This Week Around The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

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4-0 BRONCOS


Can't leave these fellas out of the top spot anymore. Seeing how the Patriots got blown out at home with a backup QB while the Broncos comfortably won on the road with their No. 2, putting Gary Kubiak's squad at the top spot in the rankings makes complete sense. At the quarter mark, Denver has proven that the ancillary (non-QB) parts are premium -- SEE: entire defense, C.J. Anderson, special teams -- so any deficiency under center is mitigated, even when compared to the top teams in the league. Kubiak called Trevor Siemian (sprained non-throwing shoulder) "day to day" on Monday. If he can't go in Sunday's game against the potent Falcons, will Paxton Lynch be a downgrade? Who knows? But the kid sure does trust his arm.



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4-0 VIKINGS


Much love for Sam Bradford going around. Announcers are all Keith Sweat in their affectionate tones toward the Vikings quarterback. It's deserved. The defense continues to cash every check the offense -- when it falters -- writes. Yet, above it all, this is Mike Zimmer's team. He is the face of the franchise, and his Vikes have his likeness stamped all over their performance. This is a gritty bunch of bad@#$es, don't you know?



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3-1 PATRIOTS


Not sure there has been an uglier showing from the Patriots since the Lawyer Milloy game against the Bills. You remember: Bill Belichick cut the popular safety right before the season, only to see him catch on with Buffalo and help the Bills author a 31-0 shutout in Week 1. There was plenty of knee-jerk speculation after the loss that Belichick had "lost the team." Of course, New England won the Super Bowl five months later. Let's be real here: Sunday was putrid. Monday, Tom Brady walked into the building. I imagine (sane) Patriots fans are quite pleased with a 3-1 start from the Jimmy Garoppolo/Jacoby Brissett-led outfit.



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3-1 SEAHAWKS


Lost in the Rams' upset of the Cardinals, the Bills thrashing of the Patriots, and Ben Roethlisberger heaving about 18 touchdown passes ... Russell Wilson put on quite a show just across the Hudson River from Broadway. Wilson carried the Seahawks on his back for as long as he needed to -- until the defense forced Ryan Fitzpatrick to look like Ryan Fitzpatrick -- hitting 23 of 32 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Peering closer into that stat line, the hobbled QB averaged nearly 10 yards every time the football left his hand. Tell you what, Seahawks fans: With that kind of aerial showing, and a top-shelf defense, it's time for Jägerbomb.



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2-1 PACKERS


Usually the early bye week is not a wonderful thing, as most teams are more banged-up later in the season -- i.e., Week 8 or 9. (We're not just talking injury-report stuff, but also the general body aches that spawn from training camp, preseason and half a regular season.) However, in the case of the Packers -- who were missing some players in the Week 3 win over Detroit -- maybe this early respite hit the spot. Two weeks to prepare for the Giants at home ain't bad. In fact, Green Bay's next three games are in Lambeau.



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3-0 EAGLES


One of only two teams with last weekend off -- bye week light. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles players REALLY didn't want the down time. This group was rolling, having just decimated a top-flight team in Week 3, with both the offense and defense firing on all cylinders. (Well, Ryan Mathews has been up and down, but you can't have it all.) So where does Philadelphia go from here? Well, at Detroit, at Washington, then home vs. Minnesota. Take two of those three, and this team is absolutely for real. By the time the Eagles square off with the Vikes' talented defense, there will be plenty of tape on Carson Wentz.



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3-1 STEELERS


What a response from the Pittsburgh Steelers! And actually, in the time that it took you to read that sentence, Ben Roethlisberger just launched another 50-yard touchdown pass! When Markus Wheaton starts catching perfectly thrown balls down the field, you know things are rolling. What was supposed to be marquee matchup between two of the most exciting running backs in the league became a Sixburgh sprint relay. Steelers fans aren't pissed.



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3-1 COWBOYS


With Ezekiel Elliott's second straight 100-yard game (and then some), and Dak Prescott winning his third straight start, it's easy to get excited about the Cowboys. Demarcus Lawrence comes back from suspension this week. Dez Bryant should return sooner than later. Tony Romo is getting healthier. Before we go, though, how about giving some props to a pair of overlooked dudes who are contributing? Consider Morris Claiborne Exhibit A of what playing with confidence will do for your career. Meanwhile, Alfred Morris only impresses with his quality spot play. What a smart runner. What a smart free-agent acquisition.

 

[Greenbacks]

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2-2 BENGALS


Impressive victory -- or do the Dolphins really just suck? Questions, questions ... we've got answers. The Bengals are a slightly-above-middling football team right now, the kind that loses on Wild Card Weekend. From what I've seen thus far, the secondary has been the biggest problem, after performing quite well last season. (How much do Cincy fans miss Reggie Nelson, or does he have nothing to do with it? @HarrisonNFL.) The run game is awfully inconsistent, but should get better when tight end Tyler Eifert gets back in the fold -- not because Eifert is an overpowering inline blocker, but rather his presence means opposing box defenders must guard against his slipping into the middle of the field. One more thing to think about -- and often, one less foe creeping toward the line.



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3-1 FALCONS


Poignant thought delivered by Cris Collinsworth on the Chiefs-Steelers telecast Sunday night: Matt Ryan is the league MVP right now. Why not? Who would you put over the Falcons' quarterback? You can't put the Broncos' defense on the trophy. Dak Prescott has been efficient, not otherworldly. Ditto Carson Wentz, who's been more rock solid than prolific. Don't get us started on last year's Most Valuable Player. Postgame wardrobe effort doesn't count. Ryan's numbers thus far: 72.1 completion percentage, 368.3 yards per game, 11:2 TD-to-INT ratio and a 126.3 passer rating. Most notably, Ryan is averaging 10.5 yards per pass attempt.



