NFL Week 4: Dart, Penix & Trade Deadline Rumors

We’ve arrived at Week 4 of the NFL schedule, and experts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have touched base with connections throughout the professional football world to gather updated intelligence and perspectives on crucial topics.

One of this week’s most discussed developments is the Giants’ announcement on Tuesday that rookie Jaxson Dart will be their new starting quarterback. Jeremy and Dan have obtained knowledge about the team’s reasoning for this timing and what’s in store for the offense. They are also sharing insights on Michael Penix Jr.’s adjustment in Atlanta, the most unforeseen quarterbacking situations in the league so far, and some initial speculation regarding the November 4th trade deadline.

It’s all presented here, with Jeremy and Dan addressing prominent issues and revealing their compiled observations as Week 4 approaches.

Jump to:
Giants starting Dart | Falcons’ offensive issues
Trade deadline buzz | Surprising QB situations
More notes on Week 4

What prompted the Giants to promote Jaxson Dart at this specific point?

Fowler: There were a couple of leading elements in their decision. The lack of offensive success in a couple of the initial three contests was certainly a consideration. It’s difficult to overlook the scenario of Russell Wilson launching the football toward the sidelines during a red zone possession resulting in a penalty, then throwing the ball away on the subsequent fourth down, which concluded a 22-9 defeat against Kansas City.

Additionally, Dart has achieved all goals established by coach Brian Daboll and the coaching staff during the process. During the offseason, he demonstrated a high level of eagerness to learn and has kept that drive through training camp. He made quick choices and displayed precision in his passing during preseason matchups. According to a team insider, he also possesses substantial mental resilience. All those factors, in addition to his agility, improve the Giants’ opportunities for victory, in spite of the errors that happen with new quarterbacks. The scenario is fairly direct: Dart seems prepared.

Graziano: The Giants were under the impression that they possessed ample resources surrounding Wilson, which would allow them to be competitive as Dart developed. While the justification for that viewpoint may be disputed, they were, in fact, incorrect. Besides a prolific performance of 450 yards against the Cowboys in Week 2, Wilson has not performed up to expectations. With a win-loss record of 0-3, the Giants had no real alternative at this time.

Consider that one might anticipate a rookie quarterback making rash throws into the tunnel at critical moments. However, Wilson has been in the league for 14 seasons. The Giants are ranked near the bottom of the league, specifically 31st, in both red zone and goal-to-go touchdown percentage. Furthermore, they have had numerous scoring opportunities within the first three weeks. One rationale for this action is that Dart’s nimbleness provides additional alternatives within the 20-yard area.

Fowler: I am intrigued by Daboll’s opportunity to revolutionize the team’s offense with a personally selected player. While the Giants might need to streamline the game plan to some extent, Dart’s capabilities with both his arm strength and mobility could permit Daboll and play-caller Mike Kafka to implement greater creativity. Kafka contributed to Patrick Mahomes’ growth while serving as an assistant with the Chiefs, and the Giants must implement something similar to maximize Dart’s development. What is unusual about this situation is that Kafka is basically carrying out Daboll’s plan, and Dart represents an open canvas for both Daboll and Kafka.

The Giants generally were ranked near the bottom of offensive standings in 2023 and 2024 with Daniel Jones, who currently seems to be flourishing in Indianapolis. This is, however, the most talented collection of offensive players that Daboll has had since he was hired in 2022. While the offensive line is not exceptional, it is nearing an acceptable level, most notably with the return of Andrew Thomas. This coaching staff needs to improve the situation.

Graziano: There has been a lot of conversation about the Giants’ challenging schedule and the absence of an opportune moment to introduce the rookie. This week they are playing the Chargers, who are unbeaten, which would seem to be a difficult beginning. The Saints are scheduled for Week 5, which is a more favorable situation — but then there are games against the Eagles and Broncos consecutively, then another against the Eagles. Dart will be facing off against some of the league’s most formidable defenses. The Giants will feel they have discovered something if he performs effectively.

