The fourth week of the NFL season unfolded with a distinct spotlight on rookie quarterbacks, who made their presence felt in a significant fashion. The standout among them was Caleb Williams, who continued to justify his selection as the first overall pick.
Williams' Historic Feat
Williams achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. This accomplishment underscores his immediate impact and promising potential in shaping the future of his franchise.
Bo Nix's Rollercoaster Performance
On the other end of the spectrum was Bo Nix, who experienced a tumultuous first half against the Jets, throwing for negative yardage. However, he rebounded impressively in the third quarter to accumulate 60 passing yards and orchestrate the Denver Broncos’ only touchdown in a gritty 10-9 victory.
Jayden Daniels' Accuracy
Jayden Daniels also etched his name into the record books by completing 86.7% of his passes, making him the first quarterback to achieve a completion rate of at least 85% in two consecutive games. Daniels’ precision passing played a pivotal role in his team’s success, ensuring all three rookie quarterbacks — Williams, Nix, and Daniels — secured wins in Week 4.
Commanders Break a Long Dry Spell
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. This early-season success can serve as a catalyst for the Commanders as they aim to sustain momentum moving forward.
A Historic Moment for Rookies
This week was particularly notable as it marked the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have secured wins in the same week during the initial four weeks of the season, a feat previously accomplished in 2012 and 2016. The collective success of Williams, Nix, and Daniels underscores the rising influence of young quarterbacks in the league.
Key Victories Across the League
Among the notable victories in Week 4, the Bears triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams. The Atlanta Falcons edged past the New Orleans Saints in a nail-biting 26-24 win. The Minnesota Vikings also had a close call, narrowly defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-29.
In a series of tightly contested matches, the Indianapolis Colts emerged victorious against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 27-24, while the Cincinnati Bengals overcame the Carolina Panthers 34-24. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on an offensive show to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16, and the Washington Commanders showcased their prowess with a commanding 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Las Vegas Raiders secured a win against the Cleveland Browns, 20-16, and the San Francisco 49ers decisively beat the New England Patriots 30-13. The Kansas City Chiefs managed a hard-fought 17-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens romped to a 35-10 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Thursday night's clash saw the Dallas Cowboys triumph over the New York Giants, 20-15, setting the tone for an eventful weekend of football.
Looking Ahead
With 14 games concluded, Week 4 is set to wrap up with an eagerly anticipated doubleheader on Monday night, adding further excitement to an already thrilling NFL season. The early weeks have showcased emerging talents and historic accomplishments, promising what could be a memorable season in the making.