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NFL Nation, ESPNSep 29, 2024, 05:30 PM ET
Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season began Thursday night time with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the New York Giants.
On Sunday, Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo nailed a 58-yard, game-winning area purpose to down the New Orleans Saints. The Indianapolis Colts handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first lack of the season, and quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pummeled the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-16.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every recreation and detailing the whole lot else you could know for each workforce. Let’s get to it.
Soar to:
DAL-NYG | LAR-CHI | PHI-TB
NO-ATL | CIN-CAR | JAX-HOU
PIT-IND | MIN-GB | DEN-NYJ
Broncos
Even at 2-2, simply precisely how involved ought to the Broncos be with their offense? On a wet day, rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggled for the third time by 4 weeks. He was 7-of-15 passing for minus-7 yards at halftime and did not have a completion longer than two yards till his first throw of the second half (23 yards to Courtland Sutton). The Broncos did not convert a 3rd down till there was simply over seven minutes left within the third quarter. They dedicated to the run barely extra within the second half, and that — combined with the protection — was sufficient. The Broncos are struggling to get the rookie settled in, nevertheless it’s not all on him.
Most shocking efficiency: LB Justin Strnad. The informal fan might have raised an eyebrow at how typically Strnad made a play Sunday, which was his first time taking defensive snaps since his rookie season in 2021. He had a sack on the protection’s first snap and was repeatedly in the precise spot when he wanted to be on the day. The particular groups stalwart will get loads of work at inside linebacker within the weeks forward due to accidents.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: If the Broncos are going to lean on Nix, they want extra from the workforce’s wideouts past the short recreation. The wideouts had no catches for optimistic yardage within the first half. When Nix has time to survey, receivers have not persistently created sufficient separation. And once they have, Nix has not delivered. Past Sutton, and infrequently Josh Reynolds, the Broncos aren’t forcing opposing defenses to make choices in protection, which has affected the run recreation because it does not pull defenders away from the road of scrimmage. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent recreation: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Jets
Ought to the Jets be frightened about their QB Aaron Rodgers-led offense? This was a efficiency out of 2023, which is the unkindest factor you would say concerning the Jets’ offense. This was an entire mess, from Rodgers (24-of-42, 225 yards) to the offensive line (5 sacks) to the shortage of self-discipline (10 penalties). It was solely the fifth time in Rodgers’ profession that his offense did not generate a landing, together with the playoffs. They confronted a formidable protection in wet circumstances, however the Jets did not mount any constant risk. They made no changes and had been a step behind all day. Rodgers was additionally limping late within the recreation with a potential left leg damage, although he completed the sport. After the sport, Rodgers acknowledged that each legs had been “banged up,” although he stated he’d be fantastic.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Huge receiver Garrett Wilson‘s lack of involvement was alarming. Persevering with a latest development, Wilson was focused eight occasions (5 catches for 41 yards). He was coated by Pat Surtain II on most performs, however offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett wants to search out inventive methods to get the ball in his fingers on the perimeter. Working again Breece Hall, too, was a nonfactor — 4 yards on 10 carries. The Jets cannot perform when their two stars aren’t producing. By the fourth quarter, Corridor was on the bench in favor of rookie Braelon Allen (43 yards on eight carries).
Eye-popping stat: Nix’s minus-7 passing yards at halftime was the fewest by a QB in a primary half with a number of completions since 1978, in accordance with Elias Sports activities. Nonetheless, the Jets did not discover the tip zone as soon as within the opening two quarters. They scored simply two area targets. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent recreation: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets fall quick as Greg Zuerlein misses game-winning FG try
The Jets fall to the Broncos 10-9 after Greg Zuerlein’s 50-yard game-winning area purpose try misses good.
