If 0-3 spells hazard, then 0-4 spells catastrophe for an NFL group. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals — each with excessive expectations getting into the 12 months — may discover themselves in that place after Sunday.
Before the season, some won't have anticipated Minnesota Vikings–Green Bay Packers to arguably be Week 4’s most attention-grabbing recreation. But Sam Darnold’s rebirth, Brian Flores’ “wild” and “different” protection and Malik Willis’ excellent backup job (in addition to Jordan Love’s standing) modified plans.
Elsewhere, it will get tougher by the week to pry the Pittsburgh Steelers beginning quarterback job from Justin Fields. He leads Pittsburgh on the street towards Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
There is lots to debate forward of Sunday’s Week 4 video games. The Athletic’s Mike Sando, Zak Keefer and Jeff Howe break all of it down.
The Jaguars (at Houston) and Bengals (at Carolina) attempt to keep away from the dreaded 0-4 begin. Both teams had excessive expectations heading into the 12 months. Should Jacksonville or Cincinnati be extra frightened concerning the path of its season?
Sando: Jacksonville! The Jaguars have existential questions on their soccer management, concerning the quarterback they simply paid, concerning the very essence of their operation. They would like to have the Bengals’ issues.
Keefer: I’m very a lot with Mike on this one. The principal distinction I see is the quarterback play. Joe Burrow’s been a lot better the final two weeks, even in two losses, whereas Trevor Lawrence seems to be completely misplaced. He’s lacking throws no starter ought to miss, not to mention a No. 1 decide who’s been superb since he entered the league. He’s now misplaced eight consecutive begins. Something’s not proper in Jacksonville. As for the Bengals, this protection is letting them down. Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are adequate to win video games, however with out Cincinnati enjoying any form of complementary soccer, the Bengals aren’t going to show this round.
Howe: Before the season, I listed the Jaguars’ four-game schedule out of the gate as their biggest concern, so the 0-3 begin wasn’t wholly unpredictable. However, the shortage of battle and management was much more surprising. In conversations with executives this week, they noticed a group that didn’t have an identification on offense and struggled to guard the quarterback, and noticed Lawrence’s inaccuracies as probably on account of inconsistent fundamentals ensuing from waning confidence. The Jaguars higher begin coming collectively or there may very well be huge modifications in the not-so-distant future. The Bengals are most likely out of the AFC North race, however they’re nonetheless proficient and resilient sufficient to push for a playoff spot.
Between the Sam Darnold Redemption Tour and Malik Willis protecting the Packers afloat (Jordan Love was additionally listed as questionable Friday), Vikings-Packers is abruptly one of many 12 months’s greatest video games thus far. How do you see this matchup enjoying out?
Sando: The Vikings’ protection provides Minnesota the sting whereas the Packers are presumably shifting gears at quarterback. I’d lean extra towards Green Bay if Love had been enjoying and if he had been in a rhythm. The Packers would possibly win it anyway; they’re at dwelling, and Sam Darnold just isn't going to cruise by means of the season with out turning it over extra.
Keefer: Quarterbacks get all of the love in this league — and Darnold and Willis had been super, weighing the circumstances they walked into — however the sneaky storyline to concentrate to in this one is the defenses. Brian Flores’ Vikings unit has overwhelmed the 49ers’ and Texans’ offenses in consecutive weeks and is getting after the QB at a historic clip. Jeff Hafley, in his first 12 months working the Packers’ protection, has been wonderful. This one doesn’t simply characteristic two of the league’s most underappreciated head coaches in Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur, however two of the perfect defensive coordinators thus far this season, too.
GO DEEPER
Packers-Vikings preview: Jordan Love's standing, Aaron Jones' return, and extra
Howe: The Willis story has been an early-season spotlight, however Brian Flores’ protection simply made Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud look extraordinary in back-to-back weeks. Whether it’s Willis or Love coming back from damage and a two-week layoff, I’d be pretty shocked in the event that they acquired the higher of that Vikings protection. Darnold’s begin has been impressive, however I’m curious to see how he manages in-game adversity. There hasn’t been a lot but, and I’m certain Matt LaFleur and his workers have one thing in the works to throw him off a bit. This recreation may set the tone for the Coach of the Year dialog.
The Steelers have a 4-0 begin in their sights as they journey to Indianapolis on Sunday. Has Justin Fields accomplished sufficient to maintain the beginning job over Russell Wilson ought to Wilson finally be cleared to play?
Sando: Sticking with Fields is the straightforward name. There’s no want to alter except Fields will get injured or actually falters. It’s a protracted season. There’s a great likelihood Wilson will play in some unspecified time in the future. There’s simply no have to power it whereas issues are going effectively.
