2019 NFL Week 4 Recap

<p><b><i>Bengals 3</i></b><br />
<b><i>Steelers 27</i></b></p>
<p>From winless to just a game out of first place in the AFC North — crazy how much changed for Pittsburgh in just a week.</p>
<p>In the 100th meeting between these division rivals, the Steelers returned to form by getting more than twice as many sacks (8) as points allowed and Jaylen Samuels became the second player since 1970 to notch three completions, three catches and three rushes in a single game. They’ll need another effort like this next week to knock off the arch-rival Ravens.</p>

1/15

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) scores on a 2-yard run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. (AP/Don Wright)

Bengals 3
Steelers 27

From winless to just a game out of first place in the AFC North — crazy how much changed for Pittsburgh in just a week.

In the 100th meeting between these division rivals, the Steelers returned to form by getting more than twice as many sacks (8) as points allowed and Jaylen Samuels became the second player since 1970 to notch three completions, three catches and three rushes in a single game. They’ll need another effort like this next week to knock off the arch-rival Ravens.

<p><em><strong>Cowboys 10</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Saints 12</strong></em></p>
<p>New Orleans won a game without scoring a touchdown for just the fourth time in franchise history, and Dallas has now lost six of their last seven meetings with the Saints in the Superdome. If the Cowboys partied like the owner did down there, the reasons are apparent.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How many NFL owners would walk down Bourbon Street on a Saturday night. I’ll go with … just one <a href="https://t.co/e9FZmWmruv">pic.twitter.com/e9FZmWmruv</a></p>
<p>— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) <a href="https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/1178314409724317696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

2/15

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — SEPTEMBER 29: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys stripped of the ball by A.J. Klein #53 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of an NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Getty Images/Sean Gardner)

Cowboys 10
Saints 12

New Orleans won a game without scoring a touchdown for just the fourth time in franchise history, and Dallas has now lost six of their last seven meetings with the Saints in the Superdome. If the Cowboys partied like the owner did down there, the reasons are apparent.

How many NFL owners would walk down Bourbon Street on a Saturday night. I’ll go with … just one pic.twitter.com/e9FZmWmruv

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 29, 2019

<p><b><i>Jaguars 26</i></b><br />
<b><i>Broncos 24</i></b></p>
<p>I know everyone is enraptured in Minshew Magic, but Leonard Fournette’s career-high 225 yards, the Ramsey-less defense’s first takeaway and some clutch kicking by Josh Lambo made Jacksonville look ready to contend in a division totally up for grabs.</p>

3/15

DENVER, Colo. — SEPTEMBER 29: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars carries the ball on a play that would go for an 81 yard run against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Getty Images/Dustin Bradford)

Jaguars 26
Broncos 24

I know everyone is enraptured in Minshew Magic, but Leonard Fournette’s career-high 225 yards, the Ramsey-less defense’s first takeaway and some clutch kicking by Josh Lambo made Jacksonville look ready to contend in a division totally up for grabs.

<p><b><i>Vikings 6</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bears 16</i></b></p>
<p>A week after an “<a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2019/9/25/20883774/bears-matt-nagy-tarik-cohen-live-stream-nude-teammate">Em-bare-ass-ing</a>” blowout of the Redskins, the Bears mauled ex-Redskin Kirk Cousins for as many sacks (6) as points allowed. If Chicago ever gets anything from their QB — and Chase Daniel actually played better than the injured Mitch Trubisky has at any point this season — this is a threat to win a wide open NFC.</p>

4/15

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) fumbles as he is sacked by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, left, while Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd gets in on the play during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Chicago. The Vikings kept possession of the ball. (AP/Matt Marton)

Vikings 6
Bears 16

A week after an “Em-bare-ass-ing” blowout of the Redskins, the Bears mauled ex-Redskin Kirk Cousins for as many sacks (6) as points allowed. If Chicago ever gets anything from their QB — and Chase Daniel actually played better than the injured Mitch Trubisky has at any point this season — this is a threat to win a wide open NFC.

<p><b><i>Seahawks 27</i></b><br />
<b><i>Cardinals 10</i></b></p>
<p>Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the NFL’s second-leading receiver, Larry Fitzgerald — the only thing that makes being an Arizona Cardinals fan feel not-so-bad.</p>

5/15

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches his career 1,325 catch to tie Tony Gonzalez for second place on the all-time receptions list during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP/Ross D. Franklin)

Seahawks 27
Cardinals 10

Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the NFL’s second-leading receiver, Larry Fitzgerald — the only thing that makes being an Arizona Cardinals fan feel not-so-bad.

