Joe's Final Drive: Week 4

As week four in the NFL season ends, turmoil exists across both conferences as no team has established itself as a dominant force. Here are my takes on the stories of week four.

(3-1) Atlanta Falcons 16
(0-4) San Francisco 49ers 14

This may be blasphemous for a boy from Chicago to say, but I'm not convinced Mike Singletary is prepared or smart enough to be a head coach. Not book smarts, but football smart. He's a great motivator for the right kind of player and he'll draw the media's attention away from his team, but as far as coaching decisions go? He's iffy. The guy's never been a coordinator in the league and now he's trying to meet lofty expectations with a mediocre level of talent. Even up 14 points they couldn't hold onto a lead. Credit Falcons WR Roddy White with the strip of Nate Clements that likely saved a touchdown and let Atlanta keep pace with New Orleans.

Getty Images

(1-3) Cleveland Browns 23
(2-2) Cincinnati Bengals 20

It figures that after all the criticism, Carson Palmer's best game of the season comes in a loss. I'd say a majority of his 371 yards came as a result of being behind for most of the game, but that doesn't matter. The fact remains that he can do it if needs be. Terrell Owens' 222 yards receiving on ten receptions proves his worth as a Bengal. But let's give some credit to the Browns, who managed to jump out early and hang on for the win. Peyton Hillis's second-straight 100-yard game gives the Brown faithful hope.

(3-1) Green Bay Packers 28
(0-4) Detroit Lions 26

Despite their best efforts to give this game away, the Green Bay Packers managed to beat the Detroit Lions. It has to be unnerving for Packer fans that were expecting an explosion out of the gates. They're winning the close ones, but a Super Bowl hopeful shouldn't have a "close one" against the Lions. Four turnovers won't cut it against an actual NFL team.

(2-2) St. Louis Rams 20
(2-2) Seattle Seahawks 3

We have a feel good story on the winning side of this one and a Jekyl and Hyde tale on the other. St. Louis rallied behind Sam Bradford and an injured Steven Jackson to win their second straight game. What's even more impressive is the way they completely shut down Seattle's offense while only creating one turnover. Pete Carroll's Seahawks are perfect at home and winless on the road, a sign of a young team. With three NFC West teams at 2-2, it's all up for grabs still.

Getty Images / Air-Crotch to the face!

(3-1) New Orleans Saints 16
(0-4) Carolina Panthers 14

So where's this electric New Orleans offense we're all used to seeing? Through four weeks it hasn't shown up, forcing the Saints to win (or lose) ugly thanks to last-second field goals. They got sll they could handle from the Panthers fronted by Jimmy Clausen, who made drastic improvements over his forgettable first start. If the Saints want to reclaim their title, division or league, they need to start playing like they deserve it. Barely beating a winless Panther squad won't make anyone shake in their booties.

(3-1) Baltimore Ravens 17
(3-1) Pittsburgh Steelers 14

FINALLY someone had the stones to knock off the freaking Steelers from the undefeated ranks. Joe Flacco, I heart you. (Well, I actually love Jay Cutler, but you get the idea.) Hitting stride on their final drive, Flacco hit the Housh in the endzone for the game-winning TD and Ray Lewis followed up with the game-sealing INT of Charlie Batch on the next series. When Big Ben makes his return in week six, this Steeler team is going to be scary good if the defense keeps playing like this. Mike Tomlin would win coach of the year... if it was awarded after four games.

(2-2) Jacksonville Jaguars 31
(2-2) Indianapolis Colts 28

Alright, color me pasty white and shocked. This Colt defense got shredded by David Garrard's legs and gave up 174 yards on the ground to Jacksonville. While I'm still confident the Colts will win this division, their defense is worrisome. The entire Jaguar organization is on the hot seat this season, but they've pulled off a few good wins to stay at 2-2 and keep in the race... for now.

Getty Images

(2-2) Washington Redskins 17
(2-2) Philadelphia Eagles 12

Alright, let's be perfectly honest: Donovan McNabb had a fairly crappy game. Eight completions out of nineteen attempts? He should be thanking Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain for showing up and getting the running game going. Knocking Michael Vick out of the game helped a bit too. The NFC East is competitively average so far this season with three teams at 2-2. It'll be a slug-fest all season long.

(3-1) New England Patriots 41
(2-2) Miami Dolphins 14

That was a complete butt-whooping. Patriot special teams made a mockey of the Dolphins on Monday night, blocking a punt, blocking a field goal for a touchdown and returning a kick-off for a touchdown. Did anyone else see a Patrick Chung-fest coming? No? Alright then. I would cut the entire Dolphin special teams unit and elevate my practice squad to take their place after a performance like that. Tom Brady didn't need to light it up on offense with bonus scores like that. After losing two division games at home, Miami has give themselves a tough road the rest of the way.

Alright, enough football for one weekend! (As if that's possible.) See you next weekend everyone!