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3-1 RAIDERS


Worry abounds in Miami over Ryan Tannehill's development -- or lack thereof. Jaguars fans still don't know what they have in Blake Bortles. Meanwhile, in Oakland, Derek Carr outplays his fellow young AFC quarterbacks -- and a bunch of veterans -- each and every week. Sunday in Baltimore was no different. Yes, Carr posted his lowest yardage total of the season (199), but he delivered a 66-yard touchdown drive with the game on the line. Oh, and he notched four scoring strikes, including the winning touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree -- an absolute dime to the back of the end zone. It was the Raiders' first win in Baltimore since the "Ghost to the Post" win over the Colts during the 1977 playoffs -- the last time the John Madden/"Snake" Stabler duo won a postseason game. Like that legendary contest 39 years ago, this matchup came down to the Raiders' quarterback making big plays at the end -- and the NFL's best young gunslinger in 2016 was up to snuff.



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3-1 TEXANS


Not a huge jump up from last week's rankings, due to the J.J. Watt injury. On to brighter news: Will Fuller might make catching the football an adventure, but he sure is making a case for Offensive Rookie of the Year. While Ezekiel Elliott and Carson Wentz present the strongest competition early, you don't see either of them housing punt returns. That's not a dimension they offer. The Texans sorely needed Fuller's clutch, 67-yard sprint to paydirt. Sprint to paydirt. When's the last time you heard that phrase? I'm bringing it back. #gridiron



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3-1 RAMS


First place, yo. The last time the Los Angeles Rams were in first place in the NFC West through Week 4 was back in 1989, when Jim Everett was heaving long balls to Henry Ellard and Willie "Flipper" Anderson (whose record of 336 yards receiving in one '89 game remains the standard Julio Jones was trying to catch on Sunday). Greg Bell ran for over 1,000 yards that year. Yeah, but defenses sure didn't focus on Bell the way they hone in on Todd Gurley -- which is why all the talk about the Rams being 3-1 "without Gurley doing anything" is nonsense. Watch the games. Case Keenum is getting open looks downfield because of the opposing defense's preoccupation with Gurley on standard running downs. Opponents are basically saying, "We'll make Case Keenum, Brian Quick and Kenny Britt beat us." On Sunday, they did just that.



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3-1 RAVENS


Drop for the Ravens following a one-point loss to Oakland. Honestly, it's just hard to read this team right now. Baltimore is 3-1, with every game coming down to the bitter end. They're tied with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North. They also won't stick with the run game (55 dropbacks vs. 25 rushing attempts against Oakland), had zero sacks on Sunday (after the pass rush saved them in Jacksonville) -- and then there's the on-again, off-again play of Joe Flacco. On that last note, had a fun debate with Ike Taylor in respect to the "elite" discussion that constantly surrounds Baltimore's franchise quarterback. Taylor, a long-time Steelers corner, took the Flacco side. Power Rankings poll (looking for unbiased Ravens fans here ...): Does Flacco deserve to be considered elite because he won a Super Bowl? ( @HarrisonNFL)



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2-2 BILLS


The numbers from Rex's win, er, the Bills' win over the Patriots are flat staggering. Buffalo handed New England its first shutout loss at home since 1993. Dennis Thurman's defense forced a stop on 11 of 12 third downs. Especially cool -- and we're going to go all micro view here -- was ILB Zach Brown's rendering of what quality individual defense is. How about this: 18 tackles ( 18!), a sack, three tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles? The only thing he missed was the pregame fight.



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2-2 CHIEFS


What do you do with film like what the Chiefs produced Sunday night? That stuff made the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie with Seann William Scott and Jessica Simpson watchable. "Dude, Where's My Car?" contained more drama. When I began this blurb, it was 29-zip, Pittsburgh. I hadn't reached this line before it was 36-nothing. Not joking. What a time for a bye. Kansas City has two weeks to sit on this sucker.

 

[Greenbacks]

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1-3 CARDINALS


Boy, when I watched "All or Nothing", I didn't realize the answer in 2016 was going to be "nothing." Holy crap. Arizona is 1-3. The Rams have a two-game lead in the NFC West, in addition to the head-to-head advantage over the Cardinals. Carson Palmer is in the concussion protocol. Chris Johnson hurt his groin. Ditto Tyvon Branch. So there's really only one thing to look forward to: Arizona plays the similarly 1-3 49ers on Thursday. But is that game anything other than an even match at this point?



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2-2 REDSKINS


The Redskins survived on Sunday. They also survived the previous Sunday. For about 30 teams, that's precisely what the league is: getting by week to week, stringing together wins to buy a chance to get into the tournament come January. The presentation this week wasn't pretty or even close to cute. It was a "W" in a beer goggles kind of way. Washington committed far too many penalties, couldn't stop the Browns on third down and -- oh, yeah -- won. All that panic from two weeks ago has fallen off. Perhaps the loveliest development at FedEx Field was seeing tight end Jordan Reed in the end zone, with the ball in his hands (twice!). Get that guy more involved in the coming weeks, please.



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1-3 PANTHERS


Let's put the Panthers' decision to part ways with All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman this offseason right up there with publishing companies passing on "Harry Potter" and Napoleon thinking it'd be a good idea to march into Russia. Oh well. Maybe Sunday's loss to the Falcons can be pinned on a mere bad performance ... or eight. Letting Julio Jones burn you for a few big plays is one thing, but for 300 freaking yards?! How about Matt Ryan searing the once-vaunted Carolina D for over 500 yards passing? That's the same Matt Ryan who was sacked six times and picked twice by this unit in Atlanta two seasons ago.