<p><b><i>Bucs 55</i></b><br />
<b><i>Rams 40</i></b></p>
<p>Jared Goff threw for the eighth-most yards in NFL history but he turned the ball over four times and his defense allowed the most points scored on the Rams in 63 years. Are the Bucs actually good or is this an aberration? We’ll find out in New Orleans next week.</p>

6/15

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, left, forces a fumble by Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. The fumble was returned by a touchdown by nose tackle Ndamukong Suh, top. (AP/Mark J. Terrill)

Bucs 55
Rams 40

Jared Goff threw for the eighth-most yards in NFL history but he turned the ball over four times and his defense allowed the most points scored on the Rams in 63 years. Are the Bucs actually good or is this an aberration? We’ll find out in New Orleans next week.

<p><b><i>Redskins 3</i></b><br />
<b><i>Giants 24</i></b></p>
<p>A week after <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/22/daniel-jones-uses-magic-four-letter-word-to-get-giants-going/">jump-starting the Giants with his potty mouth</a>, Daniel Jones became the first Giants rookie QB to win his first two starts since Phil Simms in 1979 … and on the same day fellow first-round rookie Dwayne Haskins became the first ‘Skins QB to throw a Pick-6 in his first career game since Stan Humphries in 1989. With the 4-0 Patriots set to invade FedEx Field, this <a href="https://twitter.com/granthpaulsen/status/1176476033018671105?s=21">already-miserable stretch</a> will extend to 0-5 and Jay Gruden’s tenure will almost certainly end before a battle of winless teams in Miami. Book it.</p>

7/15

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, second from left, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP/Bill Kostroun)

Redskins 3
Giants 24

A week after jump-starting the Giants with his potty mouth, Daniel Jones became the first Giants rookie QB to win his first two starts since Phil Simms in 1979 … and on the same day fellow first-round rookie Dwayne Haskins became the first ‘Skins QB to throw a Pick-6 in his first career game since Stan Humphries in 1989. With the 4-0 Patriots set to invade FedEx Field, this already-miserable stretch will extend to 0-5 and Jay Gruden’s tenure will almost certainly end before a battle of winless teams in Miami. Book it.

<p><b><i>Browns 40</i></b><br />
<b><i>Ravens 25</i></b></p>
<p>Lamar Jackson’s <a href="http://espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/50805/lamar-jackson-reaching-new-historic-heights-just-dont-bring-it-up">franchise-best pick-less streak</a> ended badly, but that may not even be Baltimore’s biggest concern: Cleveland ran it down the Ravens’ throats <a href="https://deadspin.com/nick-chubb-pantsed-the-ravens-defense-and-shoved-them-i-1838601002?utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow ">in historic fashion</a>, which had <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001060585/article/earl-thomas-brandon-williams-have-heated-talk-after-loss">the Ravens D quarreling among themselves</a> after the game. If the Browns provided the blueprint for exposing Baltimore’s defense, it might be their division to win after all.</p>

8/15

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) prepares to cross the goal line after avoiding several tackles from Baltimore Ravens defenders during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP/Brien Aho)

Browns 40
Ravens 25

Lamar Jackson’s franchise-best pick-less streak ended badly, but that may not even be Baltimore’s biggest concern: Cleveland ran it down the Ravens’ throats in historic fashion, which had the Ravens D quarreling among themselves after the game. If the Browns provided the blueprint for exposing Baltimore’s defense, it might be their division to win after all.

<p><b><i>Chiefs 34</i></b><br />
<b><i>Lions 30</i></b></p>
<p>Patrick Mahomes may have been held without a touchdown pass for the first time in his incredible career but he was still making ridiculous highlights (did you see <a href="https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1178364060645019648?s=21">the no-look run</a>??) to lead the Chiefs their second straight 4-0 start with three road wins — even if it wasn’t a <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/29/andy-reid-after-sundays-win-not-all-of-mozarts-paintings-were-perfect/">KC masterpiece</a>.</p>

9/15

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — SEPTEMBER 29: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs for a fourth quarter first down while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Getty Images/Gregory Shamus)

Chiefs 34
Lions 30

Patrick Mahomes may have been held without a touchdown pass for the first time in his incredible career but he was still making ridiculous highlights (did you see the no-look run??) to lead the Chiefs their second straight 4-0 start with three road wins — even if it wasn’t a KC masterpiece.

