Week 4 brought a slew of storylines. From quarterbacks dominating, to backup quarterbacks showcasing. Some teams over-performing and others under-performing. Here are the three key takeaways I took from NFL Week 4.
Let Dak Get Fully Healthy
Cooper Rush is now 4-0 as a starter, yes you read that correctly. Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys at first probably thought their season was in jeopardy with their franchise quarterback out multiple weeks. That was until Rush proved to be more than just a backup. Now the Cowboys can take their time with Prescott with Rush playing this well. Let’s take a look at Rush’ four starts.
His first last season was a primetime matchup on the road vs the Vikings. Rush looked more than serviceable throwing for 325 yards and two touchdowns including a game winning drive with 51 seconds left. His magic does not stop there.
After a week 1 injury to Dak Prescott, Rush got handed the keys in a week 2 matchup against the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals. Rush was on fire to start leading two scoring drives in the first quarter and eventually gutted out a game winning drive again for the win vs Joe Burrow.
His next two starts were against division rivals. The New York Giants on Monday Night Football and the Washington Commanders. Rush threw for three touchdowns total in these games and most importantly did not turn over the ball once.
Cowboys now have zero reason to rush Prescott back, with some fans even clambering for Rush to be the starter.
No Tyreek, No Problem
In case everyone did not know; Patrick Mahomes is still really good without Tyreek Hill. Mahomes looks as dominant as ever in the Sunday Night Football win over the Buccaneers with throws only he can make. People were skeptical when the Chiefs traded Hill, one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. Well, Mahomes is silencing those critics swiftly.
Mahomes is spreading the ball more than ever and making less mistakes than he ever has. Travis Kelce is as dominant as ever with rookie 7th round pick Isiah Pacheco looking like a steal. We will see how this season continues but Mahomes shows no signs of slowing down.
Rams Superbowl Hangover
These are not the same 2021 Rams. Matthew Stafford’s elbow seems to be affecting him heavily. He has thrown four touchdowns to six interceptions. They are 2-2 with wins coming against the Falcons and the Cardinals, who no one sees as a real threat to win a title. Both losses have come against the 49ers and Bills, both teams who will most likely make the playoffs.
Cooper Kupp seems to be the only guy Stafford trusts to do anything, even with the addition of Allen Robinson. Getting Van Jefferson back shortly should help this offense, but the Rams need to figure things out quickly before things get out of hand.