Mahomes Dominates Jackson; Falcons and Nacua Shine in NFL Action
Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a decisive 37-20 victory over Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, marking another challenging outing for Jackson against the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons showcased their offensive prowess as they overwhelmed the Washington Commanders. Here is a look at the standout performances and disappointing results from Sunday’s NFL action.
Notable Winners from Week 4
Jaxson Dart made a significant impact in his starting debut for the New York Giants, leading the team to a 21-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Dart completed 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 54 yards and another score, becoming the first quarterback in two decades to defeat a team with a 3-0 record in his first career start. The Giants had not experienced such offensive momentum in some time, with Dart orchestrating a nine-play, 75-yard drive capped by a 15-yard rushing touchdown. The defense, led by Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, pressured Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throughout the game, contributing to two interceptions.
The Atlanta Falcons finally displayed the offensive capabilities that fans had anticipated. In a 30-0 defeat the previous week, the Falcons struggled against the Carolina Panthers, but on Sunday, they rebounded impressively, defeating the Commanders. Drake London caught eight passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Bijan Robinson amassed 181 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 20 of 26 passes for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. This performance showcased the talent of a Falcons offense that had faced criticism for its inconsistencies.
One of the most remarkable performances came from Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams, who continues to excel in his rookie season. Nacua leads the league in catches (42), targets (49), and receiving yards (503) after a standout performance against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded 13 catches for a career-high 170 yards and a touchdown in a 27-20 victory. Nacua’s ability to create separation and make contested catches solidifies his status as a valuable asset for the Rams.
Major Disappointments This Week
On the flip side, Jackson’s struggles against the Chiefs continued as he fell to 1-6 in his career against them. Jackson was pressured significantly, facing a blitz-heavy scheme from defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He completed 14 of 20 passes for 147 yards, a touchdown, and an interception before leaving the game with a hamstring injury late in the third quarter. The Ravens’ defense faltered, allowing 382 yards to a Chiefs offense that had been sluggish in previous weeks. Mahomes threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns, reaffirming his status among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
The Tennessee Titans faced a challenging outing against the Houston Texans, suffering a 26-0 defeat. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward expressed frustration after completing just 10 of 26 passes for 108 yards and an interception. With the Titans now 0-4, Ward acknowledged the need for improvement across all aspects of the game. Head coach Brian Callahan‘s decision to hand over play-calling duties did not yield a turnaround, leaving the team searching for answers.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings also faced setbacks as they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. Despite his previous success in shutting down opposing offenses, Flores was unable to contain veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers’ defense applied relentless pressure, leading to struggles for the Vikings’ offense, which could not find its rhythm.
As the NFL season progresses, teams will look to build on their successes while addressing the challenges they face. The performances from Week 4 highlighted both the highs and lows of the sport, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.