Vikings
How a lot does coach Kevin O’Connell belief QB Sam Darnold? The quick reply: Rather a lot. The Vikings had gone six consecutive possessions with out scoring when the Packers made it a one-score recreation early within the fourth quarter at 28-22. Darnold had fumbled on a sack on his earlier play, however O’Connell referred to as six passes on the Vikings’ subsequent seven performs. These performs included passes of 17 and 27 yards to receiver Justin Jefferson and received the Vikings in place for a 33-yard area purpose. With tailback Aaron Jones accessible and pushing towards a 100-yard day, O’Connell’s dedication to Darnold was aggressive, assured, dangerous and finally profitable.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Sunny day. An attractive, sun-splashed day at Lambeau Subject performed an enormous position within the Packers’ first rating of the sport. Simply earlier than halftime, Vikings punt returner Jalen Nailor — enjoying rather than the injured Brandon Powell — misplaced the ball within the solar and muffed it. The Packers recovered on the Vikings’ 3-yard line and scored two performs later, making it 28-7.
Most shocking efficiency: Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. The Packers picked on Murphy typically throughout their comeback, however he responded by forcing turnovers on consecutive fourth-quarter possessions to halt the Packers’ progress. That included an interception ultimately zone with 6:13 remaining and a compelled fumble on the 4:18 mark. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent recreation: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
Did QB Jordan Love‘s knee damage impression his accuracy? It was practically a triumphant return for Love after lacking two video games due to his sprained left MCL, and it may need been a victorious one if not for a sluggish begin that included some uncharacteristically inaccurate throws. His ball placement was low or late at occasions. It did not assist that the Packers had a Tucker Kraft fumble, struggled with cross safety and completed with 5 drops. Three drops had been by Dontayvion Wicks (together with a possible 32-yard TD within the third quarter) and one every by Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs. Whereas Love threw 4 landing passes, he posted simply his second profession three-interception recreation.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Protection points. The Packers did not have their finest cornerback, Jaire Alexander, and struggled in protection with out him. Justin Jefferson drew a cross interference penalty in opposition to Eric Stokes and caught a landing on Keisean Nixon. When the Packers pulled to inside 28-22 within the fourth quarter, Jefferson discovered himself large open for a 27-yard catch-and-run that led to a area purpose with 6:50 to play. The one plus facet for the Packers’ secondary was security Xavier McKinney‘s fourth interception this season.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Packers could have a brand new kicker. Rookie Brayden Narveson, who missed two area targets within the first three video games, missed two extra within the first half in opposition to the Vikings. He hit the precise upright from 37 yards on the opening drive after which missed large proper from 49 yards halfway by the second quarter. The Packers claimed Narveson off waivers from the Titans after a coaching camp battle between Greg Joseph and Anders Carlson did not determine a transparent winner. Joseph is now with the Giants, whereas Carlson stays unsigned. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent recreation: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Colts
Can the offense preserve this consistency with out Richardson? It is unclear whether or not Richardson’s damage is especially critical, but when he misses any time within the lineup, the Colts received some reassurance of what they’ll do in his absence. Backup Joe Flacco was regular all through. He accomplished 16-of-26 makes an attempt for 168 yards, delivering a mixture of fast, quick throws with the extra aggressive ones he has embraced all through his lengthy profession. However Flacco did not do it alone. The offensive line, regardless of beginning rookie backup heart Tanor Bortolini, was dominant at occasions, WR Michael Pittman Jr. had his finest day of the season and RB Jonathan Taylor ran arduous, per normal.
Most shocking efficiency: Pittman had been off to an incredibly sluggish begin to this season on the heels of his three-year, $70 million extension. Pittman had produced simply 36, 21 and 31 receiving yards in his first three video games. On Sunday, he exploded for 113 yards on six receptions. Pittman additionally notched his longest reception of the season within the course of, a 32-yarder on the primary offensive play of the afternoon.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Wanted win. The Colts journey to Jacksonville subsequent week, a spot they have not gained since 2014. However with Jacksonville now 0-4, and that recreation adopted by contests in opposition to the Titans and Dolphins, the Colts have set themselves as much as make a little bit of a run. They’ll simply proceed their momentum after a win that received them again to .500. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent recreation: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Anthony Richardson exits recreation early with a hip damage
Anthony Richardson takes two arduous hits and exits the sport within the first half with a hip damage in opposition to the Steelers.
