| 07 October 2009
With four weeks of NFL Football behind us, there is only one thing we can say for certain; a quarter of the season is done. Heading into Week 4, there were a few marquee games that could finally show fans how several Superbowl contenders actually stack up with one another.
So after a forth week of football, what do we now know?
Brett Favre Adds Another Line to the Resume
After un-retiring for a second time this off season Brett Favre won the first of two games he came back to play. In the process, he became the first quarterback in history to record a win against every modern NFL franchise.
The Green Bay defense stuffed Adrian Peterson, who averaged 2.2 yards per carry through 25 attempts. In essence, they forced Favre to beat them, and he did by spreading the ball to eight receivers while going 24-31 for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Despite all the Favre attention, the star of the game had to be Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen. He led a defensive attack that kept Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rogers on his ass all night. Allen, a 6-6 270 pound freak of nature, recorded 4.5 sacks, which is an all time high for a player on Monday Night Football.
Skimming Tom Brady is Enough to Lose you Downs and Distance
Baltimore's first loss of the season had some controversy to it, and it could be best explained through the angst of Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis. After the game, Lewis told reporters, "without totally going off the wall here, it is embarrassing to the game. Brady is good enough to make his own plays, let him make the play."
Lewis was referring to his defense being flagged for two roughing the passer penalties which appeared to be inadvertent and with minor contact. Those two penalties extended Patriot drives, both of which ended with Patriots touchdowns.
Later, a disputable spot of the ball after a Willis McGahee run on forth and one in the final quarter prevented Baltimore from continuing a drive that could have given them the lead. However, the Ravens did put themselves in position to win later in the game, but failed when Mark Clayton dropped a perfect pass on forth and four with 28 seconds remaining.
The Saints Stop the Jets from Marching (In)
In a match up that was supposed to feature New Orleans show stopping offense against the Jets stifling defense, it was the Saints defense that scored more points than any unit as they made Mark Sanchez look like the rookie his.
On New York's second offensive series was abruptly stopped when New Orleans safety Darren Sharper returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown. Two series later, Mark Sanchez couldn't get the ball beyond the end zone as a Will Smith sack caused a fumble that was recovered by Remi Ayodele for a touchdown. Sanchez threw two additional picks, a second to Sharper and one to Randall Gay.
Defensive, the Jets looked continued to look strong as they became the first team this season to prevent New Orleans from scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. They forced a Reggie Bush fumble and stopped the Saints twice on forth down, including a four play goal line stance.
But in the end, mistakes cost the Jets on both sides of the ball. In the forth quarter, New Orleans attempted their third forth-down conversion of the game. Drew Brees hard count drew Kris Jenkins off sides, continuing the series that eventually lead to New Orleans only offensive points of the game.
Is Denver for Real or the Worst 4-0 Team in History?
By far, the Denver Bronco's are the most unlikely 4-0 team of the season. All the off season drama surrounding Denver's offense has been practically forgotten as Kyle Orton has subtlety guided this team so well. Sunday, he quietly improved his career record as a starter at home to 17-2.
The highlight of the game was Orton's 51 yard touchdown pass to for Brandon Marshall. Marshall's run after the catch featured great east/west running and phenomenal downfield blocking with 1:01 remaining in the game. Still, it was the Denver defense that once again lead to a Bronco's win.
The Cowboys were leading 10-0 after the first quarter, but were unable to score for the remainder of the game. Dallas entered week 4 with the leagues number one rushing offense, but only gained 74 yards on 25 attempts. Still, Tony Romo had an opportunity to tie the game in the final second
The first four games for Denver can be considered the JV part of their schedule. Over the next four games, they host New England, travel to San Diego and Baltimore, which is followed by a home game against Pittsburgh. If Denver can finish this stretch 2-2, it'll be impressive. Anything less, and it's likely they'll be tied in the standings with San Digeo at the half way point of the season.
Games to watch in Week 5:
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
Cincinnati almost bungled up a sure win against Cleveland before Marvin Lewis had the balls to go for it on 4th and 11 in overtime. Currently they are tied for the division lead and a win Sunday at Baltimore would propel them atop the AFC North. However, playing at Baltimore is never easy, and could be especially difficult this week as the Ravens look to avenge the loss at New England that they believe was stolen from them.
Atlanta @ San Francisco
The top tier teams in the NFC appear to be (in no particular order) the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints. The teams that appear to be one step behind are the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers. Atlanta is coming off their bye week and it'll be interesting to see what they've added to the offense as they travel across the country to fact the stingy 49er defense.
New England @ Denver
Most consider this to be the first major test for Denver, who currently has the number one ranked defense in the NFL (6.5 points allowed per game). Additionally, Denver Head Coach Josh McDaniels spent eight seasons working on the Patriots staff, including three seasons as offensive coordinator. If there is anyone who knows how to stall Tom Brady, its McDaniels, and apparently he has the personnel to make it happen.
New York Jets @ Miami
It's doubtful this game will be especially entertaining, but on Monday night there might be a few things worth watching. For instance, how will Mark Sanchez rebound from his first NFL loss? How will the off season trash talk impact on the field play? What kind of impact will Braylon Edwards have?
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