With four weeks of the NFL season in the books, several teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack, both positively and negatively. A few standout performances and surprising turnarounds have caught the eye, with the spotlight firmly on the Washington Commanders, who are enjoying a strong start under new leadership.
Commanders’ Strong Start
The Washington Commanders have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with early in the season, boasting a 3-1 record. Much of this success can be attributed to first-year head coach Dan Quinn and the remarkable performances of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels has not only demonstrated poise and precision, but he's also broken records, setting the highest completion percentage in a four-game span (82.1%) and surpassing that within two games (88.7%) since the merger.
Daniels' dual-threat capability has been extraordinary. He is the only player since 1970 to maintain an 80% completion rate while also rushing for over 200 yards in a four-game stretch, with a minimum of 50 passing attempts. Under his guidance, the Commanders have scored over 38 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1991. They are also the only team this season to have multiple games with over 200 rushing yards, signaling a balanced and potent offense that should worry their upcoming opponents.
Vikings Undefeated in NFC North
Over in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings have surged to a 4-0 record. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been instrumental in their red-hot start, leading all quarterbacks with 11 passing touchdowns, the highest yards per attempt (8.8), and the best passer rating (118.9) in the NFL. Darnold is now the fifth quarterback since 1950 to go 4-0 with at least 10 passing touchdowns in his first four starts with a new team.
The Vikings' defense has been equally impressive, setting a historic mark by securing three consecutive wins without trailing, all against teams that had won playoff games the previous year. This combination of efficient offense and ruthless defense has placed the Vikings in a commanding position within their division.
Turnarounds and Struggles
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans have both bounced back after disappointing losses, showcasing the resilience expected of NFL teams aiming for playoff contention. Conversely, the Chicago Bears have had a rocky start to the season with a 2-2 record. Their quarterback, Williams, has had a less than stellar performance with a 61.7% completion rate, 787 passing yards, three touchdowns against four interceptions, and a passer rating of 72.0.
Jaguar's Continued Woes
In contrast, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to struggle mightily, earning an 0-4 record. Their defense has been a significant liability, surrendering 435 yards most recently to the Texans. The Jaguars have won just one of their last ten outings, a worrying trend for a franchise searching for stability and success.
Browns and Eagles Faltering
The Cleveland Browns are also off to a slow start with a 1-3 record. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has put up middling numbers, completing 24 of 32 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his latest game. Over the first four games, Watson has a passer rating of 74.4, which has contributed to the team's struggles.
Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing turnover issues with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts has turned the ball over eight times in four games, and since the Eagles last won the turnover battle, they have posted a 4-8 record. Hurt's 27 turnovers since the start of last season have continuously put the team on the back foot, and this inconsistency needs addressing if they aim to make a playoff run.
It has already been a season filled with intriguing narratives and exceptional individual performances. As teams continue to jostle for position, it remains to be seen which ones will sustain their early momentum and which will falter. The crossroad is approaching, and decisions made now will resonate strongly as the pursuit for postseason glory intensifies.