NFL Week 4: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

THE GOOD

The Eagles didn't lose: They didn't win either, because they didn't play. They are among the first teams to have a bye week. I wasn't too happy, because they could lose momentum after an unexpected 3-0 start. On Sunday, they play the struggling Detroit Lions. Most people believe Carson Wentz and the offense will rip through the Lions' defense. I think this is looking more and more like a trap game. Coach Doug Pederson is aware of that too, and claims he is making sure the team isn't too complacent, and will, as Coach Herm says, play to win the game on Sunday.

Falcons putting up Tecmo Bowl stats: QB Matt Ryan, formerly of Exton, PA gunslings for 503 yards, and a passer rating of 142, which is not far from the perfect 158.3 rating. Norm Van Brocklin's 1964 record of 554 yards still stands. WR Julio Jones racked up 300 yards receiving, beating his own franchise record. He is only the sixth receiver to hit the 300-yard mark. Flipper Anderson's 336-yard performance in 1989 still holds the record.

Rex gets to brag: The Patriots were shut out at home! By the Bills! This is the first time the Patsies were shut out in the 135-game history of Gillette Stadium. I don't think this will be a regular occurrence, though. Next week they get Tom Brady back from suspension and they play the lowly Browns. (see below)

So, there is life in Pittsburgh after all: After the Steelers were thumped by the Eagles, they came back this week to squash the Chiefs, a potential playoff team, 43-14. Big Ben, who was rendered virtually useless last week, throws 5 TD passes.

THE BAD

This week in the Mistake by the Lake: Actually, not too much to complain about here. Rookie QB Cody Kessler could have looked much worse, and Isaiah Crowell rushed for 120 yards. Still, they were outrun and outscored by the Potomac Basin Indigenous Peoples' offense. Next week, they will face a Patriots squad who will be mad coming out of a shutout loss and will have Tom Brady back. (see above)

John Kuhn: His mere existence is the bane of fantasy players. The Saints fullback scored 3 TDs - One 4-yard catch and two 1-yard runs, taking scores and points away from the team's high-profile receivers and running backs.

No Fitz-Magic: The Jets QB's Harvard education must not have taught him to throw footballs to his own team, because he had 3 picks in a loss to the Seahawks, and nine in the past two weeks. Another performance like this, and he will likely be surfing the bench.

THE UGLY

Adventures in officiating: The referees continue to make sure this is the No Fun League. Cam Newton was flagged for making a first-down signal with his hands. The ref was probably thinking, "Hey! That's my job!" Josh Norman was penalized AND fined 10 grand for pantomiming shooting a bow and arrow... On the sideline! He wasn't even on the field! He is appealing the fine. Jags receiver Allen Robinson was flagged for spinning the ball. However, Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles was not flagged for punting a ball into the stands. The refs need to calm down. Not only are they taking the fun out of the game, these are also 15-yard penalties that can change the course of the game. Players need to be a little more aware of what they are doing, and refs don't need to throw the flag every single time a player celebrates.

Injury report: This week was ugly. Cam Newton is probably out this week with a concussion. Trevor Siemian, who has been impressive as Peyton Manning's replacement, hurt his non-throwing shoulder. Cardinals QB Carson Palmer may also be out with a concussion, which is the last thing the 1-3 Cards need right now (although they won with Drew Stanton this week).

Top drafted QBs: No. 2 pick Carson Wentz is 3-0 with the Eagles and was named the NFL offensive rookie of the month. No. 1 pick Jared Goff was mediocre in training camp, has watched Case Keenum stary every game and has not taken a snap. Could this be the next Ryan Leaf?