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2-2 GIANTS


Why the Giants -- down 14 points with two minutes and change remaining -- were throwing none-yard outs and 5-yard crossers is anyone's guess. The offense seems out of sync and, frankly, has been that way most of the young season. At the center of the offensive dysfunction -- or distraction -- is Odell Beckham Jr. My editor has stated that I am too hard on him. Fair enough. I'm going to just leave this here: 23 yards.



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1-3 JETS


You are officially allowed to panic, Jets fans. Press the button! Just don't press the receiver button on your PS4 controller ... Ryan Fitzpatrick might attempt a pass, something that hasn't turned out so well for the Jets of late. Fitzpatrick has tossed nine interceptions over the last two weeks. That's the most in a two-game period since Steve DeBerg heaved as many for the 1986 Bucs. Here's the difference, though: That year, Tampa Bay was a 2-14 abomination that could've lost to James Van Der Beek's West Canaan Coyotes. (Trust me, you didn't want DeBerg's life.) Fitzpatrick is leading a team with fantastic wideouts, a steady running back and an immensely talented front seven. Brandon Marshall might never lobby for something again.



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1-3 LIONS


Talk about shooting yourself in the foot -- Dick Cheney didn't even misfire this badly. The Lions' offense didn't get into the end zone all day against one of the weaker defenses in the NFL. Detroit's D, meanwhile, didn't produce a takeaway against a Bears team starting a backup quarterback and backup tailback. Andre Roberts darn near saved the day with his punt-return touchdown late in the fourth quarter -- that is, until the Lions committed a penalty on the ensuing onside kick. At least they were consistent; it was their 10th foul of the day. If Jim Caldwell's group plans to play any significant football in January, the Lions should qualify this week as a must-win. Guess who is flying into Motor City next? The undefeated Eagles.



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1-3 BUCCANEERS


When a team promotes an offensive coordinator to head coach, it can only mean wonderful things for the quarterback, right? Well, in the case of Jameis Winston and Dirk Koetter's Bucs, 2016 has turned up rotten (or has it been a rotten turnip?) thus far. Winston, who currently has more giveaways (10) than touchdown passes (eight), doesn't seem to have taken a hop, much less a leap, from his rookie season.

Here's a bit of football musing: If you tack head-coaching duties to the job description of a previously successful offensive coordinator, does it make said coordinator less effective with his offensive players? In other words, results are bound to change when the circumstances do, and the current circumstances dictate that Koetter is responsible for the whole team. Now Koetter is telling the media he is "very" concerned about his young quarterback's play. Too bad the Bucs' defense stinks worse.



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1-3 JAGUARS


Nice-size jump for the 1-3 Jaguars. Why? Well, being surrounded by the cruddiest teams in the league makes it easier to move. While Allen Robinson got in the end zone during Sunday's win over the Colts, and Allen Hurns produced a big gain -- bringing back memories of the halcyon days of 2015 -- it was the defense that made the plays to win the game. Other than a blown coverage on the Phillip Dorsett touchdown, time and again, the Jacksonville defense came up with stops. And even on the Dorsett play, Jacksonville didn't just goof up; the defense really gave you your money's worth -- he was open by 30 yards. So, basically, the Jags do everything well.

 

[Greenbacks]

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1-3 COLTS


Don't look now, but the Colts are 1-3 with no relief in sight. The defense actually turned in a viable performance in Sunday's loss, but the offense couldn't get out of neutral most of the day on the London pitch -- that is, until somebody in the Jags' secondary screwed up on the Phillip Dorsett bomb. Watching the game on the set of "NFL Fantasy Live," I thought Luck was going to bring the good guys (at least to most folks reading this blurb) back down the field on that second-to-last drive. The highest-paid QB in the league looked like the most-pressured QB in the league after narrowly missing that fourth-down throw to Dwayne Allen. Luck knows he's going to have to deliver three to four wins by himself.



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1-3 SAINTS


If only Saints defensive backs could intercept balls as well as John Kuhn. With two scores to his name already on the day, the Touchdown Vulture Hall of Famer appeared to leap up to grab Coby Fleener's would-be touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter; then, on the next play, Kuhn plunged into the end zone for his third TD to help New Orleans pilfer a game on the road. What a victory for a previously winless ballclub. Drew Brees played far from his best football in his first game in San Diego since a career-opening stint as the Bolts' quarterback came to an end in 2006. It's difficult to think of him in any other uni, yet, there was a time the Chargers' front office faced an epic salary cap-laced conundrum with Brees. That was before a meaningless fumble changed NFL history. This video is a must-watch if you are a Saints or Chargers fan.



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1-3 CHARGERS


Chargers receiver Travis Benjamin looked plain miserable after fumbling late in the loss to the Saints Sunday. The defeat was huge when viewed through the prism of postseason aspirations. Over the 26 seasons since the playoffs were expanded, only 14.3 percent of the teams that have started 1-3 have reached the postseason. What makes it worse is that San Diego probably should be 3-1. Bad teams find ways to lose football games. Banged-up teams can't afford to find ways to lose football games.



