AFC Week 4 Recap
October 3, 2018
By Tyler Filippini
Texans (1-3) 37, Colts (1-3) 34
A poor play call on 4th down on their own half of the field has caused a backlash against Colts’ management, and for good reason. If the run game can’t be established, and if the defense can’t pick up the slack, the Colts may be looking at a 4th-place finish in the division once again. As for the Texans, barring injury, this could be one of the most dynamic offenses in the league.
Patriots (2-2) 38, Dolphins (3-1) 7
It’s safe to say no one saw the Patriots going 1-2 coming into this game, and it’s safe to say Bill Belichick wouldn’t let them leave 1-3, as the offense showed its capability and defense showed its potential. The Dolphins couldn’t establish anything in Foxboro. If they continue to underperform against the elites in the league, they may be a borderline playoff team.
Jaguars (3-1) 31, Jets (1-3) 12
The Jaguars outperformed their 3-point outing from last week by putting up 31 on a Jets team which is fading fast. Sam Darnold may be the face of the future, but if they can’t surround him with more talent than Quincy Enunwa and Robbie Anderson, it’s going to be a long season for Jets fans.
Titans (3-1) 26, Eagles (2-2) 23
Marcus Mariota is back from injury, and he hasn’t skipped a beat. He led a late surge against one of the highest-ranked defenses in the league in the Eagles, and his 10-yard pass to Corey Coleman sealed the overtime victory. Alshon Jeffery was a huge gain for the Eagles’ offense, putting up eight catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Expect them to bounce back at home next week against the Vikings.
Raiders (1-3) 45, Browns (1-2-1) 42
Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. The Browns looked to be the favorites late in the game, but a few blown calls late in the game forced overtime, giving the Raiders the win by a field goal. The Browns did, however, put up good numbers on offense, and quarterback Baker Mayfield certainly appears to be living up to his potential.
Chargers (2-2) 29, 49ers (1-3) 27
The Chargers showed off their offensive arsenal in an all-around win over the 49ers. Eight different Chargers caught a pass in the game. C.J. Beathard did well replacing Jimmy Garoppolo, but if a mediocre Chargers defense can stop him, it’s hard to see them competing in the NFC West, with defenses such as the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals.
Ravens (3-1) 26, Steelers (1-2-1) 14
The loss of Le’Veon Bell is showing for the Steelers, as they ran only 10 times throughout the game. The tight affair was decided by the arm of Joe Flacco, who is surprisingly leading one of the top passing offenses in the NFL. The Ravens look to be on par with elite defenses such as the Jaguars and Bears.
Chiefs (4-0) 27, Broncos (2-2) 23
Despite a Broncos lead at halftime, the Chiefs offense once again prevailed, and Kareem Hunt proved that he could pick up the slack if Patrick Mahomes isn’t slinging like he should. Hunt scampered for 121 yards and a touchdown, showing his flair from last season hasn’t been lost. Case Keenum doesn’t seem to be the answer for the Broncos, but Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are forming one of the most dynamic running back tandems in the league.