The fourth week of the NFL season was one for the record books, particularly for rookie quarterbacks who made significant strides and set new standards.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, etched his name into the history books by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the season he was drafted. His performance has given Bears fans hope for a bright future, as they recently triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams.
In another rookie highlight, Bo Nix experienced a tumultuous game but managed to turn things around dramatically. Despite throwing for negative yardage in the first half against the Jets, Nix rallied the Denver Broncos with a 60-yard passing performance in the third quarter, ultimately leading the team to their only touchdown in a closely contested 10-9 victory.
Jayden Daniels also had a spectacular showing, completing 86.7% of his passes. This achievement made him the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. His flawless execution and command of the game have set a high bar for other rookies and solidified his position as a rising star in the league.
The collective triumph of these rookies marks only the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have secured wins in the same week during the first four weeks of a season. This incredible feat had previously been accomplished only in 2012 and 2016.
Wide-ranging Results Across the League
The weekend's action wasn’t just about rookies; several other teams also made significant strides. The Washington Commanders, in particular, surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011, following their emphatic 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints in a nail-biting 26-24 win, while the Minnesota Vikings narrowly defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-29 in a high-scoring affair.
Other notable victories included the Indianapolis Colts topping the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 and the Cincinnati Bengals overcoming the Carolina Panthers 34-24. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a decisive 33-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Significant Matches and Standout Performances
The Las Vegas Raiders also made headlines with their 20-16 win against the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers displayed their dominance over the New England Patriots with a 30-13 victory. The Kansas City Chiefs continued their strong start by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10.
Furthermore, the Baltimore Ravens showcased their prowess by outplaying the Buffalo Bills 35-10. The Dallas Cowboys won a tense Thursday night game against the New York Giants, emerging victorious with a 20-15 scoreline.
Looking Ahead
As Week 4 will conclude with an anticipated doubleheader set for Monday night, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes to see how these results will shape the standings moving forward. With 14 games already decided, this week has set a precedent of excitement and unpredictability, underscoring the dynamic nature of the NFL.
Stay tuned as the season progresses, promising more thrilling encounters, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments.