Welcome to the second edition of Alex’s Six: A NFL Column! Before you enjoy Monday Night Football give this a read for some analysis on the biggest topics from NFL Sunday.

Week 4 is in the books and there are lots to talk about! The NFL season is at about ¼ the way done with the regular season. Another broken record for the second straight week, returns back home, and statement victories for some teams. Let’s get into what was week 4 of the NFL!

Video of the Day: The first time I’ve ever seen someone get so hyped for winning a coin flip

Nobody:

Giants winning the coin toss: pic.twitter.com/aPTt3DAWOI
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 3, 2021

Cardinals are the real deal

James Connor’s two rushing touchdowns helped lead the Cardinals over the Rams in a key NFC West matchup. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The memories of the Cardinal’s collapse last season lingered in my mind seeing this team start 3-0. This team was good but had its struggles against quality teams. The Rams on the other hand always came to play against the best teams in the NFL and never game up.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting Arizona to make a statement as they did at Sofi Stadium. Kyler Murray made some good plays, AJ Green was productive for a second straight week, and the defense played well and gave Matt Stafford some struggles on the day.

For the Rams, a big win versus Tampa looked like the begging of fire ready to enrage over the league but it was put out sooner than it needed to be. One positive note for the LA team is that Van Jefferson could become an extra quality receiver in the offense as he was 6 for 90 yards with a touchdown on the day.

The pressure is now on the Cardinals to maintain this lead in NFC West as they have a divisional matchup against the 49ers in week 5 while the Rams travel to Seattle in another big divisional game on Thursday night.

Cowboys defense is elite

Trevon Diggs has had an interception in each of the four games he has played this year. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Last year the Cowboy’s defensive unit was a mess all around. A secondary that gave up too many deep balls, no pass rush upfront, and was unable to stop the run. This year under new defensive coordinator Dann Quinn, they have taken a positive leap forward to improving.

Look they haven’t been dominating teams and shutting down opposing offenses, but they are getting takeaways in the field when it matters most. They are only behind the Bills defense in takeaways (10) and a huge part in that is the emergence of the second-year corner, Trevon Diggs who has five interceptions on the year. While their secondary still has a lot to improve on (2nd most yards given up in the air) their run stuff ability, which is in the top 10, has noticeably improved from the year prior.

This defense isn’t elite just yet but has the makings to be. If the Cowboys want to be taken as serious contenders for this year, Quin and his defense have to keep taking these positive leaps.

Trevon Diggs whenever the ball is thrown in his direction pic.twitter.com/5ReGzwDkVJ
— Pick Six Podcast (@picksixpod) October 3, 2021

Is baker the guy?

Baker Mayfield has looked subpar to start the year, not mention he’s looking for big extension soon.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

After last season, some people were ready to put the former first overall pick in the top 10 quarterback discussion. With his rookie contract coming to an end soon and in the midst of trying to get a big-money deal, Baker Mayfield has not played well.

Fortunately for him, the Browns’ amazing run game and defense have kept the team from having a losing record. His QBR,(39.7) completion percentage (65.5), passing touchdowns (2) and passing yards (935) are all in the bottom half of the NFL. It doesn't help that you get Odell Beckham Jr back and yet it’s hard to throw at him when he is wide open for most of the game.

Sure he hasn’t had his best receiving targets healthy to start the year, but elite QB’s can still be productive without superstar wideouts. It’s going to be a big decision on whether or not the Browns will give Baker a huge extension.

Baker Mayfield MISSES a wide-open Odell Beckham Jr.😨 #Browns

pic.twitter.com/huXmGjbxdO
— TWSN (@TWSN___) October 3, 2021

Brady return to where it all began

The Patriots miss what would’ve been the game-wining field goal as they fall to 1-3. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The most anticipated matchup all week came about with a peculiar feeling. Tom Brady broke the all-time passing record on the field he used to call home for 20 years (that’s older than me). It was a mix of cheers and boo’s throughout Gillette Stadium once the 7 time Super Bowl champion stepped onto the field.

Patriots fans cheered Tom Brady right up until Tom Brady actually took the field to play the Patriots. Then the boos started. pic.twitter.com/IgG51SZoMj
— The Big Lead (@TheBigLead) October 4, 2021

After the game, Chris Collinsworth said the game felt like a draw. A chess match between Brady and his former coach Bill Belichick that saw each try to outsmart the other. It was only until a missed field goal that a winner was drawn.

After the game, Tom talked about his ambitions to still be connected around the area once he retires and hopefully come to more Patriots games.

"When it's all said and done, and I retire, you know, I'll be around, and the fans will get a chance to see more of me." - @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/9p4NljiXSo
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 4, 2021

Broncos lose first game of the season

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens give the Broncos their first loss of the season. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

The Broncos had the biggest test of their season as they faced a winning team for the first time this year. Not many fans took their 3-0 record seriously for the fact that the 3 teams they face all combine for a record of 0-9.

The Broncos would lose staring QB, Teddy Bridgewater due to a concussion during the game. Drew Lock would come in but he would not be able to bring the lead back for Denver.

The defensive unit made Lamar Jackson throw but it had not effect as Jackson was comfortable from the pocket during the game. They were able to contain the running game and almost break Baltimore’s streak of 22 consecutive game with 100+ rushing yards but in the last seconds of the game, Jackson rushed for some quick yard to keep it alive.

This game showed that Denver wasn’t all they were hyped up to be. With their division filed with talented teams, must preform well to stay alive for a playoff spot.

Broncos HC Vic Fangio didn’t not hold back on his opinion of the last play vs the Ravens 😳

Do you agree with him?
pic.twitter.com/IjPPA3apUL
— PFF (@PFF) October 4, 2021

Performer of the Week: Tyreek Hill

My pick for the best performer in Week 4 is wide receiver Tyreek Hill. He is the stat line for you, 11 catches for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns on the road in Philadelphia.

Hill is always in the conversation for best receiver in the NFL. Pound for pound he his but there is so much competition in the league for that best WR title. One of the most special talents of our generation!

TYREEK. HILL. HOW!!!!!

📺: #KCvsPHI on CBS pic.twitter.com/UeNX2t2PNa
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 3, 2021