Steelers
Did the Colts expose the gameplan for how one can thwart the Steelers’ vaunted protection? It took only one play for the Colts to place the Steelers protection on their heels. Quarterback Anthony Richardson launched a 32-yard cross to Michael Pittman Jr. on the primary play of the sport, jumpstarting a three-minute scoring drive aided by massive performs. Richardson lit the Steelers up with three completions for 71 yards earlier than exiting with a hip damage. Joe Flacco picked proper up the place Richardson left off, tossing a 25-yard completion to Josh Downs on third down within the closing seconds of the third quarter. Three performs later, Flacco hit Drew Ogletree for a 15-yard landing on third-and-long. Although Jonathan Taylor received free for a pair massive runs, it was the explosive cross performs that did the Steelers protection in — one thing that is particularly regarding with WR CeeDee Lamb subsequent up on the docket.
Most shocking efficiency: QB Justin Fields. Every week after placing collectively his finest Steelers efficiency, the total Fields expertise was on show Sunday. He had the lows of dropping greater than 20 yards on a play earlier than fumbling, and the highs for a dime to WR George Pickens for a 37-yard recreation on third down. Fields had a powerful bounce-back as he led three second-half scoring drives and pulled the Steelers inside three late within the fourth. He scored speeding touchdowns on the primary two drives.
Eye-popping stat: Coming into Sunday’s recreation, the Steelers protection led the league by holding opponents to only a 21.88% success fee on third down conversions. The Colts, although, transformed 8-of-15 for 53%, together with two third-and-10 conversions on a late-game scoring drive to go up two touchdowns. It additionally marked the primary second-half landing allowed by the Steelers this season. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent recreation: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can the offense repair its sloppy play? On paper, the Texans offense was presupposed to be explosive coming into 2024. However by 4 weeks, the offense is averaging 18 factors per recreation due to self-inflicted wounds. Sunday afternoon was no completely different. Earlier within the week, coach DeMeco Ryans stated “the penalties had been addressed,” however the offense nonetheless had a number of penalties that worn out first downs and precipitated offensive drives to stall. That is a part of the rationale why the offense scored seven factors within the second half, which saved the Jaguars in it till the tip.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Shut name. A win’s a win, so the Texans should not apologize for it. However they’ve to scrub it up on each side of the ball. The Jaguars had been winless, and the Texans allowed them to be the higher workforce within the second half. Each Houston win this 12 months has been by lower than a landing and that is not sustainable long-term.
Eye-popping stat: The Texans protection had a season-low strain fee of 25% — coming into Week 4, they ranked first within the NFL at 46%. In consequence, they allowed Lawrence to have a number of TD passes for the primary time this season. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent recreation: vs. Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
What’s fallacious with the Jaguars protection? The unit performed significantly better than it did final week in a blowout loss in Buffalo, nevertheless it did not have sufficient in opposition to the Texans with many injured key gamers. Whereas nickelback Darnell Savage Jr. (quad) ought to return this week, the standing of LB Devin Lloyd (knee) and DE Josh Hines-Allen (who suffered a concussion throughout the recreation) is unsure. Nook Tyson Campbell (hamstring) and LB Foyesade Oluokun (foot) are nonetheless on IR. It is a robust hand for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to cope with as Jacksonville tries to save lots of its season.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Season over? Successfully, anyway. Just one workforce has come again from an 0-4 begin to make the playoffs (1992 San Diego Chargers) and now the Jaguars are 4 video games behind the Texans (3-1) within the AFC South. Proprietor Shad Khan stated earlier than the season that the expectation was making the playoffs. So, will this loss trigger him to re-evaluate this system?
Most shocking efficiency: Lawrence missed some throws — notably deep pictures to Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. that would have been TDs — however this was the perfect he is seemed all season. He seemed assured and poised, which he hasn’t for the reason that first half of the season opener. He did not mild it up — 17-for-31 for 178 yards — however his two TD passes equaled his complete by the primary three video games. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent recreation: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bengals
Does this win instill confidence within the Bengals’ season outlook? Not essentially. To be clear, it was a much-needed win for a workforce that would not afford to go 0-4 to begin the 12 months. However the Bengals did not salt the sport away on this one. Cincinnati’s offense stalled out on just a few drives within the second half. Carolina wasn’t capable of make the Bengals pay for misfiring, however Cincinnati ought to have been capable of breathe a sigh of reduction a lot sooner than it did in opposition to the Panthers.
