NFL Week 4: News, notes and observations
The NFL is hitting the quarter mark of the season. Teams are beginning to show they no longer belong on the field with others, while certain clubs are starting to ramp up for what could be a memorable campaign.
Here’s what to watch on Sunday:
Lions can roar against Chiefs this Sunday
The Detroit Lions have a chance to prove they belong in the conversation of teams which can make noise come January. On deck? The Kansas City Chiefs Thus far, the Lions are 2-0-1 but have presented a mixed bag. In Week 1, they blew a 24-6 lead in the fourth quarter against the lowly Arizona Cardinals, settling for a 27-27 tie. The following Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers outplayed Detroit, only to see two touchdowns called back by penalty before fumbling inside the Lions’ 1-yard line. Beat Kansas City, and the questions go away.
Falcons, Titans both have golden opportunityÂ
The Atlanta Falcons are hosting the Tennessee Titans. It’s not a sexy affair, but it’s worth watching. Both teams are 1-2 but only a game back in their respective divisions. The loser is suddenly on the proverbial thin ice, while the winner is 2-2 after the season’s first four games and right in the mix. If the Titans are going to go on the road and win, they need Marcus Mariota to be much better than he’s been. If he struggles early, does head coach Mike Vrabel look down the bench for Ryan Tannehill?
Daniel Jones, the sequel
The New York Giants are playing host to the moribund Washington Redskins, and Big Blue faithful will get its first real look at Daniel Jones up close. Jones was terrific in Tampa Bay, helping to engineer a 32-31 upset win over the Buccaneers by scoring four touchdowns (two running, two passing). It should also be mentioned, though, that Jones threw three balls which should have been intercepted. Can Jones eliminate those tosses and beat the Redskins handily?
Chargers have to make a statementÂ
The Los Angeles Chargers are visiting the Miami Dolphins. Miami, stunningly to nobody, is a 14.5-point underdog at home. The Chargers, even with all their injuries, should pound the Dolphins into submission. If they don’t — and we’re talking even a close win would be hideous — Los Angeles might not be the contender most believed it to be going into the season. At 1-2, this is the moment for the Chargers to win big and go back home.
