Welcome to the Week 4 grades of the NFL! This week proved to be a fascinating journey through the trials and triumphs of rookie quarterbacks, remarkable performances, and surprising upsets. With standout performances from Caleb Williams and Bo Nix leading their teams to victories, Week 4 was one for the history books.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, taken as the first overall pick, continues to etch his name in the annals of NFL history. Williams became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. His prowess was on full display as he led the Chicago Bears to a 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. This win follows his Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, underscoring his significant impact early in the season.
Not to be outdone, Bo Nix faced a tough first half against the New York Jets, recording negative yardage. However, Nix showcased resilience and determination, throwing for 60 yards in the third quarter and leading the Denver Broncos to the game's only touchdown. This crucial play secured a hard-fought 10-9 win over the Jets, marking an important moment in Nix's burgeoning NFL career.
Jayden Daniels Sets Records
Jayden Daniels delivered an extraordinary performance for the Washington Commanders, leading them to a resounding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels completed an impressive 86.7% of his passes, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This exceptional feat has guided the Commanders to an over .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011.
A Historical Week for Rookie Quarterbacks
This week was marked by a rare event, as three rookie quarterbacks secured wins within the first four weeks of the season. This remarkable occurrence has only happened twice before in NFL history, in 2012 and 2016, showcasing the emerging talent in the league and hinting at a promising future for these young athletes.
Key Performances and Surprising Upsets
Outside of the rookie highlights, seasoned players and teams delivered noteworthy performances. Jared Goff completed an astounding 100% of his passes, leading the Detroit Lions to a decisive 42-29 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. This level of accuracy from Goff underscores his considerable skill and reliability as a quarterback.
In other significant matchups, the Tennessee Titans overpowered the Miami Dolphins with a commanding 31-12 victory, while the Atlanta Falcons narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-24 in a thrilling contest. The Minnesota Vikings clinched a tight 31-29 win against the Green Bay Packers, and the Indianapolis Colts edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24.
Adding to the list of dominant performances, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16, and the Cincinnati Bengals secured a 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. The Houston Texans triumphed over the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20, and the Las Vegas Raiders eked out a 20-16 victory against the Cleveland Browns.
The San Francisco 49ers showcased their strength with a 30-13 win over the New England Patriots, while the Kansas City Chiefs handed a 17-10 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Baltimore Ravens asserted their dominance with a convincing 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills, and the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious with a 20-15 win against the New York Giants.
Week 4 of the NFL season has been a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport. With rookie quarterbacks making headlines, seasoned players delivering stellar performances, and underdog victories keeping fans on the edge of their seats, this week has offered a glimpse of the thrilling action that defines the NFL. As the season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more captivating moments and standout performances.