Most shocking efficiency: CB Cam Taylor-Britt. His massive Week 2 efficiency in opposition to Kansas Metropolis appears like a lifetime in the past. The third-year cornerback, who has performed nicely, struggled on Sunday. He allowed 5 catches on six targets whereas the closest defender, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. One in all them was a 21-yard landing to wideout Diontae Johnson. Taylor-Britt rotated out and in of the sport.
Eye-popping stat: RB Chase Brown and WR Ja’Marr Chase outperformed their projections in a few key classes. Brown completed 24 speeding yards over expectation on his first 15 makes an attempt, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Chase additionally had 57 receiving yards over expectation, with 48.5 of these approaching his 63-yard landing catch. — Ben Child
Subsequent recreation: vs. Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Does Andy Dalton give the Panthers the perfect likelihood to win at QB? Sure. And sure. For the second straight recreation Dalton’s steadying pressure and pinpoint passing — he completed 25-for-40 for 220 yards, two touchdowns and an interception — had a big impact. Had it not been for a drop ultimately zone by Johnson on the primary sequence, who is aware of how this one seems. Dalton has introduced the deep ball again, one thing it did not have with Bryce Young. That and the operating recreation has opened up the whole lot.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: No reply for WR Tee Higgins when it mattered. Missed tackles apart, Carolina did a good job on Chase with Jaycee Horn defending. Higgins was nearly unstoppable in opposition to Mike Jackson within the first half. He had six catches and drew two cross interference penalties late within the half to arrange a TD.
Most shocking efficiency: Rookie receiver Xavier Legette. He stepped up massive time with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on IR. Legettte entered the sport with six catches for 77 yards. He had 5 catches for 49 yards and a landing within the first half. He ought to solely get higher. — David Newton
Subsequent recreation: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
Is it too early to be involved concerning the Falcons offense? QB Kirk Cousins and firm pulled a rabbit out of a hat once more, profitable within the closing minute similar to in Week 2 in opposition to the Eagles. Younghoe Koo drilled a career-long 58-yard area purpose with two seconds left. However worries stay. On Sunday, the Falcons received scores on protection and particular groups. However, for the primary time since Sept. 26, 2004, Atlanta gained with out scoring an offensive landing.
Eye-popping stat: Going into the fourth quarter, Cousins was solely pressured on 6-of-27 dropbacks (22%). The quarterback had struggled when pressured this season and Atlanta had two beginning offensive linemen (C Drew Dalman and RT Kaleb McGary) out with accidents. C Ryan Neuzil and RT Storm Norton got here up massive in reduction.
Most shocking efficiency: Inside linebacker Troy Andersen, who missed most of final 12 months because of damage, had an interception return for a landing, a deal with for a loss, a cross defended and essentially the most tackles general. Andersen has performed greater than many anticipated because of Nate Landman (calf) being on injured reserve. He exited the sport within the fourth quarter with a knee damage and was questionable to return. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent recreation: vs. Buccaneers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Younghoe Koo nails 58-yard game-winning FG for the Falcons
Younghoe Koo hits a career-long 58-yard area purpose to place the Falcons up for good in a 26-24 win over the Saints.
Saints
Can the Saints discover their Week 1 offensive groove once more? The Saints have needed to modify the final two weeks with out essential gamers on offense, and it was clear how a lot Taysom Hill was wanted after he scored two touchdowns within the first quarter and left with an damage. Their offensive output additionally dropped sharply when he wasn’t within the lineup final week. New Orleans should determine how one can modify with a patchwork offensive line if it needs to return to the heights it had within the first two weeks.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Accidents in all places. The Saints got here into this recreation shorthanded with two offensive linemen and beginning linebacker Demario Davis out. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Hill had been additionally coping with accidents. Issues solely received worse throughout the recreation when Hill went out with an stomach damage (he was beforehand listed as having a chest damage), linebacker Willie Homosexual Jr. was dominated out and Tyrann Mathieu had a groin damage.
