape.
Sunday inside sunny Lambeau, Doubs pulled down Rodgers’ historic landing, in a 5-catch, 47-yard and 1 landing effort, as Inexperienced Bay’s first-round choose Christian Watson additionally reached pay dust on a 15-yard dashing landing.
There had been a lot handwringing in Titletown over this offense’s make-up with out Davante Adams, and the Packers’ receivers went by means of loads of rising pains within the first two weeks to justify these considerations.
However, Rodgers now has a whopping 123.2 passer score when concentrating on Doubs, and an 87.2 mark when concentrating on Watson.
It’s nonetheless early, simply 4 weeks into their rookie campaigns, however Watson and Doubs aren’t solely heating up however in addition they have the look of potential centerpieces of the Packers’ passing sport for years to come back.
The Kenny Pickett Period Begins for the Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seems to have seen sufficient.
With 11:07 remaining within the third quarter towards the Jets, first-round rookie Kenny Pickett changed Mitchell Trubisky behind middle with Pittsburgh trailing 10-6.
Sadly for the Steelers, the Pickett period started equally to how the Trubisky epoch has performed out in Pittsburgh.
Pickett’s first move was intercepted by Jets security Jordan Whitehead, and the College of Pittsburgh alum wound up throwing 2 extra picks, on his technique to a 10-of-13 for 120-yard NFL debut. However, the rookie passer additionally rushed for a landing, the primary of his profession.
Though Pickett’s stat line was underwhelming, he nonetheless flashed the plus-arm energy and poise from the pocket the Steelers recognized forward of choosing him No. 20 total within the 2022 draft. Regardless of the end result, regardless of 3 turnovers, there’s no turning again for Tomlin now.
The Steelers are actually Pickett’s crew.
Saquon Barkley Powering Giants Offense, Even When He Doesn’t Contact the Ball
Saquon Barkley returned to his most dominant kind on Monday evening towards the Dallas Cowboys, dashing for 81 yards and a landing, together with a 36-yard slashing and dashing run by means of the center of the Cowboys’ protection for a landing.
Lastly wholesome, Barkley is as soon as once more probably the most explosive and prolific operating again within the NFL.
Quick ahead to Sunday afternoon towards the Chicago Bears, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka capitalized on Barkley’s resurgence by drawing up a pair of play-action fakes that sprung quarterback Daniel Jones for two dashing touchdowns.
Kafka performed off the Bears’ respect for Barkley by calling a play-fake on a run off proper deal with by Barkley that Jones as an alternative tucked and sprinted off the left aspect and down the sideline for a 21-yard landing. Later, a pretend halfback dive sprung Jones on a unadorned boot for an 8-yard landing scamper.
When Jones went out with an ankle harm, and backup Tyrod Taylor was compelled into the concussion protocol, Barkley was the final man standing because the Giants’ emergency quarterback. Throughout his time at Penn State, Barkley would typically dominate quarterback competitions throughout observe, however this was his first prolonged run behind middle.
He wasn’t requested to throw a move, however Barkley with the ball in his palms on each snap is a recipe for dominance.
Barkley was a pressure within the floor sport towards Chicago, dashing for 146 yards whereas averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and enjoying an important function on Jones’ two dashing touchdowns.
Whoever is behind middle for the Giants subsequent week, New York’s skill to parlay their star operating again’s explosiveness into big-play alternatives and scores from the quarterback place has the potential to throw the playbook open for the remainder of the season.
If nothing else, utilizing Barkley each as a driving pressure on the bottom, in addition to a decoy, may actually masks the Giants’ deficiencies at extensive receiver.
Zach Wilson’s Presence Ignites the Jets
Zach Wilson got here of age in his 2022 debut.
Making his first begin again from a torn meniscus that sidelined him since August, Wilson went into a troublesome surroundings, overcome adversity in the midst of the sport, and in the end lead his second profession comeback game-winning drive main the New York Jets previous the Steelers, 24-20.
Not solely did Wilson move for 252 yards with 2 touchdowns to 1 interception on Sunday, however he additionally caught a 2-yard landing move from Braxton Berrios with 12:42 remaining within the second quarter.
Within the three video games Wilson was sidelined, the Jets averaged 370 yards of whole offense and simply 17 factors. However, with Wilson again within the saddle In Pittsburgh on Sunday, the Jets’ offense took flight, slicing, dicing, and gashing the host Steelers for 348 yards of whole offense and transformed the most important performs within the sport’s greatest moments.
Possibly Sunday will wind up being a turning level for Wilson and the Jets.
The Chargers Must Preserve Feeding Austin Ekeler
The Los Angeles Chargers could have entered Sunday dealing with probably the most adversity within the league.
With out All-Professional extensive receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring), All-Professional move rusher Nick Bosa (torn ACL), All-Professional offensive deal with Rashawn Slater (torn biceps), and quarterback Justin Herbert nonetheless a bit restricted from a rib harm suffered two weeks in the past, Sunday was a crossroads for the Chargers. Even towards the lowly Houston Texans.
However, even with a lot star-power sidelined, and Herbert nonetheless banged up, operating again Austin Ekeler grew to become the star attraction for Los Angeles’ offense.
