NFL Week 4: CBS Sports grades shake up Patriots, Eagles and Texans

CBS Sports used Week 4 of the NFL season to deliver a sweeping set of grades, winners, losers and overreactions that reshuffle perceptions across the league. The breakdown puts a spotlight on a much-needed offensive spark from the New England Patriots, historic struggles from the Philadelphia Eagles on third down and a Houston Texans defense that has not lived up to expectations.

Maye boosts Patriots as Bills stumble

New England earned one of the better marks of the week after rookie quarterback Drake Maye finally delivered the type of outing the team has been waiting for. He topped 250 passing yards with three touchdown throws, added more than 50 yards on the ground and led a 73-yard game-winning drive capped by a highlight-reel catch from Efton Chism. Even with turnovers still on his ledger, CBS Sports notes that play like this would keep the Patriots in the playoff picture later in the year.

On the other side, the Buffalo Bills drew a more lukewarm review. Despite entering the game with one of the league’s most productive rushing attacks, they leaned away from the ground game, handing James Cook only 12 carries. Combined with a defense that failed to finish enough drives, the performance fed the growing sense that Buffalo no longer carries the same aura of dominance in the AFC.

Eagles reach third-down low, Commanders face QB crunch

In the “losers” portion of the CBS Sports rundown, the Eagles offense came in for heavy criticism after a 24-20 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Philadelphia went 0-for-12 on third down, the worst such mark in the franchise’s long history, and managed just one conversion on four fourth-down tries. Those repeated stalls intensified scrutiny on first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his approach in high-leverage situations.

The Washington Commanders’ quarterback situation also landed in the negative column. Playing the Indianapolis Colts in London, Washington watched Marcus Mariota leave with a knee injury during a 30-13 loss, thrusting rookie Athan Kaliakmanis into his first regular-season action. He completed fewer than half of his attempts with one touchdown and one interception, and CBS Sports points out that the Commanders now must choose between a backup passer or a less-than-fully healthy Jayden Daniels, whose elbow injury will require offseason surgery and forces him to play with a brace.

Texans’ defense regresses, Chiefs and Raiders graded

Houston’s defensive regression is another major theme. Viewed as the supposed strength of the team, the unit surrendered three second-half touchdowns to Javonte Williams and could not slow CeeDee Lamb. With a meeting against the also-winless Tennessee Titans up next, CBS Sports suggests the Texans have a clear opportunity to finally get in the win column, but warns that their poor start may already have derailed meaningful-season ambitions.

In the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs received a solid grade despite lingering concerns. Free-agent addition Kenneth Walker carried the offense with 177 rushing yards and two scores in a shootout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, covering for an off day from Patrick Mahomes. The defense, however, went a third straight game without a sack before Xavier Nwankpa sealed the result with a late interception.

Las Vegas still came away with reasonable marks after pushing the unbeaten Chiefs. Kirk Cousins threw for 365 yards and helped show the Raiders can compete with top opponents, even though a late slew of errors, including a costly fumble by return man Dareke Young, proved decisive. Rounding out the coverage, CBS Sports’ overreaction column led by Zach Pereles argued that it is premature to rule out the Los Angeles Rams as Super Bowl contenders after their comeback win over Philadelphia, noting that they piled up 415 yards of offense and outgained the Eagles despite the narrow scoreline.