I am also curious about what this means for Wilson. Will he stay and act as one of Dart’s seasoned backups, alongside Jameis Winston? On game days, will he be the No. 2 quarterback, or will he be the third quarterback, as Winston has been for the first three weeks? Will he follow Jones’ example from the previous season and request a release to find another team that offers him a chance to start?

Having witnessed Wilson playing for Denver, Pittsburgh, and early this year for New York, it is difficult to imagine this not being the conclusion, or something close to it. Will he make an effort to continue playing, or is this how his distinguished career ends?

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What is the sentiment around the league concerning the Falcons’ offense and Michael Penix Jr.?

Graziano: The circumstances seem quite chaotic. Even though Penix’s performance corresponds with a quarterback who has only begun six games in the NFL, a couple of sources mentioned that the team is not adequately assisting him. Plays seemed to be delayed in getting communicated on Sunday, when they sustained a 30-0 loss to Carolina. Pass receivers also dropped balls.

Penix has not been performing at a high level (rated 20th in QBR) and appeared bewildered by the strategies used by the Panthers during Week 3. The Falcons, nevertheless, continue to be confident in his potential. Furthermore, the changes announced on Monday, which included shifting offensive coordinator Zac Robinson from the booth to the sidelines for Sunday’s game versus Washington and dismissing receivers coach Ike Hilliard, were focused on the overall offensive dynamics, not just Penix’s performance.

Fowler: An NFL coaching source who has evaluated the Falcons mentioned that “[Penix] has a strong throwing arm but is struggling to read the plays properly right now.” In essence, defenses are obscuring the situation, which is confusing the quarterback. Penix seemed to have improved freedom during the previous season’s final games and has the capability to make passes all over the field.

It was remarkable that the Falcons used 12 personnel often (one running back, two tight ends) and a run-heavy scheme against Brian Flores’ Vikings defense, which produced 218 rushing yards and a 22-6 victory. They abandoned this on Sunday in Carolina. Charlie Woerner, the team’s second tight end, participated in 14 plays, compared to the prior week’s 56, even though he was bothered by an ankle injury throughout the week.

Still, Atlanta’s offense has to lean more on running to relieve Penix of pressure and generate more passing lanes. Giving Bijan Robinson, the running back, as many opportunities as possible is always a productive strategy to support a young quarterback. Falcons coach Raheem Morris considers Robinson the league’s best player, and he may be right.

Graziano: I wonder if improvement is simply a matter of time. The Falcons were without Darnell Mooney, the No. 2 wide receiver, during training camp after he was hurt early on. Kaleb McGary, the right tackle who guards the left-handed Penix’s blind side, was lost to a season-ending injury shortly before the season began. The top wide receiver, Drake London, has not settled into a rhythm.

Once more, the Falcons are convinced that Penix has exceptional characteristics and will be a true franchise quarterback. They might be wrong; these assessments are often incorrect. However, it is undoubtedly too early to form a conclusion. Given that Atlanta can continue to depend on Robinson and its running game while the passing game develops, there is reason to think that they will eventually improve.

Fowler: The Falcons’ offense is clearly not short on talent. The division is still within reach, although Tampa Bay has surfaced as the apparent frontrunner. Penix will likely have an extended opportunity with a team that is against the idea of changing quarterbacks frequently, and one bad game in Week 3 will not alter that. As you indicated, the whole offense looked off Sunday, and Morris is hoping to bring about a revitalization by implementing these major adjustments. Occasionally, going no-huddle and enabling the quarterback to operate more quickly for simple completions is the most effective way to help a quarterback.

The passing strategy revolves around London, who has 12 targets resulting in eight receptions for 104 yards over the past couple of weeks. The development of chemistry between Penix and London will help the rest of the offense.

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Which franchise has the greatest need to take action in the trade market?

