The NFL Roundup 2018: Week 4 – What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

​While one might think that the NFL season will begin to become routine as the weeks roll on, the excitement that happens on the field ensures that every single week is a breathtaking affair and this past weekend was no exception to that rule. We were privy to some stunning games in Week 4, complete with shootouts and stunners and well, as always, NFL football left us with plenty to mull over, so let’s not waste any time today and discuss what we learned from this weekend’s slate of games.
 
Thursday Night Football has finally found its stride.
Normally, the Thursday Night Football game is well, awful. It’s usually a pair of losing teams, it features boring action, but the times, they are a changing. Because the Thursday game has been nothing short of phenomenal this year and it’s about time to be honest. Because prime time football should be reserved for exciting games and my goodness, this past matchup between Minnesota and Los Angeles was downright breathtaking. So, as someone who has been quite critical of this particular game the past couple of years, I tip my cap to the NFL for finally figuring this out and giving us some thrilling matchups at last.
 
This is turning out to be a bizarre year for kickers.
There was a time, when being a kicker in the NFL was a pretty awesome gig. After all, these guys could just knock a PAT in since they used to be a chip shot and when a QB can drop touchdowns no problem, these guys rarely have to put the game upon their leg. But something weird is happening this year, and it bears taking a moment to discuss because holy cow, kickers are missing left and right. It doesn’t matter if it’s a PAT or a baby Field Goal, the ball just keeps slipping wide right or left, or hitting the goal post and even seasoned vets are missing since I saw Sebastian Janikowski and Phil Dawson miss kicks that are normally no big deal for them. I’m not sure what’s causing this sudden surge of inaccuracy, but it’s changing the landscape of the game and here’s to hoping it gets fixed soon.
 
The Cleveland Browns reminded everyone that it takes more than a good QB to win a game.
While Baker Mayfield remained exciting to watch on Sunday, since he made some impressive throws in Oakland, this particular loss is not upon his shoulders, it was more of a team effort. Because let’s be honest, the Browns had this game in hand for three quarters, and eventually let it slip and let that serve as proof that while Mayfield will likely bring productivity and stability to an offense that’s been missing it since the franchise returned to Cleveland, his teammates have to support him and do their jobs and well, until they do that, expect the Browns to continue their losing ways, so here’s to hoping that Coach Jackson gets his head out of the clouds and demands better of a team that has proven it can win, before the losses get out of hand.
 
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team in crisis.
When it comes to the Steelers, you come to expect a few things when they take the field. You expect to see some stout offense and defense by way of a punishing run game and a tough defensive front. But something has changed in Pittsburgh this year, because the run game has all but disappeared with Le’Veon Bell holding out, and the defense is an outright joke and just like that, the Steelers are suddenly in free fall mode. They simply cannot get anything going on either side of the ball and at this point, it’s up to Head Coach Mike Tomlin to figure it out. He has to unify this team, he has to get his coordinators to change things up or else Pittsburgh will be looking at a top five draft pick come next year.
 
The time has come to make some personnel and coaching changes in Denver.
It’s one thing to lose a close shootout in prime time, because then you know both teams were going at it like Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. But it’s quite another thing to lose by outright blowing the game and that’s precisely what the Denver Broncos did on Monday Night. They had the Chiefs dead to rights for three quarters of the game, but more awful play calling form Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods at crucial times, combined with more undisciplined play from the players means it is time to make some serious changes in Denver. For starters, it’s okay to fire Woods because he is clearly in over his head as a DC and is failing this talented defense and second to that, it is also time to start benching players that aren’t listening to the coaches and continue to make stupid mistakes. The bottom line, Vance Joseph needs to show everyone that he’s the boss and is ready to make whatever changes necessary to win and if he’s unwilling to start holding his players and his coaches accountable…well then John Elway is welcome to clean house once again.  

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