NFL Teams That Can’t Relax After Week 4 Wins

Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) celebrates after scoring on a 9-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Getting out of the losing column was paramount for several NFL team in week 4.  A few succeeded, but by no means erased doubts about their future.

Green Bay Packers

Their victory in Chicago had the smell of a team that was desperate and in the end they were aided by key injuries to the Bears defense, bad turnovers by the Bears offense and of course Aaron Rodgers.  However, winning the game makes it easy to overlook the fact that the Green Bay Packers surrendered 496 yards on defense including 235 on the ground.  That is not exactly a recipe for continued success moving forward.  The Packers still have very real problems that show no signs of going away, which only puts the pressure further on the shoulders of Rodgers.

Miami Dolphins

Being 2-2 can be considered a good thing for the Miami Dolphins but by no means are they patting themselves on the back.  They were pretty much pitched a soft ball in week 4 by playing the Oakland Raiders who are officially the biggest train wreck in football.  Miami did their part and took advantage but the problems that have plagued them continue to persist.  They turned the ball over three times and still struggled throwing the football at times.  The sudden resurgence of their running game may also have been a mirage against the Raiders 31st ranked run defense.  All in all, the Dolphins are by no means fixed.

San Francisco 49ers

Philadelphia has looked primed for losing since opening day given how often they fall behind early in games.  Their defense remains no more than an occasional hinderence while the injuries to their offensive line finally returned to haunt them.  The San Francisco 49ers completely shut down LeSean McCoy and put a beating on Nick Foles, forcing four turnovers.  The fact that the 49ers only won by five points should be the primary indication that this team hasn’t solved anything.  Colin Kaepernick is still struggled and his receivers still can’t create any big plays.

The NFL doesn’t show mercy for long.  Problems like the ones these teams face have a tendency to strike at the worst possible times.