The NFL's fourth week of the season delivered notable milestones and captivating performances from rookie quarterbacks, underscoring a promising new era for fresh talent in the league.
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, etched his name into the record books. He became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to secure victories in his first two home starts within the same season he was drafted. This achievement sets a high bar for future rookies and gives the team a solid foundation to build on.
Despite a rocky beginning, Bo Nix showcased his resilience on the field. Struggling with negative yardage in the first half against the Jets, Nix turned around his performance in the third quarter, managing 60 passing yards and leading the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a closely fought 10-9 victory. His ability to bounce back from a tough start shows promise for his future in the NFL.
Jayden Daniels demonstrated exceptional precision, completing an impressive 86.7% of his passes. In doing so, Daniels became the first quarterback to achieve at least an 85% completion rate in two consecutive games. His accuracy is a crucial asset for his team, contributing to consistent offensive capabilities.
The wins secured by Williams, Nix, and Daniels mark the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have notched victories in the same week within the first four weeks of the season. This feat, previously accomplished only in 2012 and 2016, underscores the outstanding potential and impact of this year’s rookie class.
Team Highlights
The Bears overcame the Los Angeles Rams, putting them in a competitive stance early in the season. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders, with their win against the Arizona Cardinals, have managed to surpass a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011. This marks a significant turning point for the Commanders as they aim for a more successful season compared to recent years.
Additional Week 4 Returns
Other notable matchups included the Atlanta Falcons clinching a narrow 26-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings emerging victorious against the Green Bay Packers with a score of 31-29. The Indianapolis Colts also edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers in a tightly contested game, finishing 27-24.
The Cincinnati Bengals delivered a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers, winning 34-24, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decisively defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-16. The Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers also secured wins, with the Raiders edging the Cleveland Browns 20-16, and the 49ers defeating the New England Patriots 30-13.
The Kansas City Chiefs demonstrated their dominance with a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens outperformed the Buffalo Bills with a commanding 35-10 win. On Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys won a close game against the New York Giants, finishing 20-15.
Monday Night Showdown
Week 4 is set to conclude with an eagerly anticipated Monday night doubleheader, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of this thrilling NFL season. With 14 games already decided, fans have witnessed both expected outcomes and surprising upsets, reflecting the league’s competitive nature.
This week has delivered a blend of historic milestones, thrilling comebacks, and compelling team performances, showcasing the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the NFL. As the season progresses, the contributions of these rookie quarterbacks will undoubtedly continue to be a storyline to watch.