Welcome to the Week 4 grades! The recent slate of NFL games has offered a mix of thrilling victories, record-setting performances, and historic milestones, particularly from rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Caleb Williams and Bo Nix have both showcased their potential, giving their respective teams a reason to believe in their young talents. Williams, taken as the first overall pick, has already made history by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. After securing a Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Williams led the Chicago Bears to a 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4—a performance that continues to validate the Bears' decision to choose him as their franchise quarterback.
Meanwhile, Bo Nix faced the New York Jets under challenging conditions, as he initially struggled with negative yardage in the first half. However, Nix rebounded, throwing for 60 yards in the third quarter and ultimately leading the Denver Broncos to the game’s only touchdown. The Broncos emerged victorious with a 10-9 win against the Jets, providing their fans with a reason to celebrate Nix's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Historic Achievement for Jayden Daniels
Another rookie quarterback making headlines is Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to a commanding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels completed 86.7% of his passes, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. Under his leadership, the Commanders have achieved an over .500 record through the first four weeks for the first time since 2011. This accomplishment not only highlights Daniels' accuracy but also positions the Commanders as serious contenders.
This week marked just the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have won in the same week during the first four weeks of the season. Previously, this milestone was achieved only in 2012 and 2016, underscoring the exceptional talent of this year's rookie class.
Veteran Performances and Team Triumphs
While the rookies garnered much of the attention, veteran players and teams also delivered noteworthy performances. Jared Goff completed a remarkable 100% of his passes against the Seattle Seahawks, leading the Detroit Lions to a 42-29 victory. Such a flawless execution by Goff exemplifies his experience and skill, providing the Lions with a strong foundation moving forward.
Elsewhere, the Tennessee Titans registered a convincing 31-12 win against the Miami Dolphins, while the Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints with a 26-24 victory. The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a close 31-29 win against the Green Bay Packers, and the Indianapolis Colts managed a tight 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A Roundup of Other Notable Games
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their strong performance by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16, and the Cincinnati Bengals outplayed the Carolina Panthers with a 34-24 victory. This wave of competitive games also saw the Houston Texans securing a 24-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Las Vegas Raiders achieving a 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The San Francisco 49ers maintained their dominance with a 30-13 victory over the New England Patriots, showcasing their comprehensive skill set. The Kansas City Chiefs, too, upheld their reputation by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10, while the Baltimore Ravens delivered an impressive 35-10 win against the Buffalo Bills. To cap off the week's action, the Dallas Cowboys secured a 20-15 win against the New York Giants.
With a mix of rookie breakthroughs, record-setting performances, and experienced players showcasing their prowess, Week 4 has set the stage for an enthralling season ahead. The NFL continues to captivate with its blend of emerging talent and seasoned athletes, promising more excitement in the weeks to come.