Week four in the NFL was highlighted by exciting match-ups and victories by underdog teams.
The day began in Houston, where the Texans improved to 2-1 against the AFC West by defeating the Oakland Raiders 30-17. The Raiders' sixth-year veteran halfback, Amos Zereoue, ran all over the Texan's defense for two touchdowns and 117 yards on the ground, including a 55-yard run in the third quarter to tie the game at 17. Too many offensive miscues cost the Raiders the game, as the Texans were able to come out victorious behind quarterback David Carr's 228 yards on 14-23 passing along with one touchdown. With the win, Carr can now cut his shaggy hair, which he started growing during the off-season and swore would not be trimmed until the Texans won back-to-back games.
In San Diego, the Chargers shocked the Steve McNair-less Titans by a score of 38-17. Tennessee's Billy Volek notched 278 yards in the air on 39 completions and a pair of touchdowns, while San Diego reaped the benefits of a huge performance from LaDainian Tomlinson. At the end of the game, Tomlinson's stat-line read 147 yards, two receptions, and a touchdown. Quarterback Drew Brees added his own energy to the offense with a near perfect performance as he went 16-20 passing for 206 yards and three touchdowns.
The sun continued to shine on the underdogs, as the Cardinals embarrassed the Saints 34-10. Emmitt Smith shook off the cobwebs and posted career numbers. Smith had two touchdowns, and notched his first career touchdown pass, a 21-yarder to receiver Obafemi Ayanbadejo. Smith also rushed for 127 yards, the most in his two seasons with Arizona. This year's third overall draft pick, Larry Fitzgerald had three receptions for 61 yards, while New Orleans had two turnovers and 104 yards in penalties.
Perhaps the day's biggest surprise came out of Wisconsin, where the New York Giants handed the Green Bay Packers their third consecutive loss of the season by a score of 14-7. Tiki Barber had another big game for the Giants, gaining 182 yards on the ground including a 52-yard touchdown run, which gave the G-Men the edge. Brett Favre suffered a concussion and left the game in the third quarter, but remains probable for Green Bay's week five Monday night match-up with the Titans.
In the AFC East, The Jets beat the Dolphins 17-9 behind a fourth quarter interception by Donnie Abraham for a 66-yard touchdown return. Meanwhile at home, the Buffalo Bills had another poor showing and gave away another victory as they committed 11 penalties for 94 yards and two turnovers. Drew Bledsoe fumbled on the Patriots' 32 yard-line in the fourth quarter, a fumble that was returned 68 yards by Richard Seymour. This sealed the Patriots' 18th consecutive victory. The Patriots and Jets sit atop the AFC East, both undefeated. The Bills and Dolphins remain at the bottom of the AFC East, each still searching for their first victories this season.
Next week promises to be exciting, as Miami travels to New England where they will look to put an end to the Patriots' winning ways and stop the Pats' winning streak at 18.
The Bills head to Broadway to face another undefeated team in the Jets. The Bills will be looking to upstage Chad Pennington and the rest of the Jets at Giants Stadium. The teams split their seasonal match-ups last season, with each team winning the match-up on their home field.
