Rookie Quarterbacks Shine in NFL's Fourth Week
The fourth week of the NFL season brought impressive performances, particularly from the league's rookie quarterbacks. Caleb Williams, taken with the first overall pick, etched his name into the history books by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same season he was drafted. Williams' early success has added significant excitement and hope to his team’s prospects this year.
Adding to the excitement, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Rams. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for every rookie quarterback. Bo Nix faced a challenging first half against the Jets, throwing for negative yardage. Despite this, he turned things around in the third quarter, amassing 60 passing yards and leading the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a nail-biting 10-9 win. Nix's resilience under pressure showcased his potential to be a formidable competitor in the league.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels displayed exceptional accuracy. Completing 86.7% of his passes, Daniels became the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. His precision and composure on the field were critical in his team’s successes, and he continues to impress with his consistency.
The week's achievements weren't limited to individual performances. The Washington Commanders surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. This performance reflects a promising start and a potential shift in the team's trajectory this season.
This week was also notable for marking the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks—Williams, Nix, and Daniels—secured wins in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, a rare occurrence previously seen only in 2012 and 2016. Their collective achievements signify a bright future for the league as these young talents continue to develop and make their mark.
The rest of week four was filled with thrilling matchups and close contests. The Atlanta Falcons narrowly edged out the New Orleans Saints with a 26-24 victory, and the Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Green Bay Packers, 31-29, in a tightly contested game. The Indianapolis Colts managed a close win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24, highlighting the season's ongoing intense competition.
Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals delivered a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers, winning 34-24. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles in a 33-16 victory, showing their strength early in the season. The Washington Commanders had an impressive 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, underscoring their resurgence.
The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 20-16 victory against the Cleveland Browns, while the San Francisco 49ers convincingly defeated the New England Patriots, 30-13. The Kansas City Chiefs won their clash with the Los Angeles Chargers, 17-10, proving their mettle in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens outplayed the Buffalo Bills with a commanding 35-10 win, showcasing their dominance.
Rounding out the week, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious against the New York Giants, 20-15, in the Thursday night game, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of football. As of the conclusion of Week 4, fourteen games have been decided, with intense competition evident across the board.
The remainder of Week 4 promises more action with a Monday night doubleheader, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes. As the season progresses, the performances of rookie quarterbacks like Williams, Nix, and Daniels will remain a focal point of interest, potentially reshaping narratives and team fortunes across the league.