Ekeler logged 13 carries for 60 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including 6 catches on 7 targets for 49 yards and one other rating.
Sunday marked the primary time this season and twenty second time in his profession that Ekeler surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage. Because the Chargers navigate this season besieged by accidents, Ekeler has the prospect to be the driving pressure.
The Vikings Have a Colossal Downside on Their Fingers
Few groups boast the star-power on the offensive ability positions that the Vikings do; receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and operating again Dalvin Cook dinner are among the many most persistently dominant gamers at their respective positions.
Nonetheless, towards the Saints on Sunday morning in London, one among Minnesota’s probably deadly flaws was uncovered on the worldwide stage. The Vikings‘ offensive line could also be Minnesota’s undoing.
When Kirk Cousins wasn’t getting sacked thrice and hit eight instances by the likes of Cam Jordan flying off the sting as Marcus Davenport stunted making use of inside penetration, New Orleans’ move rush was disrupting his rhythm from the pocket simply sufficient to disrupt his throws.
In the meantime, based on NFL NextGen Stats, the Saints held Dalvin Cook dinner to 27 yards fewer than anticipated, the NFL Community broadcast identified.
The Vikings survived, 28-25, after Saints kicker Wil Lutz double-doinked a game-tying 61-yard subject purpose try. However, towards a crew that isn’t lacking its beginning quarterback, beginning operating again, and high extensive receiver, it’s robust to ascertain this line — in its present kind, not costing Minnesota dearly.
The Cincinnati Bengals are Again
Experiences of the Bengals’ demise have been each untimely and vastly exaggerated.
Thursday evening towards the Miami Dolphins, the Bengals have been led by their most prolific playmakers and most essential gamers.
Joe Burrow handed for 287 yards with 2 touchdowns, Joe Mixon rushed for 61 yards and a landing, Ja’Marr Chase bounced again with a number of athletic receptions amongst his 4 catches for 81 yards as Tee Higgins busted out for 7 catches for 124 yards and a landing. It wasn’t simply that the Bengals gained, going away, 27-15.
No, it didn’t even matter that the Bengals appeared to return to the balanced kind that powered Cincinnati to a Tremendous Bowl berth final season.
Thursday evening felt like a turning level for a loaded roster, that then benefited from the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens all shedding Sunday afternoon.
Now .500 and in a three-way tie within the AFC North, Cincinnati faces the eighth-easiest remaining schedule within the NFL. Burrow’s Bengals are hitting stride with nothing however alternative in entrance of them.
Comeback Sunday
Nobody does drama fairly just like the NFL.
Whereas one-score video games have turn into the norm because the league has mastered parity to near-perfection, Sunday might be remembered as comeback Sunday throughout the league.
No lead was secure in Week 4, as 4 groups got here from down 16-plus factors to win, and 9 overcame deficits of 10 or extra factors to notch victories.
The panorama was suffering from cautionary tales of not being aggressive sufficient in key spots, or of letting loaded groups dangle round lengthy sufficient to interrupt off huge performs in huge spots to yank victory from the jaws of defeat. In immediately’s NFL, as we noticed Sunday and have seen by means of the primary 4 weeks, the sport really isn’t over till time runs out.
Commanders Attain Rock Backside?
At a minimal, the Washington Commanders acquired Carson Wentz in a commerce with the Indianapolis Colts in hopes the previous No. 2 total choose can be a bridge, at worst, and at greatest, he may lastly present stability at a very powerful place in sports activities.
Issues have now formally gone off the rails within the nation’s capital.
After getting sacked twice by the Dallas Cowboys, Wentz has now been sacked 11 instances in his final eight quarters of soccer.
The Commanders’ offense struggled transferring the soccer all afternoon in Arlington, with the lone spotlight being a landing catch from first-round rookie receiver Jahan Dotson. Wentz was held to 170 yards with 1 landing to 2 interceptions and is now tied for the league lead with 5 picks.
One has to surprise if we’re reaching a tipping level the place head coach Ron Rivera would contemplate making the transfer to rookie Sam Howell? Wentz actually hasn’t executed a lot to justify a stranglehold on the beginning job the previous two weeks.
Week 4 MVP: Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
There may not be a extra versatile game-breaker within the NFL than Vikings extensive receiver Justin Jefferson. Not solely did Jefferson catch 10-of-13 targets for 147 yards towards the Saints, however his game-altering pace was on show on a gutsy jet-sweep name by head coach Kevin O’Connell the place Jefferson’s pace beat the Saints to the pylon with ease for the conversion.
Week 4 Breakout Star: New England Patriots QB Bailey Zappe
It doesn’t get rather more spectacular than seeing a fourth-round rookie quarterback compelled into motion because the third-string quarterback, go toe-to-toe with Aaron Rodgers, the Packers, and the ghosts of Lambeau Subject.
However, that’s what Bailey Zappe did on Sunday, taking Rodgers’ Packers to the brink — and to time beyond regulation — whereas finishing 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards with 1 landing for a 107.4 passer score. Zappe managed the Patriots’ offense practically flawlessly, and practically pulled off a monumental upset.
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