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1-3 TITANS


The Titans hung tough against the presumed premier team in the AFC South, until the special teams ultimately let them down. Don't you worry, though -- Marcus Mariota didn't play well again (13 of 29 passing for 202 yards and one interception). With the running game continuing to perform admirably (124 yards on 32 carries), Tennessee should be producing more downfield, but it's just not happening frequently enough. Drives stalled. These guys were still in position to pull off the road win. Why didn't they graduate from in position to actually doing it? Hello, 11 penalties.



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1-3 49ERS


The Niners started strong, building a quick 14-zip lead over the Cowboys before a series of happenings put Chip Kelly at 1-3. Penalties went against San Francisco, NaVorro Bowman went down (more on him in a second) and Blaine Gabbert pulled the 2011 version of himself out of mothballs. The Cowboys got the football, started running and wouldn't let go. As far as Bowman is concerned, one of the league's most popular players (at least, with the people who cover the sport) suffered another devastating, season-ending injury after missing all of 2014 with an ACL and MCL tear. It flat-out sucks. Period.



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1-3 BEARS


The Bears' 17-14 triumph over the Lions was the out-of-nowhere win of this past weekend, hands down, no contest, more shocking than the Bills blanking the Patriots. A defense that was run over by the Cowboys in Week 3 made mincemeat of the Lions' run game (66 rushing yards on 18 carries) while reducing Detroit's Matthew Stafford to "second-best quarterback on the field" status Sunday. How about Jordan Howard, who rushed for over 100 yards, bank-rolling every 0-3 fantasy owner who used their waiver priority on the Bears' starting running back?



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1-3 DOLPHINS


The Dolphins looked absolutely abysmal last Thursday night. Other than when blown coverage allowed Kenny Stills to roam free deep for a quick six, Miami didn't do anything well. Ryan Tannehill got sacked by his own guard at one point. It's become so frustrating for the team's fans that I'm getting lobbied to change their ranking ... to No. 32.



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0-4 BROWNS


Another weird week for the Browns, who lost yet another contest in which they were right there in the fourth quarter, while a team that might be lousier than they are won a game first (see: No. 30). Then there's the ongoing saga of Josh Gordon. Well, on the plus side, another nice day for Terrelle Pryor, who scored again while catching five passes. Wondering if the Patriots are going to come in Sunday and put the new cover sheet on the T.P.S.. At any rate, one of these weeks, the Browns are going to come out of a nail-biter with a win. OK, probably not this week.

 

[Greenbacks]

Baltimore Ravens part ways with Justin Forsett.

Ravens running back Justin Forsett confirmed what we've seen coming for about a week now: He is no longer part of the plan in Baltimore. "Baltimore will always have a special place in my heart. Love y'all & thank u for the amazing support over the years," Forsett tweeted on Tuesday morning, which served as a precursor to his official release. The Ravens have not yet made the move official, but did publish quotes on their website from Forsett confirming his release.
The running back told the team's official site that it was a mutual breakup.
"I felt like my opportunity here was closing," he said. "I'm at a phase in my career where I don't want to sit; I want to play. I have a lot of football left in me."
Forsett's workload dropped from 14 carries in Week 2 to seven the following week.

In a loss to the Oakland Raiders this past weekend, he didn't have a carry as Terrance West continued to gobble up a bigger opportunity in the offense. Against Oakland, West went for 113 yards and a touchdown.
As the Ravens anxiously await the arrival of rookie Kenneth Dixon, who has yet to take the field thanks to a knee injury toward the end of the preseason, they decided they no longer had the roster space and resources to devote to Forsett, a 30-year-old who emerged from obscurity to pace Baltimore's offense back in 2014.
The team will not forget his push for a roster spot, nor will they forget the Pro Bowl season he handed them two years ago. But as the Ravens try to keep pace in a bustling AFC North, they know they must get younger and stronger quickly. Forsett also realizes that he doesn't have much time to sit around and wait.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Falcons agree to terms with A.J. Hawk.

The Falcons are turning to a veteran defender to help with their thin linebacking corps.
Atlanta has agreed to terms with linebacker A.J. Hawk, according to Hawk's agent.
The Falcons are in desperate need of help at linebacker after losing Sean Weatherspoon for the season to a torn Achilles, and seeing three other linebackers -- Paul Worrilow (groin) and rookies De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and Deion Jones (calf; played Sunday) -- suffer injuries. Special teamer LaRoy Reynolds -- previously listed as third-string on the Falcons' depth chart -- was called into duty after Weatherspoon exited in Sunday's win over the Panthers. The cupboard is bare in Atlanta, which helps explain the Falcons' standing as the league's 30th-best (or third-worst) defense.
Hawk last played in 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in 16 games (starting 11) and recording 24 tackles with one sack. He worked out for the Miami Dolphins early in September, but left without a deal. He also made an appearance on Good Morning Football, and raved about how pretty brother-in-law Brady Quinn is.
The pride of Centerville, Ohio, Hawk spent the previous nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers, racking up 921 tackles, 19 sacks, nine interceptions and three forced fumbles as part of a unit that helped win Super Bowl XLV in 2010.

 

[Greenbacks]

Cowboys, Falcons look worthy; Panthers, Cardinals look lost.

We are a quarter of the way into the 2016 season -- well, we will be, after Monday night's Giants-Vikings game, I suppose -- and I'm seriously foaming at the mouth with the storylines that have unfolded. Sunday was wild, as usual. But will some of the zaniness have staying power?
In this edition of the Schein Nine, we take on the signature moments and burning questions of Week 4 while taking a glance into the crystal ball.

