NFL Week 4 Recap: What We Learned About Every Team, Game by Game

Published 9:16 am Sunday, October 1, 2023

October is here, and with it, the crux of the NFL Week 4 schedule.

The Jaguars and Falcons kicked off Sunday’s action at London’s Wembley Stadium. In the early window, there’s a host of good divisional battles, including the high-flying Dolphins visiting the Bills. The Ravens and Browns are playing for (at least a share) first place in the AFC North. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will make his first NFL start in place of Deshaun Watson, who is out with a shoulder injury for Cleveland.

In the late window, the Raiders and Chargers mix it up at SoFi Stadium, with Aidan O’Connell making his first NFL start, while Ezekiel Elliott and the Patriots visit the Cowboys.

Finally, it’s the fighting Taylor Swifts and the Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night, as the Chiefs look to run their record to 3–1 against New York.

(Note: This file will be updated throughout the day.)

Sunday

Jaguars 23, Falcons 7

Lawrence was 23-of-30 passing for 207 yards and a touchdown.

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

  • What it means for Falcons: Throwing for 72 yards and two interceptions in the first half, Desmond Ridder took Atlanta out of the game early. At 2–2, the Falcons have to consider whether Taylor Heinicke is their best option in the hopes of making the playoffs. To this point, Ridder has made very few plays.
  • What it means for Jaguars: Forget about the offense. This is the kind of defense Jacksonville needs to be a threat in the AFC. The Jaguars totaled four sacks (three by Josh Allen) and seven quarterback hits, harassing Ridder into key mistakes, including a pick-six. Next week, Jacksonville continues the International Series against the Bills, and the Jags will need to get home often against Josh Allen.

Thursday

Lions 34, Packers 20

  • What it means for Lions: Every contender needs a strength to rely on every week. Detroit’s is its dominance up front on both sides of the ball. Against the Packers, the Lions rushed for 211 yards while sacking Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love five times. Winning both sides of the line of scrimmage has become normal for Detroit.
  • What it means for Packers: Green Bay needs to do better around Love. While he struggled with two interceptions on Thursday, the line was a disaster throughout, allowing 11 quarterback hits. With left tackle David Bakhtiari sidelined for a while and Elgton Jenkins working back from a knee injury, the Packers are going to have to get creative on offense. 

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