Most shocking efficiency: Kamara’s damage efficiency. Kamara got here within the recreation with a hip/rib situation and took a number of pictures to his ribs all through the sport. Kamara scored the go-ahead landing, had a key blitz decide up towards the tip of the sport, rushed for 77 yards and caught seven passes for 42 yards. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent recreation: at Chiefs (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
What modified for the Bucs after final week’s collapse in opposition to the Broncos? QB Baker Mayfield and the Bucs scored three touchdowns within the first 16 minutes and 4 complete. They exploited Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s tender protection with a ton of fast hitters, defending the weak proper facet of an offensive line nonetheless with out proper deal with Luke Goedeke (concussion). Defensively, their meager cross rush noticed 6.0 sacks after simply 2.0 within the first three video games and their secondary seemed extra sure-footed.
Describe the sport in two phrases: David Dominated. Lavonte David contributed eight complete tackles, together with 2.0 sacks, 2.0 tackles for a loss, a compelled fumble, a cross breakup and a quarterback hit in one in all his most interesting video games in latest reminiscence.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Bucs have entered arguably their most tough stretch of the season, with three divisional video games in a span of 4 weeks, plus video games in opposition to the Ravens, Chiefs and 49ers, with three of these video games performed in prime-time. That features the Falcons on the street Thursday night time in Week 5, a recreation that, based mostly on the Falcons-Saints end and Liam Coen and Raheem Morris’ historical past working collectively, will lead to an extra time end. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent recreation: at Falcons (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Eagles
What ought to we make of the Eagles heading into their Week 5 bye? They’re a mean, mistake-prone workforce proper now. True, they had been working with out OT Lane Johnson (concussion), WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) and WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) in opposition to Tampa Bay, however that does not excuse them sleep-walking by the primary quarter, once they had been outgained 186-0. It does not absolve a protection that gave up practically 30 first downs and nicely over 400 yards to the Bucs. And it does not wash away the truth that they’ve misplaced the turnover battle in each recreation they’ve performed thus far. The teaching has left one thing to be desired, because the gifted roster has struggled to place all of it collectively. It is going to be an extended couple of weeks in Philly earlier than the Eagles host the Browns on Oct. 13.
Troubling development: Jalen Hurts has 27 turnovers since begin of final season, essentially the most within the NFL (4 greater than anybody else). Seven of these have come this season, which ranks second within the NFL behind solely Will Levis. He had a crusher of a giveaway late within the third quarter on the Tampa Bay 19 yard-line. He initially evaded strain from LB Lavonte David on 1st-and-10 however was stripped from behind by David as Hurts tried to take a shot into the tip zone. As has been the case with a lot of his turnovers, it was an instance of attempting to do an excessive amount of.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: RB Saquon Barkley had simply two rushes on the Eagles’ first three possessions because the workforce fell behind 24-0. On a day when Philadelphia was lacking its high two receivers and its standout deal with in Johnson, a Barkley-heavy, ball management recreation plan would have served the workforce nicely. The teaching employees waited too lengthy to get him going. — Tim McManus
Subsequent recreation: vs. Browns (Sunday, 10/13, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
What enhancements can the Bears’ offense construct on? Rookie QB Caleb Williams had accomplished simply 44% of his passes in opposition to the blitz by the primary three weeks, however he was 8-of-9 for 75 yards with a TD in opposition to the Rams’ blitz. The Bears additionally discovered how one can assault a goal-line alternative after failing per week earlier in opposition to the Colts. Roschon Johnson scored from a yard out for the sport’s first TD.