1) Are the Dallas Cowboys legit contenders?
Absolutely!
Don't minimize Dallas' win in San Francisco. Yes, Blaine Gabbert is terrible at football, but this game said a lot about the Cowboys.
In a week filled with Dez Bryant distractions, Dallas came out and played with poise on the road. Dak Prescott has it. That's another interception-free game for the fourth-round selection. Zero picks in his first 131 passes -- that's a rookie record. Prescott does everything well and everything right. Meanwhile, the Cowboys' first-round pick, Ezekiel Elliott, continues to prove his immense worth, ripping San Francisco with 138 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The focus was great. The kids were superb. But I was as (or more?) impressed with two other areas that should give Dallas fans legit hope: The Cowboys' offensive line is the best in the business, and on Sunday, Dallas' defense was clutch.
The 'Boys maul people up front. Dak and Zeke understandably get the headlines, but we aren't having this conversation without the consistently excellent play of the O-line. With starting left tackle Tyron Smith (one of the best blind-side protectors in football today) and left guard La'el Collins both sidelined by injuries, the Cowboys still had their way with San Francisco's defensive front. (See: 194 yards on 39 carries.)
The Cowboys' defense will never be confused for the 2000 Ravens, but the unit was clutch and opportunistic against the Niners -- just like it was in a tight road win at Washington in Week 2. Morris Claiborne's fourth-quarter pick was gigantic, akin to how Justin Durant saved the game against the Redskins.
Toughness? Resolve? Clutch play? Room for improvement? Ability to deal with adversity? Your 2016 Dallas Cowboys.

2) Are the Carolina Panthers legitimately in trouble?
You bet.
This is the Carolina team I expected last year, when -- immediately following the Kelvin Benjamin injury -- I projected the Panthers to finish 6-10. Of course, that team threw it in my face with a 15-1 rampage through the regular season. A month ago, I thought the Panthers would take a step back in 2016 -- but still win double-digit games and claim a fourth straight NFC South title. Sunday's 48-33 loss at Atlanta -- a game that was even more one-sided than the final score indicates -- was a snapshot of what's plagued this team. The offensive line is horrible. Carolina can't run. And letting Josh Norman go was a huge mistake -- something that was an easy first guess.
And now Cam Newton, banged around with that porous offensive line all season, is in the concussion protocol. That's a major deal.
We've just entered October, and Carolina's already two games behind Atlanta -- with the Falcons now owning a head-to-head win. Troubling? Yeah, I'd say so. This team is wobbly.

3) Can the Atlanta Falcons' offense sustain?
Without question.
I talked to Matt Ryan this August on my SiriusXM Radio show, "Schein on Sports," and he was of the believe that Atlanta's offense would be back to its dominant form, able to beat you in multiple ways.
And one of those ways is to throw it to Julio Jones.
The Falcons' stud receiver had 12 catches for a cool 300 yards, capped by a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown that essentially sewed up Atlanta's win over Carolina. That's flat-out incredible. I featured Jones in my Schein Nine this offseason on indispensable offensive players -- and I think he is the most talented receiver in the game today. Ryan and Jones have a fantastic rapport that is so fun to watch.
And they don't force it.
A week ago, Jones caught one pass as a total non-factor -- yet the Falcons still won by double digits. That was a game when Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman dominated. Those two have become a legit 1-2 punch at running back. And as predicted in this space, free-agent signings Mohamed Sanu and Alex Mack have made an immediate impact on the field, helping to change the culture after last season's collapse.
Play-caller Kyle Shanahan deserves kudos for putting it all together -- the OC and Ryan are on the same page in Year 2. I thought this offense would be explosive this season. It's better than I imagined. As of Monday morning, the Falcons rank first in scoring, total offense and passing offense -- while coming in at sixth in rushing offense.
Atlanta still has defensive flaws. But Ryan and Co. will keep this team in the conversation all year.

4) What's up with the Arizona Cardinals?
Heck if I know.
My predicted NFC Super Bowl rep is 1-3 and playing pretty dreadful football.
Against New England,I think the Cardinals were guilty of reading their press clippings. They got plain outplayed and outcoached.
Against Buffalo, I think the Cards were guilty of not showing up on defense. And Carson Palmer couldn't throw it to the right team.
Sunday against the Rams, it was another bad brew of bad Palmer. The Cardinals had many opportunities to seal the game on offense or make a play on defense. But they blew it. At home. To Jeff Fisher, Case Keenum and the Rams.
I have nothing to believe in any more.
And now Palmer's health is a question, with the veteran in the concussion protocol. Not ideal, with the quick turnaround this week -- Arizona hits the road for a "Thursday Night Football" showdown at San Francisco. Loser drops to 1-4 -- and dead last in the NFC West.
Did I jinx the Cardinals?

 

[Greenbacks]

5) Should the New York Jets bench Ryan Fitzpatrick?
Only if they want to have a chance to win.
And that comment has nothing to do with Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg, Richard Todd, Joe Namath or whoever else is waiting in the wings. Look, the quarterback is straight-up losing games for the Jets. Fitzpatrick has nine picks in his last eight quarters. The stench of Week 17 -- when Fitz tossed three picks to bury Gang Green's playoff hopes last season -- hangs over the team, too.
The Jets have talent, but this season is starting to go down the drain. New York is 1-3, with these three games on tap:
» Sunday at Pittsburgh.
» Monday, Oct. 17 at Arizona.
» Sunday, Oct. 23 vs. Baltimore.
New York has an issue -- and it wears No. 14. The problem with Ryan Fitzpatrick is that he's Ryan Fitzpatrick, and simply not very good.