Fowler: While injuries over the next month may ultimately determine this, I tend to commence with the most aggressive general managers. In recent years, Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman and Houston’s Nick Caserio have been among the most proactive in making deals. While Roseman is typically seeking to improve the roster, Caserio and the 0-3 Texans may contemplate trading players for draft picks if they endure a few more losses. I suspect the Eagles might not be done bolstering their cornerback position and may assess the available talent.

Cleveland also needs assistance at offensive tackle due to a season-ending knee injury sustained by left tackle Dawand Jones. General manager Andrew Berry is always looking for opportunities to make a deal. The Browns are exploring their choices.

Graziano: I’m watching San Francisco, where the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch 49ers have never been shy about making substantial in-season moves (like Christian McCaffrey!) and are experiencing a spate of early-season injuries. The most recent loss, of star edge rusher Nick Bosa, is in the irreplaceable category, though that will not dissuade the Niners from trying to bring in another edge rusher as part of their plan to address Bosa’s absence.

Fowler: The Chiefs also need assistance on offense. Fortunately for them, receivers Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (suspension) will be back in the lineup before the deadline. Those two, Hollywood Brown, and Tyquan Thornton, who is showing promise, may be sufficient. However, the running game requires additional help. Miami is not utilizing running back Jaylen Wright, who had numerous fans during the 2024 draft. It would be worthwhile for Kansas City to call about him.

Graziano: I’m keeping an eye on another potentially available Dolphin: edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, a 2021 first-round selection in the last year of his contract. If Miami decides to move players, Phillips will likely be among the more sought-after trade possibilities.

Fowler: Great suggestion. Phillips has enormous potential, even with his past injuries. He would fit in easily somewhere, and teams constantly want to bolster their pass rushers. Therefore, might a team be able to lure Trey Hendrickson away from Cincinnati? On a smaller scale, Azeez Ojulari is currently inactive for Philadelphia.

One team that could use help with its pass rush is the Chargers, who are temporarily without Khalil Mack and did not apply adequate pressure on Denver quarterback Bo Nix in Week 3. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was previously employed by Baltimore, which prioritizes draft selections above everything else, though his team is 3-0 and could use a boost on the edge. Speaking of Baltimore, Ravens coach John Harbaugh openly criticized his pass rush on Monday night. The Roquan Smith trade that took place nearly three years ago was a catalyst when it occurred. General Manager Eric DeCosta might be preparing another significant move.

What is your assessment of the receiver situation, Dan? The Steelers might have one more move left in them, and I would wager that they would at least discuss Tyreek Hill if Miami were to engage. Curtis Samuel is also inactive in Buffalo despite his $7.4 million salary this season.

Graziano: I believe the Steelers have made a slight adjustment in their strategy, and if they were to make an in-season move, it would more likely be to assist their struggling defense. As you were inquiring about receivers, I recall Jakobi Meyers requesting a new contract from the Raiders during the offseason before requesting a trade when he did not get the contract. He might be valuable to a team down the stretch if Las Vegas drops out of contention and he is not a component of their long-term plans.

The Saints do not seem to be advancing this season, and they have Rashid Shaheed with an expiring contract and Chris Olave with one year (his fifth-year option) remaining on his deal. Could their new coaching staff make one or both of these players available? Given Calvin Ridley’s difficulties along with the rest of the Tennessee offense, would a change of scenery benefit him? We cannot rule out teams such as Buffalo, Kansas City, Green Bay, and/or San Francisco should the right impactful receiver become available.

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What is the most unexpected quarterbacking situation through three weeks?

Graziano: Who else could it be besides the Colts? Daniel Jones is ranked third in passing yards, second in yards per attempt, and first in QBR. He has only been sacked twice in three games. The Colts are 3-0, and though Jonathan Taylor, the running back, is having a resurgence this season, Jones has been in the midst of the team’s offensive improvement. Colts coach Shane Steichen has placed Jones in a beneficial situation to succeed, and so long as Taylor, the offensive line, and Jones himself stay healthy, it does not seem that this situation will fall apart soon.

