The NFL never fails to surprise its viewers and Week 4 was no different. Fans witnessed star players suffer season-ending injuries and referees missing controversial penalties. In this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I discuss the most shocking results and standout players from Week 4 of the NFL.
Miami Dolphins (1-3), Surprise:
The Miami Dolphins captured their first win of the 2025-2026 campaign after defeating the New York Jets 27-21 on Monday night. Early in the third quarter, the Dolphins lost star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who sustained a dislocated knee and torn ACL.
This did not stop production as tight end Darren Waller stepped up. The 33-year-old finished the day hauling in three receptions for 27 yards and two touchdowns. Keep in mind, this was Waller’s first game since retiring from the NFL after the 2023-2024 stretch.
In July of the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick and Waller. With Hill placed on the injured reserve, seeing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa target the former Las Vegas Raider more should come as no surprise. If Waller continues racking up yards and endzone appearances, this could go down as one of the most underrated trades in the NFL.
Outside of the tight end, Tagovailoa looked more like himself, completing 17 of 25 (68%) throws for 177 yards and two passing touchdowns. In the running back room, De’Von Achane rushed 99 yards and crossed the goal line once.
The Dolphins travel to clash with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2), Underperformed:
The Cincinnati Bengals lost on the road for the second straight week, falling to the Denver Broncos 28-3. The Bengals’ gunslinger, Jake Browning, struggled once again, completing 14 of 25 (56%) passes for 125.
The Broncos’ defense denied the franchise from moving the chains, allowing just nine first downs. Additionally, the defense sacked Browning three times for a loss of 19 yards. In the wideout room, Tee Higgins led the team with three catches for 32 yards.
It was clear that wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase grew impatient with the Bengals, as he argued with Head Coach Zac Taylor on the sideline.
“Urgency is there, man, it’s just you got to want it,” said Chase. “At the end of the day, we’ve got to want it. Today, it didn’t look like we wanted it,” according to ESPN.
Browning signed a two-year contract on April 23, 2024, extending his Bengals’ career through the 2025-2026 season. If the 29-year-old’s output continues spiraling downward, his time with the squad could be cut short. Currently, Browning ranks third in the league for interceptions with five in three matchups.
The Bengals host the Detroit Lions on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. on Fox.
New York Giants (1-3), Surprise:
On Wednesday, the Giants’ Head Coach Brian Daboll announced that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart would take charge in Sunday’s meeting. The 22-year-old secured the Giants’ first win of the year, toppling the Los Angeles Chargers 21-18.
In Dart’s NFL debut, he registered 13 of 20 (65%) passes for 111 yards and rushed for a 15-yard touchdown. In the backfield, first-year running back Cam Skattebo helped advance the field, plowing through for 79 yards.
In the second quarter, the franchise lost receiver Malik Nabers after attempting a catch and tearing his ACL. This did not ruin the offense’s momentum, as Dart connected with tight end Theo Johnson for six points, extending their lead 21-10.
In the third quarter, Dart scared the Giants’ fanbase as he exited the contest but returned after passing concussion protocol. Currently, the former Ole Miss Rebels’ gunslinger is questionable with a hamstring injury but is expected to practice.
Defensively, the team intercepted a pair of quarterback Justin Herbert’s throws and sacked the former Oregon Duck twice for a loss of 17 yards.
The Giants travel to battle the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on CBS.
New York Jets (0-4), Underperformed:
The Jets showcased a sloppy performance in their 27-21 fall to the Dolphins. To start the game, the team fumbled on three consecutive drives, with two of the three turnovers leading to the Dolphins scoring. By the beginning of the third quarter, the Jets trailed 17-3.
With less than two minutes remaining in the match, quarterback Justin Fields nearly made the comeback after finding wideout Garrett Wilson in the endzone and converting a two-point attempt. Wilson ended the day with six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.
In Fields’ return from concussion protocol, he registered 20 of 27 (74.1%) passes for 226 yards and a 43-yard rushing touchdown.
Despite the referees missing several crucial calls in favor of the Jets, the early self-inflicted wounds prevented them from reaching their full potential.
The Jets return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday to host the Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Fox.