Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season Sunday to the visiting Los Angeles Rams (2-2). The 49ers were hampered by two lost fumbles and a lack of points on offense as the Rams did just enough to walk away with the 17-10 win.
The Niners (3-1) had a chance late to try and tie things up after a rarely-called pass interference on a Hail Mary gave them the ball on the 10 yard line with one second left. Justin Fields, who has been electric with his legs all year, took off on a scramble and was tackled on the one yard line, denying San Francisco the chance for overtime.
The 49ers will try to get back on track next week against the Carolina Panthers.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans used a stifling defense and timely offense to take down the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17 in week four. The Texans (3-1) kept Justin Herbert from getting in rhythm all game but mixing up coverages and forcing the Chargers (2-2) to take short completions. The few times Herbert tried to force things down field, he found himself intercepted or the receiver blanketed in coverage.
"Trying to lean on the strength of this team," Coach David Shaw said. "We know they have a special quarterback over there but this defensive unit was ready and I'd put them up against anyone."
Offensively, Houston did just enough and rode the hot hand of Gardner Minshew in the second half to keep things out of reach. After four weeks, it appears that the Texans have the offensive line they desperately need with two unproven quarterbacks to protect. Minshew was able to throw from a clean pocket most of the day and had plenty of time to connect with his receivers down field.
Houston will look to keep pace in the AFC next week when it takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers (4-0) stayed undefeated after taking down the injured New England Patriots 17-9 Sunday in Green Bay. New England (1-3) was down starting quarterback Mac Jones after an ankle injury last week and turned to rookie Bailey Zappe who was starting his first NFL game.
The Packer defense was stout in this one, forcing Zappe to throw the ball away all afternoon. When Zappe did throw it in play, the corner-duo of Casey Hayward and Patrick Surtain II made life difficult, forcing three interceptions (two by Hayward and one by Surtain).
"Never heard of the guy, Billy Zabka? Is that his name?" said Hayward. "Anyway, no matter who it is, rookie or Tom Brady, our mantra is 'No Mercy.'"
Not everything was a positive after the game, though, as the Packers learned quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and his outlook for next week is doubtful.
"Just an unfortunate situation," Coach Matt LaFleur said. "As he was getting tackled, a player swept his leg and he fell awkwardly."
The Packers will have to rally their quarterback room quickly as they head to London next week to take on the New York Giants. LaFleur has already indicated that rookie Sam Howell will get the start if Tagovailoa can't go.
"I'll be ready. They're going to have to take me out in a body bag to stop me from playing." Howell said.