6) Did Le'Veon Bell's return change everything for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Yes. Yes, it did.
When you get bludgeoned by Philadelphia, welcome back arguably the best running back in football, and then absolutely destroy the usually rock-solid Chiefs on "Sunday Night Football," there is a conclusion to be drawn.
Sure, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown provided dazzling domination of their own against K.C. Roethlisberger, the future Hall of Famer, served up about as perfect a performance as a QB could have, completing 22 of his 27 passes for 300 yards and five touchdowns.
But the presence of Bell -- who racked up 178 yards on 23 touches -- officially gives Pittsburgh the best "Big Three" in the NFL. And it makes the Steelers AFC North favorites.

7) Are the Oakland Raiders a changed team?
You betcha.
Derek Carr makes some incredible "wow" throws, doesn't he? He's special. And the connection with Michael Crabtree was unstoppable in the tight win at Baltimore.
M&T Bank Stadium is one of the toughest venues to play in, with rabid fans and a tough, buttoned-up home team. When Baltimore came back on Sunday, momentum was clearly on the side of Joe Flacco and Co. History would've told you that the Ravens would find a way to win and the Raiders would find a way to lose.
Jack Del Rio's team punched history in the face. And John Harbaugh's team suffered after a rare mistake by the Ravens coach.
With just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Ravens down by two, Harbaugh accepted an unnecessary roughness penalty on third down that allowed the Raiders to then extend what would become a touchdown drive. Yes, Harbaugh obviously was looking to push the Raiders back out of field-goal position, but ... "Looking back on it, it wasn't the right decision." Those aren't my words -- they're Harbaugh's, from his postgame presser.
Still, the Ravens did end up taking the lead with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. No matter. Carr swiftly drove Oakland 66 yards on four completed passes, the last of which went to Crabtree for the receiver's third touchdown of the day. Then the Raiders' defense hung tough and stymied Baltimore's two-minute drill, with safety Reggie Nelson delivering a vicious blow to break up a fourth-down pass that would've put the Ravens in field-goal range.
At the end of the day, the Raiders had a brilliant, statement-making, pulsating win. Next stop? Playoffs.

8) Are the Detroit Lions beyond repair?
Well, as a billboard in Detroit once famously read ... "Not This Millenium: Rebuilding since 1957."
Chicago's roster is devoid of talent. In the first three games of the season -- all multi-score losses -- the Bears looked like an expansion team. Apparently, all they needed was a date with Detroit.
In the 17-14 loss at Chicago, the Lions lost the turnover battle 2-0, they were outgained by 145 yards and they committed 10-plus penalties for the second time in three weeks.
How does Jim Caldwell hold a job?

9) Can the Denver Broncos win with Paxton Lynch?
Absolutely.
Denver is 4-0 because Wade Phillips' defense is simply incredible and Gary Kubiak has done a masterful job setting up a culture of winning in Denver. I clearly overlooked both of these things when I predicted Denver would miss the playoffs at the beginning of the season. I hope Trevor Siemian is OK after leaving the Broncos' pasting of the Bucs with an AC joint sprain on his non-throwing shoulder. He's been such a pleasant surprise, and his spectacular showing in Cincinnati still rings in my head.
But Lynch has great tools (albeit raw ones). He also has that same culture and defense supporting him. In relief duty on Sunday, Lynch guided Denver on three scoring drives in just over one half of work. Not too shabby for your NFL debut. I think Lynch has a higher upside for this year and next year than Siemian. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out going forward, but the Broncos will be in good shape with either youngster under center.

 

[Greenbacks]

NFL Offensive Line of the Week: Steelers come back strong.

Pittsburgh Steelers
An embarrassing 34-3 loss to the Eagles in Week 3 sparked major questions about a Steelers team that most expect to still be playing in January. After struggling -- along with the rest of the offense -- against the Eagles, the O-line answered those doubts with "a bell" this week, a 43-14 thrashing of the Chiefs, who held the Jets to just three points the week prior. Running back Le'Veon Bell didn't disappoint in his much-anticipated return for the Steelers, as he had 18 carries for 144 yards, averaging a whopping 8 yards a tote. The performance was also his ninth career 100-yard rushing game.
he great story on this offensive line is left guard B.J. Finney. The former walk-on at Kansas State, who spent the bulk of last season on the Steelers' practice squad, made his first career start Sunday, replacing the injured Ramon Foster. Finney did a great job, along with right tackle Ryan Harris, a former Kansas City Chief who came in for starter Marcus Gilbert (ankle) in Sunday's game. All in all, the Steelers' O-line ranked fifth-best in pass-blocking in Week 4, according to Pro Football Focus. The unit was blamed for just one sack -- the other sack was tagged to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- and no quarterback hits. This group provided a great pocket for Big Ben on a lot of play-action passes, most of which ended up being big plays. Roethlisberger finished with 300 yards and five touchdowns on 22 of 27 passing.
Another notable performance was David DeCastro's. He really bounced back from his showing in Week 3, when he gave up three sacks and a quarterback hit.

Other notable O-line units in Week 4

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys had another big week on the ground against the 49ers, as rookie Ezekiel Elliott averaged 6 yards per carry with 138 yards on 23 carries. This unit -- again with Chaz Green and Ron Leary respectively playing in place of starting left tackle Tyron Smith and left guard La'el Collins -- was the top-ranked run-blocking group of the week, and it also gave up zero sacks and one quarterback hit. While both tackles (Doug Free and Green) gave up a couple of hurries, the rest of the interior was extremely stout -- 69 percent of Dallas' rushing yards came on runs between the A-gaps.