Fowler: Although the outcome is surprising, it is not entirely shocking. Trust, confidence, and improved supporting talent can greatly benefit a struggling quarterback. Confidence is a powerful resource. During the spring, the Colts provided Jones with recordings of the previous season’s offense, and he reviewed them in a matter of days, asking for additional content. That was a encouraging sign.

The Vikings are worth mentioning. I predicted that after three weeks, I would be evaluating J.J. McCarthy’s play, which would be mixed with ups and downs but ultimately encouraging for 12 quarters. As it stands, there is one brilliant quarter, seven that were not good, and Carson Wentz guiding the Vikings to a blowout Week 3 victory after McCarthy sustained an ankle sprain in Week 2. McCarthy could be sidelined for the next several games, thus allowing Wentz more time to operate under the tutelage of quarterback rehabilitation specialist Kevin O’Connell. Though McCarthy’s development continues to be Minnesota’s priority, the dynamics at play over the coming month are likely to be intriguing.

Graziano: It sounds absurd to me to keep a healthy McCarthy on the bench just because Wentz is playing well, considering that the Vikings did not actively seek an alternative for McCarthy during the offseason and have maintained their confidence in him. However, I comprehend your perspective. This is a team that had 14 victories the prior season and considers its roster good enough to fight for a championship. Let’s see how Wentz fares versus a struggling Steelers defense in Dublin.

The Jets have one of the craziest quarterback situations thus far, in my view. Justin Fields performed well in Week 1 and narrowly lost to the Steelers, then played as though he had never encountered a football in Week 2. He left that game because of a concussion and was absent from Week 3, in which backup Tyrod Taylor performed effectively. The Jets are 0-3 with three significantly different quarterback performances. Where do you believe this is all headed, most notably after Fields recovers from his concussion?

Fowler: I would be amazed if the Jets were to move away from Fields so soon, presuming he is healthy. They are cognizant that Fields had a shaky training camp in terms of passing, but believed that he improved during the latter portion of the preseason with a series of productive practices preceding Week 1. They are hopeful that Week 2 was only an isolated occurrence.

The Jets are theoretically a running offense, which can function effectively with Fields as a dual-threat quarterback, along with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in the backfield. New York can opt to use Taylor at any moment; he is always available as a viable option (Week 6, Week 10). Furthermore, financial considerations often factor into these circumstances. The Jets are paying Fields $20 million in cash in 2025. Allow him some time to prove his value.

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What additional information are you gathering this week?

Graziano’s notes:

• The status of Jets quarterback Justin Fields for Week 4 has not been heavily publicized. He was absent from Sunday’s game as a result of the concussion he had in Week 2 versus Buffalo. Coach Aaron Glenn indicated that he would like “to determine precisely where Justin is at” in terms of his recovery. The information I’ve gathered seems to indicate that Fields’ recovery has been difficult, and that there is a continuing risk that he could miss another game.

The Jets will not play until Monday night versus the Dolphins this week, so we might not obtain a team update until Thursday, when New York goes back to practice. The other consideration is that Fields has an additional day to become cleared. However, he must, in any event, move through all procedures in the concussion protocol (in order) before he is permitted to play.

• Given the excessive focus on the Browns’ fifth-round draft pick (Shedeur Sanders), it can be easy to disregard the work done in the initial four rounds. General Manager Andrew Berry’s rookie class is contributing early:

• First-round defensive tackle Mason Graham is ranked eighth in the league in pass rush win rate among interior defensive linemen.

• Second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger is the team’s leader in tackles, already has a sack, and rarely leaves the field, which greatly assists a linebacker group that had Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sustain a season-ending neck injury prior to the season’s beginning.

• Quinshon Judkins, the second-round running back, just rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts in the second game of his career, and seems to be a plug-and-play starter at the position. (He might still experience a suspension for a personal conduct policy as a result of his July arrest on charges of misdemeanor domestic violence and battery, despite the fact that the charges were subsequently dropped.)

• Third-round tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is used by the Browns all over the field. He has 15 receptions, six of which have resulted in first downs.

