The fourth week of the NFL season blossomed with high-octane performances, particularly from rookie quarterbacks, setting the stage for an exhilarating and record-setting series of games.
Historic Firsts and Notable Achievements
Caleb Williams, selected as the first overall pick, demonstrated why he was the top choice. Williams etched his name into the history books as the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his initial two home starts within the same season of being drafted. This remarkable achievement highlights his immediate impact on the field and his potential to elevate his team throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels showcased extraordinary accuracy in his passing game. Daniels completed 86.7% of his passes, becoming the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This feat underscores his precision and consistency, traits that have proven pivotal in securing victories.
Bo Nix experienced a challenging start but displayed resilience. Despite throwing for negative yardage in the first half against the Jets, Nix bounced back, throwing for 60 passing yards in the third quarter. His perseverance paid off as he led the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a tight 10-9 victory. Such performances are indicative of his potential and resilience under pressure.
Commanders Find Their Stride
The Washington Commanders reached a notable milestone, securing a record above .500 through the first four weeks for the first time since 2011. This early success sets a hopeful tone for the rest of their season, reflecting the team's progress and strategic improvements.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine in Week 4
Week 4 proved to be historic with three rookie quarterbacks—Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels—each capturing victories. This marked only the third instance in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have won in the same week within the first four weeks of the season, a pattern previously observed in 2012 and 2016. Such simultaneous successes suggest a promising future for these young quarterbacks and bring a fresh wave of talent to the league.
Week 4 Game Highlights
The Chicago Bears celebrated a hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Rams. In a tactical battle, the Bears outmaneuvered their opponents with strategic plays and solid defense. Similarly, the Atlanta Falcons carved out a narrow 26-24 win against the New Orleans Saints, showcasing their tenacity and skill in a closely contested game.
In a head-to-head clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings emerged victorious with a 31-29 scoreline, highlighting the intense rivalry between these two teams. The Indianapolis Colts edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24, in another nail-biting contest, underscoring the competitive spirit of the league.
The Cincinnati Bengals trumped the Carolina Panthers with a commanding 34-24 victory, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers unleashed their full offensive might to dominate the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-16. The Washington Commanders' resounding 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals exemplified their newfound prowess this season.
In other notable matches, the Las Vegas Raiders outplayed the Cleveland Browns, securing a 20-16 win, and the San Francisco 49ers dominated the New England Patriots, 30-13. The Kansas City Chiefs clinched a 17-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in a defensive showdown, and the Baltimore Ravens overwhelmed the Buffalo Bills, winning 35-10 with an explosive performance.
The Dallas Cowboys edged past the New York Giants, 20-15, in a tightly contested Thursday night game, setting an exciting tone for Week 4's matchups.
Looking Ahead
With 14 games decided, Week 4 culminates with a highly anticipated doubleheader on Monday night. As the season progresses, the early performances of these rookie quarterbacks and the continuing competitive matchups promise an exciting journey ahead in the NFL.