Welcome to Week 4's grades, where rookie quarterbacks shone brightly on the NFL stage. Leading the way, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix each navigated their teams to victories, showcasing early signs of promising careers.
Rookie Quarterbacks Steal the Spotlight
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, made history by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. After an impressive Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Williams again demonstrated poise and skill by leading the Chicago Bears to a 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. His command on the field and ability to execute under pressure have been instrumental in his rookie season's promising start.
Bo Nix also had a notable performance, despite a rocky start. Facing the New York Jets, Nix struggled in the first half with negative yardage. However, he found his rhythm in the third quarter, throwing for 60 yards and leading the Denver Broncos to the game's only touchdown. This pivotal play secured a narrow 10-9 victory against the Jets, marking a significant milestone in Nix's early career.
Jayden Daniels' Historic Achievement
Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a resounding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, completing an astounding 86.7% of his passes. Daniels made NFL history by becoming the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. His precision and consistency have propelled the Commanders to an over .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011.
A Rare Feat for Rookie Quarterbacks
Week 4 marked just the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have emerged victorious in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, a rare occurrence previously seen only in 2012 and 2016. This statistical milestone underscores the remarkable talent and potential of the league's newest quarterbacks.
Notable Performances Across the League
Among the other highlights, Jared Goff completed every single one of his passes in a triumphant performance against the Seattle Seahawks, leading the Detroit Lions to a decisive 42-29 victory. The Tennessee Titans also stood out with a commanding 31-12 win over the Miami Dolphins, showcasing their depth and strategic prowess.
Other significant victories included the Atlanta Falcons edging out the New Orleans Saints 26-24, and the Minnesota Vikings prevailing over the Green Bay Packers with a close 31-29 score. The Indianapolis Colts kept their momentum with a 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overwhelmed the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16.
In another offensive showcase, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-24, and the Houston Texans managed a 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens also secured wins, demonstrating strength and tactical execution. The Las Vegas Raiders outlasted the Cleveland Browns 20-16, the 49ers dominated the New England Patriots 30-13, the Chiefs overcame the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10, and the Ravens soared past the Buffalo Bills with a 35-10 win.
Week 4 concluded with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the New York Giants 20-15, rounding off a week filled with excitement and noteworthy performances.
The emerging talents of Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels have captivated fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating NFL season. With such impressive starts, these rookies are certainly players to watch as the season progresses.