• Fourth-round running back Dylan Sampson had eight receptions for 64 yards in Week 1 when Judkins remained inactive.

Third-round quarterback Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders are the only members of the rookie draft class who have not yet made a substantial contribution, although either or both of them might ultimately see the field as starting quarterback this season should 40-year-old Joe Flacco struggle. As I mentioned last week, playing time for undrafted wide receiver Isaiah Bond is increasing each week. I believe he will factor into the Browns’ passing game before the season is over.

• Leftover insights on the Steelers from the game I covered on Sunday in Foxborough: Do not anticipate the Pittsburgh offense to become more aggressive downfield moving forward. Aaron Rodgers has averaged 6.8 yards per attempt, which is on par with the 6.7 that he averaged with the Jets last season. The Steelers are the league leaders in yards after the catch and yards after the catch per reception. They like throwing to players such as Jaylen Warren and Jonnu Smith and letting them do something once they’ve caught the ball.

Some in Pittsburgh believe that this is indicative of what the defenses are or are not showing in terms of coverage so far. However, the Steelers’ strategy implies a readiness to continue doing this. At age 41, Rodgers feels that getting sacked poses a substantial risk to both himself and the team, and so he will be inclined to quickly get rid of the football. He is ranked fourth in the league this season in terms of average time to throw.

The Titans and Bengals are the only teams who have gained fewer yards on offense than the Steelers so far this season, therefore it begs the question as to whether they will eventually need to take some chances to improve their offense. However, also keep in mind that the Bears, Cowboys, Giants, and Ravens are the only teams who have allowed more yards on defense than the Steelers, therefore it could be beneficial to continue with a lower-risk type of offense as they figure out what’s happening on the other side of the ball. Thanks to five Patriots turnovers in Week 3 and a 60-yard field goal from Chris Boswell in Week 1, the Steelers are currently 2-1.

This week will be fascinating given that the Steelers are playing the Vikings in Dublin. Last year, the game that the Jets played in London versus the Vikings and Brian Flores’ defense was one of Rodgers’ worst of the season, with three sacks and three interceptions. Flores is certainly aware of how the Steelers have been playing and will strive to deceive the veteran quarterback into making mistakes, as he did last year.

• Regarding the Patriots, all eyes in the fantasy community are focused on the running back situation after Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled twice and Antonio Gibson fumbled once in their painful loss to the Steelers. That could imply they will rely more on rookie TreVeyon Henderson; however, Patriots coaches stated, even after the game, that they must continue to rely on Stevenson and Gibson as part of their offensive strategy. At this point, they seem reluctant to assign Henderson to a complete, between-the-tackles role.

There is undoubtedly the chance that the veterans’ fumbles, which are an ongoing problem for Stevenson, will lead to the rookie getting more playing time. Stevenson’s total of fumbles increased to 16 in five seasons on Sunday, nine of which have been since the start of 2024. Gibson has 15 in his six-year career, three of which have occurred since joining the Patriots in 2024 (while playing a less substantial role than Stevenson). Henderson fumbled only twice in 590 attempts during his four seasons at Ohio State, and he recovered both times.

The feeling I get is that Stevenson will likely face some kind of consequence in terms of workload, in order to reinforce accountability to the rest of the team. Even if Henderson’s role increases this week, I’m not certain that we can rely on it being a permanent change. The objective with Stevenson is to get him past this issue so that he can be a significant contributor on offense, as opposed to cast him aside as punishment.

Fowler’s notes:

• Though it is difficult to say that an 0-3 team has momentum moving into Week 4, the Dolphins do possess a small degree of it. Miami was encouraged by its performance versus Buffalo on Thursday night and observed enhancements in its defense, which was not able to prevent third-down conversions during the initial two weeks. Jaelan Phillips, the edge rusher, stated that “We have to show up” against the Jets. “We are aware that it is early and our level of play has not matched what we know we can do. However, we are not discouraged,” Phillips stated. “It is motivation to improve our areas for enhancement. We are not concerned about the narratives. Our focus is on performing a better brand of football. … We know our team has a lot of talent.”

