Welcome to the eagerly awaited Week 4 grades! This week, rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix took the spotlight, delivering performances that exceeded expectations and set new benchmarks in their budding NFL careers. Highlighting their progress and the impressive showings of other teams, Week 4 was nothing short of exhilarating.
Caleb Williams: A Historic Start
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, continues to make significant strides in his rookie season. Williams made history by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same year. His journey began with a commanding victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, but his most recent triumph saw him leading the Chicago Bears to a hard-fought 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams. This performance has positioned Williams as a promising contender for Rookie of the Year, captivating fans and analysts alike.
Bo Nix: Overcoming Adversity
Bo Nix's journey through his rookie season has been anything but smooth. Facing the New York Jets, Nix struggled significantly in the first half, enduring negative yardage. However, his resilience shone through in the third quarter as he threw for 60 yards, eventually leading the Denver Broncos to the game's only touchdown. This pivotal play sealed a 10-9 victory over the Jets, showcasing Nix’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure.
Jayden Daniels: Passing Perfection
Another remarkable rookie performance came from Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to a decisive 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels delivered an extraordinary 86.7% completion rate, making NFL history by becoming the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This stunning display marks a significant milestone for the Commanders, who boast an over .500 record through the first four weeks of the season for the first time since 2011.
Historic Week for Rookies
Week 4 marked a rare milestone, only the third occurrence in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have secured victories in the same week during the first four weeks of the season. Previously, this phenomenon was witnessed in the 2012 and 2016 seasons, underlining the exceptional talent and competitiveness of this year's rookie class.
Jared Goff's Flawless Performance
Apart from the rookies, Week 4 also saw seasoned quarterback Jared Goff put on a perfect performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Goff completed 100% of his passes, leading the Detroit Lions to a 42-29 victory. This flawless display adds another feather to Goff's cap and cements his reputation as a reliable and efficient quarterback.
Other Key Games
The action-packed week didn't end there. The Tennessee Titans dominated the Miami Dolphins with a 31-12 victory, while the Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints 26-24. In a closely contested matchup, the Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Green Bay Packers 31-29. The Indianapolis Colts managed to clinch a 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased their might with a 33-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cincinnati Bengals outperformed the Carolina Panthers with a 34-24 victory. The Houston Texans emerged victorious over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 24-20. The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-16, while the San Francisco 49ers secured a commanding 30-13 win over the New England Patriots.
In other games, the Kansas City Chiefs bested the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10, and the Baltimore Ravens overwhelmed the Buffalo Bills with a 35-10 victory. Rounding out the week, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants 20-15 in a tightly contested game.
As Week 4 comes to a close, it is evident that this season is shaping up to be one for the history books. With rookie sensations making headlines and seasoned veterans continuing to perform at the highest levels, fans can look forward to many more exciting and competitive matchups in the weeks to come.