Cincinnati Bengals: On a short week, the Bengals contained a very stout Dolphins front and improved to 2-2 with a 22-7 victory on Thursday night. Although the line wasn't overwhelmingly dominant in run-blocking, it was phenomenal in the pass-blocking ranks (third in Pro Football Focus). The Bengals didn't allow a sack -- the one recorded sack was on a blitz and attributed to Andy Dalton -- or single quarterback hit, which is impressive, given the talent of Miami's defensive line. Right guard Kevin Zeitler played well, rendering Ndamukong Suh a non-factor in the game.

New Orleans Saints: At first glance, the Saints' offensive line was one-dimensional, with New Orleans running the ball a mere 83 yards (2.4 yards per carry). But where this unit really flexed its muscle was in the passing game. Quarterback Drew Brees stayed pretty clean throughout, with the exception of four plays (one hurry, one QB hit and two sacks) on 38 dropbacks. Andrus Peat looked solid after sliding over to play left tackle for Terron Armstead, who was inactive (knee). Tim Lelito started at left guard and also had a good performance for the Saints, who desperately needed the road win vs. the Chargers.

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders traveled from coast to coast to face the Ravens on Sunday and came up with another big road victory. Although Oakland didn't do much damage on the ground (19 carries for 62 yards), the offensive line again kept Derek Carr upright. The second-best pass-blocking unit this week (according to PFF) didn't allow any sacks or QB hits, which is impressive, considering who was on the other side: Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, who made his season debut after having foot surgery in the offseason.

 

[Greenbacks]

Carson Palmer remains in concussion protocol.

Carson Palmer's status for Thursday Night Football is up in the air.
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians told reporters that the quarterback was at the team facility Tuesday, but remains in concussion protocol and is still taking tests. Palmer suffered the concussion in the fourth quarter of Arizona's Week 4 loss to the Rams and backup quarterback Drew Stanton threw two interceptions in a short relief appearance. It's a short turnaround for the Cards, who will have to travel to San Francisco on Wednesday for Thursday night's game. So the expectations that Palmer will be available to play remain low. However, earlier in the day, Arians said on a conference call that there is still a "chance he could play."
Either way, Arizona needs a win this week in the worst way. The Cardinals' juggernaut offense from 2015 has stalled through the first quarter of the season and the team sits with the 49ers in the NFC West cellar with a 1-3 record. A loss to lowly San Francisco, with or without their starting quarterback, would sink a promising season to depths from which it may never return.

 

[Greenbacks]

Colts dump starters Antonio Cromartie, Sio Moore.

The recent NFL tradition of heads rolling upon the losing team's return from London continued on Tuesday. A pair of starters on Indianapolis' 30th-ranked scoring defense have lost their jobs.
The Colts released cornerback Antonio Cromartie and waived inside linebacker Sio Moore, the team announced.
Cromartie was signed in a late-August fit of desperation when starting cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Patrick Robinson each went down with injuries.
The 32-year-old cornerback was benched in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after allowing a touchdown to star receiver Allen Robinson at London's Wembley Stadium. He was deemed expendable with Davis and Robinson back in the lineup and slot corner Darius Butler due back soon.
Acquired in a September 2015 trade with the Oakland Raiders, Moore was part of an inside-linebacker rotation with Josh McNary and rookie Antonio Morrison opposite veteran D'Qwell Jackson. He was a liability in coverage, too often leaving the middle of the field open for big plays.
It's rarely a positive measure when key contributors are dumped on the Tuesday of game week. In this case, it's a sign that the Colts finally have better options on a feeble defense.

 

[Greenbacks]

Cardinals lose Chris Johnson, Tyvon Branch to IR.

The Arizona Cardinals' depth will be tested after losing a couple of key contributors during their Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals placed running back Chris Johnson and defensive back Tyvon Branch on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday. Both veterans suffered groin injuries on Sunday. Both Johnson and Branch will undergo hernia surgery, coach Bruce Arians confirmed.
Per the NFL's new rule, teams can designate one player to return from injured reserve after eight weeks, which means either Johnson or Branch may be available for the Dec. 4 home game versus the Washington Redskins. A source informed of the team's decision to place Johnson on the injured-reserved list confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garofolo that it's possible the running back will return depending on his recovery and the state of the Cardinals' backfield in December.
Operating as a change of pace to starter David Johnson, the elder Johnson was in the midst of his best game of the young season when the groin injury struck.

The Cardinals are fortunate to boast one of the league's most effective tailback insurance policies in Andre Ellington, who will now complement the younger Johnson with recently promoted Kerwynn Williams in the third-string role.
"Andre just takes those snaps," Arians said. "We'll continue to keep a good rotation."
A safety for the majority of his nine-year career, Branch had been handling slot corner duties in Arizona. His absence is all the more reason to grant Tyrann Mathieu's request to return to his 2015 role as a swiss army knife, playing primarily in the slot while moonlighting as a linebacker, safety and blitz specialist.
"We're 1-3, man," Mathieu said. "It's not really time for me to sit back and play it slow."
Look for Mathieu and Ellington to be elevated to more prominent roles when the Cardinals square off with the San Francisco 49ers in Thursday Night Football.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

John Fox hints Brian Hoyer could remain Bears' starter.

For the first time all season, Bears fans have something to smile about Monday, and much of that is thanks to Brian Hoyer.
No, you didn't read that wrong. Hoyer, who was last notable for his playoff meltdown with the Houston Texans in a shutout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last season, balled out (relatively speaking) Sunday in the Bears' 17-14 win, completing 28 of 36 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
We know, you can never get too excited about Hoyer, even if Mike Lombardi loves to remind us of how great he could be. The quarterback who is still the lone man at his position to own a winning record as a Browns starter can also morph into the passer who groans before his errant throw is even intercepted. But count John Fox as one of those who is going to believe in the man who replaced injured starter Jay Cutler (sprained thumb).