The players in the locker room are openly supporting coach Mike McDaniel (Tyreek Hill proclaimed, “I love him to death” after the Buffalo loss), and the general consensus is that the team has transitioned away from those players who were not consistently committed to victory last season. The process has resulted in some roster transition, which has caused a few early setbacks. “It does not happen overnight,” said Phillips. “We possess the right kind of players in the locker room.”

• Executives around the league are monitoring the tush push play closely in the coming weeks. Several execs who have viewed current attempts and examined the memo sent by league officiating last week report that the early movement coming from the offensive guards has been evident. “I do think it will have a bigger effect on [offseason] voting if officials don’t flag them for false starts when it happens,” one AFC exec commented. “Because if it can’t be officiated fairly, it’s no longer a fairly created advantage for the Eagles and Bills.” Staying out of the neutral zone will be of the essence for Philadelphia’s linemen.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated last week that the tush push dispute does not ensure a new vote during the owners meetings. The vote at the most recent meeting was 22-10, therefore, should it arise again, it is possible that a few of those 10 who might change their minds in the coming months will make it known.

• Numerous key players are working to potentially get back onto the field in Week 4:

• The Patriots are hopeful that corner Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) will be able to make his debut; however, a source stated that they will have to “see how it goes in practice.” He was limited for all three practice days last week prior to the team downgrading his status from questionable to out on Saturday.

• The Chiefs want to see receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) handle a full practice load, which he is nearing. While Worthy had a 50-50 probability of playing last week, the odds should be slightly better this time.

• Quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) will be participating in the 49ers’ practices; however, the team has not yet decided whether he will play in Week 4. A successful week might shift the odds in his favor.

• We mentioned last week that Chris Godwin Jr. has a real chance of returning for Tampa Bay during Week 4 versus Philadelphia, and that remains the situation. Godwin (ankle) has been improving in recent weeks, and a return from him would be well-timed, with Mike Evans out.

• Bills running back James Cook is averaging almost 18 carries per game, which is more than his prior two years (13.4) and puts him on pace to surpass the 300-carry mark that was reached by six running backs last season. Cook seems to be hitting his stride in his fourth NFL season, and his presence alleviates pressure on Josh Allen in terms of rushing. He foresees the run-heavy approach to continue. Last week, Cook commented, “We possess one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.” The Bills are demonstrating they possess players who can close games on both sides of the ball, and Cook is certainly one of them.

• An offseason adjustment from the Bucs and coach Todd Bowles is paying off big for Tampa Bay through the first three weeks. In March, Tampa hired Zachary Beistline to be the director of football research. He spent years working in Jacksonville, assisting with, among other responsibilities, clock management. Bowles has described Beistline’s position as “situationally understanding clock management … not just clock management, but considering running, throwing, timeouts, not timeouts, letting it click, and going through the different scenarios.”

Bowles, who has been the subject of social media debate over his late-game management, has been working the clock perfectly late in recent wins versus the Texans and Jets. In Week 2, Nick Chubb, the Texans running back, ran for a 25-yard score with 2:10 remaining to take a 19-14 lead. It is speculated that the Bucs permitted Chubb to score in order to get possession back and use the two-minute drill, but neither the coaches nor the players have confirmed it. The Buccaneers then methodically moved the ball downfield, called a timeout at the 0:42 mark, and scored with six seconds remaining to secure the 20-10 victory. The Buccaneers got the ball within two minutes versus the Jets, called a timeout three plays in, progressed the ball downfield, and called their final timeout with three seconds remaining to set up a chip shot to win the game.

Baker Mayfield’s outstanding late-game performance is also helpful. Numerous people with the Bucs mentioned Beistline’s presence and Bowles’ foresight to implement improvements when I inquired about Bowles’ improved clock management. A team source said, “If Todd sees an area where he can improve, he will do what it takes.”