Keefer: Not for those who ask Mike Tomlin, who’s primarily stated he’s not making this choice till he has to. But if Fields retains enjoying like this, Wilson won't ever see the sphere this season. Tomlin’s skilled sufficient to know you don’t mess with a great factor. Fields isn’t lighting it up, however he’s trying extra snug with every passing week, and his upside is bigger than Wilson’s, who is much from the identical participant he was throughout his Seattle peak. Anything wanting an absolute dud — or a extremely awful month — from Fields will get Wilson his beginning job again.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up subsequent to quarterback Russell Wilson earlier than a recreation towards the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. (Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)
Howe: Absolutely. Fields has accomplished every thing the Steelers have requested of him. He delivered an absolute beauty of a ball on the 55-yard touchdown to Calvin Austin against the Chargers, however he’s principally simply wanted to play accountable soccer whereas sprinkling in a well timed play. That’s excellent. It’s nice to see a group and quarterback align to get the perfect out of each other. This is the definition of complementary soccer, and Fields and the teaching workers — and that wildly proficient protection — all deserve credit score. I’d be shocked if Fields maintained this tempo and was relegated to the bench.
Coming off a spectacular ‘Monday Night Football’ efficiency, Jayden Daniels takes the Commanders on the street towards the Cardinals. What has been most impressive about Daniels’ begin to the season? Does his play change Washington’s ceiling this 12 months?
Sando: Daniels’ poise has been most impressive. The approach he stood robust towards the push, understanding he was going to take a giant hit, earlier than delivering the clinching 27-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin was one instance of this.
Keefer: Daniels has been the perfect of the rookie QBs thus far, and it’s not notably shut. I believe a giant a part of that is what Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has requested Daniels to do: He’s tapping into his rookie QB’s immense ability set with out having him carry your entire offense on his shoulders. That’s a lot more durable than it sounds. Daniels had simply two incompletions in Monday night time’s win, and a part of that was the fast throws Kinsburgy stored calling. It’s a fragile steadiness beginning a rookie passer instantly, wanting him to achieve the expertise of enjoying regular-season video games with out the unforgiving nature of this league burying his confidence alongside the best way. The Commanders are acing this take a look at thus far, they usually deserve credit score for that.
Howe: If Daniels retains this going, the Commanders shall be knocking on the door for the playoffs, so I’d say that’s undoubtedly a change in their ceiling. Kingsbury’s offenses trailed off late when he ran the Cardinals, in order that’s one thing to watch. Part of that, after all, was on account of Kyler Murray getting banged up, and executives nonetheless imagine that may very well be problematic for Daniels if he takes on an excessive amount of contact. If they'll keep on with the run recreation, each with Daniels and Brian Robinson, the Commanders shall be in fine condition.
The Seahawks are 3-0 in an NFC West the place the 49ers and Rams are battling accidents. The Lions’ path to a different division title seems to be barely more durable contemplating the best way the Vikings and Packers are enjoying. Have your preseason expectations about Seattle or Detroit modified by means of three video games?
Sando: My expectations stay about the identical, but when the Seattle protection has its approach towards the Lions’ offense, I’ll marvel slightly louder whether or not opponents are catching as much as the Detroit offense. That was a possible concern getting into the season.
Keefer: Kudos to Mike Macdaniel and the Seahawks on their 3-0 begin. You can solely play the teams in entrance of you. But let’s be sincere: Seattle hasn’t beat anybody. I severely doubt the Broncos, Patriots or Dolphins will find yourself as a playoff group in 2024. Monday’s recreation is the Seahawks’ first actual take a look at, and in the event that they’re going to hold with the 49ers and Rams — two teams with their very own points in the intervening time — in the NFC West, that is their likelihood to show it. The solely factor that worries me about Detroit’s path to a second straight NFC North title is how good the division is. This is the perfect in the league, and it’s simple to examine three teams all making it to the playoffs: the Lions, Packers and Vikings. Look on the again finish of the schedule, when all of the NFC North see one another in quick succession. This figures to be a wild end.
Howe: The Seahawks have accomplished a pleasant job of successful video games whereas not likely enjoying at their greatest. They’ve additionally needed to overcome some accidents of their very own, although they’re not as excessive profile as their division counterparts. I believed the Seahawks can be a playoff group this season, so my expectations are nonetheless the identical with them. As for the Lions, they shook off a shocking loss to the Bucs with an impressive victory towards a vastly improved Cardinals group. I’ve nonetheless acquired the Lions among the many favorites to characterize the NFC in the Super Bowl.
(Top picture of Trevor Lawrence: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)