Hoyer replaced Cutler in the midst of Chicago's ugly 29-14 loss to the Eagles on Monday Night Football, and completed 30 of 49 passes for 317 yards and two scores in a 31-17 loss. Two weeks later, he helped the Bears to their first win. The stat line from the victory over Detroit is impressive, but when watching the games in which he's played, Hoyer exhibited the same issues that have long left his ceiling very much in sight. With Hoyer comes the accurate short passes, the ability to make the occasional play on the run, and the maddeningly overthrown balls beyond 15 yards.
Apparently, Fox and his staff will take the bad with the good, as long as the good keeps resulting in 300-plus-yard performances and wins, even if Cutler is healthy. It's the latest sign that, despite being signed through 2020, Cutler's time in Chicago and the existing relationship could be wearing thin.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Carr, Fuller lead Week 4 Clutch Performers.


Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Strong stats to consider:
» The Baltimore Ravens defense stalled the Raiders attack overall. The Raiders squeaked out the win despite just 261 total yards.
» Though he didn't cover many yards, Carr did throw four touchdowns. He could continue tossing scores considering the Raiders' next four opponents include three teams that didn't make the playoffs in 2015. The teams include the Chargers, Chiefs, Jaguars and the Buccaneers.
Power of the moment: The Raiders had a tough task going into Baltimore to face the then undefeated Ravens, who rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take the lead with less than four minutes remaining. Carr went on to lead a 66-yard drive and took the final lead with a TD pass to Michael Crabtree with 2:12 left in the game.

Will Fuller, Houston Texans

Strong stats to consider:
» Fuller was known for his speed before entering the NFL. It was on full display Sunday. His 67-yard punt return is the first return TD for Houston since Week 11, 2013.
» Fuller became the first Texans player with a receiving TD, and a punt return TD in the same game. He's the fourth rookie in the past 15 years to accomplish this feat. His company in this category ... Tavon Austin, T.Y. Hilton and Dez Bryant.
Power of the moment: The Texans were locked in a tie late in the third quarter with divisional rival Tennessee Titans in a game without defensive standout J.J. Watt. That's when Fuller burned by everyone on a 67-yard punt return TD. The impressive part of this play, is it doesn't even look like he's going full speed. We'll see his fifth gear later this season I'm sure since he's currently leading the Texans in targets (34).

John Kuhn, New Orleans Saints

Strong stats to consider:
» The Saints edged out this win with just 275 total yards of offense. It's the fewest yards they've managed in a win since signing Drew Brees in 2006.
» Fortunately for the Saints, Kuhn is a short yardage specialist. With just 12 total yards, Kuhn brought in three touchdowns.
Power of the moment: The San Diegp Chargers led 34-21 late in the game, but then proceeded to give up three turnovers in the final seven minutes. Chargers' receiver Travis Benjamin lost a fumble at their own 31. This ultimately led to Kuhn pounding it in for a one-yard touchdown and the game winner.

Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams

Strong stats to consider:
» Keenum has improved over the last two weeks. Through Weeks 1 and 2, Keenum posted a 57.8 passer rating, two interceptions, no touchdowns and a 184.5 yards per game average. The last two weeks, he's thrown 228 yards per game, one pick, four TDs and has a passer rating of 100.0.
» Dating back to last season, the Rams have now won six of their last eight games.
Power of the moment: With just 2:41 left in the fourth quarter, Keenum hit Brian Quick for a four-yard TD. The Rams are in first place in the NFC West at 3-1 with the tiebreaker over the Seahawks.

Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars

Strong stats to consider:
» Hurns apparently likes playing in London over the last two seasons. His stats the last two games are similar and featured critical fourth quarter TDs. Last year vs. Bills: Two receptions, 53 yards, 31-yard fourth quarter TD. Sunday against the Colts: two receptions, 47 yards, 42-yard fourth quarter TD.
» This is Hurns' first TD of the season. He had nine touchdowns in 15 games played last season.
Power of the moment: The Jags were up 23-20 with just over five minutes left to play. While they had the lead, Andrew Luck and the Colts had found a rhythm and were on the verge of taking the game. That's when Hurns turned a short dump pass into a 42-yard TD, breaking several tackles along the way. The Jags would hang on to win 30-27.

 

[Greenbacks]

La'el Collins headed to IR following toe surgery.

Dallas' dominant offensive line is down a man. Guard La'el Collins is having surgery on his toe, Jerry Jones confirmed Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo notes that Collins had the toe looked at by three different specialists, but none could guarantee that it would heal properly without the procedure. The plan is for Dallas to place Collins on injured reserve and roll with former starter Ronald Leary, the odd man out once Dallas secured Collins as a high-profile undrafted free agent back in 2015.
The Cowboys are thrilled they kept Leary despite trade requests this offseason. It may have been tempting to secure a draft pick for an extraneous luxury, but now the league's best run blocking offensive line can simply plug and go.
As for Collins, there is no word on whether or not he will be back this season. Thanks to new guidelines regarding injured reserve, the Cowboys do not have to declare who their designated return player is until he can return to practice. Collins was injured two weeks ago against the Bears.
Head coach Jason Garrett will now have to make sure that the loss does not impact rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, who had another stellar game against the 49ers last week. Over the past two weeks -- 3/4 of which were played without Collins -- Elliott has put up 278 yards (5.5 yards/carry) and a touchdown.