Overview of NFL Week 4
If you missed the first month of the NFL season, tuning in on Thursday would have quickly brought you up to speed.
Thrilling Overtime Finish
The game showcased a representation of the previous month, with San Francisco edging out the Los Angeles Rams, 26-23, in an overtime thriller. This outcome reflected various trends seen in the previous games this season.
Blocked Kicks and Their Impact
In a notable event, blocked kicks continued to be a significant aspect of the season, with September seeing 16, the second-highest total since 1991. Among these, 12 had the potential to shift wins and losses, such as Philadelphia’s last-second block against Rams kicker Joshua Karty that resulted in a touchdown for the Eagles.
Critical Moments of the Game
In Thursday’s game, another critical block occurred with a Karty point-after attempt early in the fourth quarter, maintaining a tie for both teams as they entered overtime. Just minutes later, Rams running back Kyren Williams fumbled near the end zone, a pivotal moment in the match.
Turnovers and Offensive Performance
Despite the drama, only two turnovers were recorded throughout the night, aligning with an overall trend of fewer turnovers this season. As of Thursday, the combined turnover count was the lowest since 1999, contributing to teams scoring on 40% of their drives, marking a record high.
Strategic Decisions and Close Calls
In the overtime period, San Francisco scored first, placing the Rams in a challenging fourth-down situation. Instead of opting for a field goal, Rams coach Sean McVay chose to go for the win with a run that fell short, giving the 49ers a chance to celebrate their victory amidst stiff NFC competition.
Quarterback Landscape and Future Outlook
Many fans felt a sense of déjà vu as the game highlighted yet another closely contested match, setting a record for late-game winning scores this season. San Francisco’s victory was aided by backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has stepped up in the absence of the injured Brock Purdy. With ongoing injuries in the league, backups are making their mark, as seen with additional teams relying on second-string players this season.
