The fourth week of the NFL season was nothing short of extraordinary, particularly for the rookie quarterbacks who delivered remarkable performances and set new benchmarks in the process. Their achievements not only added to the excitement of the games but also etched their names into the annals of NFL history.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, made headlines by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. This milestone highlights Williams' immediate impact and promising future in the league.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix had a challenging start, throwing for negative yardage in the first half against the Jets. However, Nix demonstrated resilience, rallying in the third quarter with 60 passing yards and leading the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a gritty 10-9 victory. Nix's ability to bounce back under pressure underscores his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Jayden Daniels also made waves by completing 86.7% of his passes. This exceptional accuracy helped Daniels become the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. Such consistency and precision from a rookie quarterback are rare and suggest that Daniels is on track to becoming a cornerstone player for his team.
The collective success of these rookies is highlighted by the fact that Williams, Nix, and Daniels each secured wins in Week 4. This marks only the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have secured wins in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, a feat previously accomplished in 2012 and 2016.
Commanders Break a Longstanding Record
For the Washington Commanders, Week 4 brought a significant achievement as they surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011. The Commanders' 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals was a statement game, showcasing their improved performance and strategic execution.
Dramatic Finishes Across the League
The weekend was replete with close contests and dramatic finishes. The Chicago Bears celebrated a hard-fought triumph over the Los Angeles Rams, while the Atlanta Falcons eked out a narrow 26-24 victory against the New Orleans Saints. In another tight matchup, the Minnesota Vikings edged out the Green Bay Packers, 31-29.
Other notable games included the Indianapolis Colts' 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals' commanding 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also made a strong statement with a 33-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Consistency from Top Teams
The Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys each continued to solidify their reputations with crucial victories. The Raiders overcame the Cleveland Browns, 20-16, while the 49ers dispatched the New England Patriots, 30-13. The Chiefs maintained their dominance with a 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In perhaps the most lopsided matchup of the week, the Ravens trounced the Buffalo Bills, 35-10, demonstrating their offensive and defensive prowess. The Cowboys closed out the Thursday night game with a 20-15 victory over the New York Giants, further establishing their competitive edge in the season.
As Week 4 concludes with a much-anticipated Monday night doubleheader, a total of 14 games have already been decided, each contributing to a riveting and unpredictable NFL season. With rookies making headlines and veterans continuing to impress, the stage is set for an exhilarating rest of the season.