<p><b><i>Patriots 16</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bills 10</i></b></p>
<p>Give Buffalo credit: They’re the first team this year to score an offensive TD on the vaunted Patriots D, Frank Gore <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/29/frank-gore-becomes-fourth-player-to-rush-for-15000-yards/">made history at their expense</a>, the Bills defense made Tom Brady look like a 42-year-old QB playing on the road, and <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/28/bills-hope-the-flying-sex-toy-tradition-ends-tomorrow/">the sex toy streak</a> finally ended even if <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/28/tom-brady-has-won-more-in-buffalo-this-century-than-any-bills-quarterback/">Brady’s ownership of the Bills</a> didn’t. Even in defeat, Buffalo looked like a serious wild card contender.</p>

10/15

ORCHARD PARK, NY — SEPTEMBER 29: Jamie Collins #58 of the New England Patriots tries to make a tackle on Frank Gore #20 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Patriots beat the Bills 16-10. (Getty Images/Timothy T Ludwig)

Patriots 16
Bills 10

Give Buffalo credit: They’re the first team this year to score an offensive TD on the vaunted Patriots D, Frank Gore made history at their expense, the Bills defense made Tom Brady look like a 42-year-old QB playing on the road, and the sex toy streak finally ended even if Brady’s ownership of the Bills didn’t. Even in defeat, Buffalo looked like a serious wild card contender.

<p><b><i>Panthers 16</i></b><br />
<b><i>Texans 10</i></b></p>
<p>Houston’s season comes down to this: Will Deshaun Watson (sacked six more times Sunday) survive long enough for the Texans O-line to get its act together?</p>

11/15

HOUSTON, TEXAS — SEPTEMBER 29: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is sacked by Mario Addison #97 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Getty Images/Bob Levey)

Panthers 16
Texans 10

Houston’s season comes down to this: Will Deshaun Watson (sacked six more times Sunday) survive long enough for the Texans O-line to get its act together?

<p><b><i>Chargers 30</i></b><br />
<b><i>Dolphins 10</i></b></p>
<p>For those keeping score at home, Miami has been outscored 163-26 this season (the worst four-game point differential since at least 1940) and <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/25/south-floridians-arent-watching-dolphins-games/">nobody in South Florida cares to watch</a> this obvious tank-job. The Chargers’ first road win of the Dolphins since their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SdBOT_FTio">iconic playoff matchup 37 years ago</a> was basically a gift.</p>

12/15

Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) misses a tackles as Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) runs for a touchdown, during the first half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP/Wilfredo Lee)

Chargers 30
Dolphins 10

For those keeping score at home, Miami has been outscored 163-26 this season (the worst four-game point differential since at least 1940) and nobody in South Florida cares to watch this obvious tank-job. The Chargers’ first road win of the Dolphins since their iconic playoff matchup 37 years ago was basically a gift.

<p><em><strong>Raiders 31</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Colts 24</strong></em></p>
<p>I know it’s still early in the year … but I think this will go down as Indy’s worst loss of the season and Oakland’s best win.</p>

13/15

Oakland Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (34) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP/AJ Mast)

Raiders 31
Colts 24

I know it’s still early in the year … but I think this will go down as Indy’s worst loss of the season and Oakland’s best win.

<p><b><i>Titans 24</i></b><br />
<b><i>Falcons 10</i></b></p>
<p>Man, Atlanta’s ruining my <a href="https://wtop.com/gallery/nfl/2019-nfl-playoff-predictions/">NFL Preview</a> …</p>

14/15

Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) prepares to sack Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Atlanta. The Tennessee Titans won 24-10. (AP/John Bazemore)

Titans 24
Falcons 10

Man, Atlanta’s ruining my NFL Preview …

<p><b><i>Eagles 34</i></b><br />
<b><i>Packers 27</i></b></p>
<p>In a season in which they’ve been screwed by <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/nationals/nfl-reportedly-banked-phillies-making-mlb-postseason-and-it-looks-backfired">the underachieving Phillies</a>, the Iggles stayed undefeated on Thursdays under Doug Pederson to save their season in a suddenly-competitive NFC East.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Green Bay’s best offensive output comes with an asterisk; Aaron Rodgers’ four incompletions at the 1-yard line are the most by any QB in any quarter in the last 40 years, and <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/27/aaron-rodgers-suffers-first-home-loss-when-leading-by-double-digits/">this historic blown lead</a> perhaps drives an even bigger wedge between him and his new coach.</p>

15/15

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN — SEPTEMBER 26: Jimmy Graham #80 of the Green Bay Packers fails to make a catch while being guarded by Zach Brown #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field on September 26, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Getty Images/Dylan Buell)

Eagles 34
Packers 27

In a season in which they’ve been screwed by the underachieving Phillies, the Iggles stayed undefeated on Thursdays under Doug Pederson to save their season in a suddenly-competitive NFC East.

Meanwhile, Green Bay’s best offensive output comes with an asterisk; Aaron Rodgers’ four incompletions at the 1-yard line are the most by any QB in any quarter in the last 40 years, and this historic blown lead perhaps drives an even bigger wedge between him and his new coach.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to engage in conversation about this article and others.