NFL Week 4 Takeaways: Bumbling Refs and Fumbling Receivers

John Ahern

Week 4 brought forth another controversy involving  officiating -- specifically Monday night in Seattle. But for the NFL, it was just another day at the office.

If you are a football fan in general, which most of us are, the focus on referees after such a good game is in large part disenchanting. It seems in any game of any weekend slate, there are at least one or two calls by the zebras that play a direct part in the game's outcome.  Can we at least hold these men accountable? Maybe force them into a post game press conference and an explanation? That's a presser that yours truly would love to cover.

Anyway, here are three hot takes from Week 4's action...

The Raiders Are for Real
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The silver and black are back, baby. Bolstered by the QB/WR combo of Derek Carr and rookie Amari Cooper, visions of Ken Stabler to Cliff Branch have Raider nation dreaming of the playoffs. Though we may have to pump the brakes on that thought for now, they are certainly poised to have their first winning season since 2002. That would be a great start.

Two obstacles in way are the Denver Broncos, and finding  defensive consistency, as their defensive unit is ranked 31st overall. A successful season from one of the most polarizing teams is just what the NFL needs.

No Longer Winless in Seattle

The Seahawks defense, which looked lost and lethargic in Weeks 1 and 2, has found its intensity thanks to the return of Kam Chancellor. The heart and soul of the unit, Chancellor, like many great athletes, elevates the play of his teammates. After giving up 61 points the first two games of the season, Seattle's defense has surrendered a mere 10 points the last two. The offense is struggling a bit without Marshawn Lynch, but they can afford the luxury when their defense is as stout as it has been.


Hot Seat In Indianapolis
Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's performance this past Sunday has taken Head Coach Chuck Pagano off the hot seat, at least for one more week. There were rumblings after Week 2 that he was losing the team, and a close win over a seemingly inferior Tennessee team in week three set up the "drama." The true test for this team will come on October 18th, when they entertain their hated rival New England Patriots, in what may be the most anticipated game in some time.

Side note: Indianapolis may look back at this past week as the turning point for their season.