NFC South Contenders Fall To Seemingly Inferior Competition
The Saints, Falcons, and Panthers, who have all made the playoffs at least once in the past two years, lost to the Cowboys, Vikings, and Ravens, respectively, who all missed the playoffs last year. All three (NFC South) teams were seen as playoff contenders, but they lost by a combined 62 points, just under 21 points per game.
The Buccaneers Got Their First Win
The Buccaneers were the only NFC South team to win in Week 4, a close, 27-24 victory over the Steelers. Last week, Josh McCown went down with an injury, so Mike Glennon, the Buccaneers' 2013 starter, stepped in and recorded a 96 passer rating, but most of his stats were compiled in garbage time. Glennon played well at times last year as a starter, but failed to consistently lead his team. In his 2014 debut, he led the offense down the field with less than a minute on the clock, capping off the drive with a touchdown throw to Vincent Jackson. The Steelers had a few miscues that may have kept the Buccaneers in the game, but Glennon's play, without a doubt, was impressive.
E.J. Manuel Benched In Favor Of Kyle Orton
Manuel played well in his first two games, recording passer ratings of 91.7 and 98.6, respectively, and his team won both of those games. The Bills, though, have dropped two straight, and Manuel threw two picked in Week 4, one that was returned for a touchdown. While Manuel was not able to do much last game, it seems too early to bench him, as he started off the season well. A first-round pick just a year ago, this is a very questionable call.
Eagles' Offense Held Scoreless Against An Injury-Riddled 49ers' Defense
After scoring 30 points or more in their first three games, the Eagles' offense failed to put a single point on the board. They lost by four on the scoreboard, but were defeated in just about every phase on offense and defense. Nick Foles threw two picks and failed to complete 50% of his passes or surpass 200 yards, while running backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles combined for 23 yards from scrimmage. On defense, the Eagles were run over by Frank Gore, while Colin Kaepernick was able to pick them apart in the second half.
Upset In Kansas City!
After the Patriots put up just 19 points against the Raiders, they fall to the Chiefs 14-41. The Chiefs are not a bad team, after keeping up with the Broncos in Week 2 and defeating the Dolphins in Week 3, who beat the Patriots in the season opener. The Patriots have been disappointing thus far and are on a slippery road, while the Chiefs have gotten better each week; it makes sense now, but the Patriots were expected to step it up, while the Chiefs were expected to fall back into place.
