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Six plays that explain Week 4

Each week, the Around The NFL crew will choose the plays that helped define Sunday.

Matthew Stafford didn't have a healthy Calvin Johnson by his side, but that didn't matter much against the Jets. Stafford's biggest strike came on a 59-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Ross that gave the Lions a lead they'd never relinquish. The Lions killed the Jets all day long on third down -- this was the play that typified it. -- Dan Hanzus

Houston's J.J. Watt already had six quarterback hurries and a pass defensed before tearing out Buffalo's heart in the third quarter with this 80-yard pick off an ugly lob from EJ Manuel. The defensive behemoth is tied for the team lead with two touchdowns over four games. He also looms as an early favorite to win his second Defensive Player of the Year award in three seasons. -- Marc Sessler

Usually we just pick one play that explains a game. But for Steve Smith's reunion game, we're going with an entire highlight reel. When Smith gets to Canton someday, this is one of the days we'll remember. -- Gregg Rosenthal

Knocked for his arm strength, no quarterback is delivering the deep ball better than Philip Rivers right now. The return to health of Malcom Floyd has been a huge boost to the Chargers' offense. * -- Gregg Rosenthal*

We have seen a more physical effort out of Mike Wallace this year, as highlighted in this 13-yard tackle-breaking touchdown. The play also exemplifies a Raiders defense that rolled over in London, allowing the Dolphins to score 38 consecutive points. * -- Chris Wesseling*

Aaron Rodgers' dominant day can be summarized in this play. He had all day to throw, moves in the pocket, manipulates the defense and hits Randall Cobb with a strike over the middle. Perfect play. Cobb did what he did all day: find open space in the Bears' secondary and put a clown suit on Kyle Fuller. The only surprise here is that the Packers didn't get a touchdown on the play. -- Kevin Patra

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every game from Week 4 and picks the best player in the NFL. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL Now.

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