Most shocking efficiency: RB D’Andre Swift. He was averaging 1.8 yards per carry and had 114 yards of offense by the primary three weeks of the season. The Bears vowed to maintain that includes the Professional Bowl operating again, who broke by as Chicago’s main rusher (93 yards) and receiver (72) in opposition to the Rams. His 36-yard speeding landing within the fourth quarter was the Bears’ longest since Velus Jones Jr. ran in a 42-yard TD in Week 18 of 2022.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Defensive stops. Chicago’s first landing got here after the protection gifted the offense a 16-yard area after sacking Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and recovering the fumble. The Bears sealed the sport when security Jaquan Brisker intercepted Stafford late within the fourth quarter. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent recreation: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Rams
Can RB Kyren Williams preserve the Rams afloat till WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return? Every week after a comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Rams’ offense struggled for a lot of the recreation. Their lone landing got here on a 3-yard run by Williams early within the fourth quarter. It was Williams’ seventh straight recreation with a speeding landing, which breaks a tie for the second-longest streak by a Rams participant for the reason that 1970 NFL-AFL merger. Williams ran for 94 yards and a landing on 19 makes an attempt. Nacua will miss no less than another recreation on injured reserve with a knee damage. There’s a likelihood Kupp may very well be again for Week 5 in opposition to the Green Bay Packers, however head coach Sean McVay has been clear the Rams will not rush the receiver again.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: Crimson zone conversions. The Rams solely scored one landing on 4 journeys to the crimson zone. They did not transfer the ball persistently and struggled on third down, changing simply 5 of 11 makes an attempt (45%).
Eye-popping stat: Rookie kicker Joshua Karty‘s missed area purpose within the second quarter was the primary miss of his NFL profession, however the twelfth missed area purpose for a Rams kicker for the reason that begin of final season. In line with ESPN Analysis, that is essentially the most within the NFL throughout that point interval. Karty did make his 4 different area purpose makes an attempt. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent recreation: vs. Packers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Matthew Stafford exhibits off with artful flick cross
Matthew Stafford avoids a sack by flicking the ball to Colby Parkinson to choose up the primary down.
Cowboys
Simply how massive was this win in opposition to the Giants? Think about what a loss would have been like. Three straight losses, and it will have been Armageddon. People could be questioning when the Cowboys would win once more, with a schedule that options the Steelers, Lions and 49ers within the subsequent month. The Cowboys can take some solace of their run protection, even when the Giants do not have an Alvin Kamara or Derrick Henry of their backfield. As well as, WR CeeDee Lamb rebounded from a poor efficiency in opposition to the Ravens in Week 3.
Most shocking efficiency: Cornerback Amani Oruwariye was elevated from the apply squad Thursday afternoon, and he dressed as a result of rookie Caelen Carson was out with a shoulder damage. Oruwariye was then referred to as on within the second half after Andrew Sales space struggled, and he ended the sport with an interception on a Hail Mary. Carson’s damage won’t be long run, and DaRon Bland (foot) has had his eyes on a possible return in opposition to the Steelers, however Oruwariye helped cool down the secondary.
Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Dak Prescott accomplished 22 of 27 passes, marking the twelfth time he has accomplished no less than 80% of his makes an attempt in a recreation, which is essentially the most by any participant since 2016. Prescott was dialed in throwing exterior the numbers, finishing 10 of 12 throws for 117 yards and a landing, in accordance with ESPN Analysis. Contained in the numbers, he was 12-of-14 for 104 yards and a landing. He averaged 5.4 air yards per try, his lowest mark in a recreation since Week 3 of final season, after averaging 8.8 within the first three video games. — Todd Archer
Subsequent recreation: at Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Giants
Have the Giants closed the hole between themselves and the highest of the NFC East? They’ve undoubtedly closed the hole on the Cowboys, as evidenced by what unfolded Thursday night time. The Giants received outscored 89-17 of their two conferences with Dallas final season, however that they had an opportunity to win within the first assembly this time. “Once more, the end result stinks,” coach Brian Daboll stated, “however I assumed there was enchancment.”
Early prediction for subsequent week: Rookie large receiver Malik Nabers is again for Week 5 in Seattle. He left Thursday’s contest late within the fourth quarter with a concussion. However Nabers was within the Giants’ facility on Friday and in good spirits, in accordance with Daboll. The ten days in between video games provides him a greater likelihood to clear the concussion protocol and never miss a recreation.
Troubling development: The Giants averaged 1.1 yards per carry in opposition to a Cowboys workforce that got here into the competition with the worst run protection within the NFL. Working again Devin Singletary had 14 carries for 27 yards. Quarterback Daniel Jones did nothing on the bottom. This wasn’t the blueprint for achievement in opposition to the Cowboys. Not even shut. That might want to enhance if the Giants are to get a win in opposition to the Cowboys or Eagles this season. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent recreation: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)