Welcome to the Week 4 grades! The NFL season continues to unfold with intriguing storylines and remarkable performances, particularly from the rookie quarterbacks who have taken the league by storm. Here’s a detailed look at the standout events from Week 4.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix delivered noteworthy performances, each securing victories in their respective matchups. Caleb Williams, selected as the first overall pick, continued to impress by achieving a historical milestone. He became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. After leading the Chicago Bears to a Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, Williams steered his team to a 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams.
On the other hand, Bo Nix faced the New York Jets in a challenging game. Nix struggled in the first half, recording negative yardage, but turned things around in the third quarter, throwing for 60 yards. His resilience paid off as he led the Denver Broncos to the game’s only touchdown, securing a narrow 10-9 victory.
Adding to the spotlight on rookie quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels delivered an extraordinary performance for the Washington Commanders. Daniels led his team to a commanding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, completing 86.7% of his passes. This feat made Daniels the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. The Commanders now boast an over .500 record through four weeks, a milestone they haven’t achieved since 2011.
Remarkably, Week 4 joined the ranks of NFL history as just the third time three rookie quarterbacks won in the same week during the first four weeks of a season, a phenomenon previously witnessed in 2012 and 2016.
Other Notable Performances
Veteran quarterback Jared Goff put on a clinic for the Detroit Lions, completing 100% of his passes in their 42-29 triumph over the Seattle Seahawks. Goff's flawless performance was a beacon of efficiency and precision.
Elsewhere, the Tennessee Titans outmatched the Miami Dolphins with a decisive 31-12 victory. In a closely contested battle, the Atlanta Falcons narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-24, while the Minnesota Vikings edged out the Green Bay Packers 31-29.
The Indianapolis Colts secured a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, demonstrating resilience and composure. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers overpowered the Philadelphia Eagles with a 33-16 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The Cincinnati Bengals recorded a 34-24 win against the Carolina Panthers, and the Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in another tight contest. The Las Vegas Raiders emerged victorious against the Cleveland Browns with a 20-16 scoreline.
The San Francisco 49ers asserted their dominance over the New England Patriots, winning 30-13. The Kansas City Chiefs managed a 17-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in a gritty matchup.
In a display of offensive firepower, the Baltimore Ravens crushed the Buffalo Bills 35-10. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants 20-15, closing out a week filled with thrilling gridiron action.
As the NFL season progresses, the performances of both seasoned veterans and rising rookies continue to captivate fans and analysts alike. With each passing week, the dynamics of the league shift, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating remainder of the season.