Welcome to the Week 4 grades! This week offered a thrilling showcase of talent, particularly among rookie quarterbacks, establishing several new benchmarks and paving the way for exciting future matchups.
Rookie Quarterback Highlights
Caleb Williams led the charge among rookie quarterbacks. Drafted as the first overall pick, Williams made history by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. His Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans set the stage for what was to come. This week, Williams orchestrated a 24-18 win for the Chicago Bears against the Los Angeles Rams, solidifying his status as a noteworthy newcomer.
Bo Nix also had his moment in the spotlight, despite a challenging start against the New York Jets. The Denver Broncos rookie had negative yardage in the first half but turned things around in the third quarter, throwing for 60 yards. Nix ultimately led his team to the game's only touchdown, securing a narrow 10-9 victory. His resilience and ability to rebound under pressure are qualities to watch as his career progresses.
Not to be outdone, Jayden Daniels delivered a standout performance for the Washington Commanders. Leading his team to a dominant 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Daniels' pinpoint accuracy was on full display as he completed 86.7% of his passes. Remarkably, Daniels became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This performance also marks the first time since 2011 that the Commanders have posted an over-.500 record through four weeks, a testament to Daniels' impact.
This week was only the third occasion in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have won in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, a rare feat previously accomplished only in 2012 and 2016.
Strong Performances Across the League
Veteran quarterback Jared Goff was impeccable for the Detroit Lions, completing 100% of his passes in their 42-29 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. This level of precision underscores Goff's leadership and the Lions' offensive cohesion.
In other notable results, the Tennessee Titans triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a commanding 31-12 win. The Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints 26-24 in a closely contested battle, while the Minnesota Vikings managed a 31-29 victory against the Green Bay Packers after a hard-fought game.
The Indianapolis Colts showcased their mettle in a 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16. The Cincinnati Bengals overcame the Carolina Panthers 34-24, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
The Houston Texans clinched a 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, a win that builds momentum as the season progresses. Las Vegas Raiders fans also had reason to celebrate with a 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns.
In more decisive matches, the San Francisco 49ers overwhelmed the New England Patriots 30-13, and the Kansas City Chiefs won 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, further cementing their status as one of the league's premier teams.
The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Buffalo Bills with a 35-10 victory, a game that showcased their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious against the New York Giants 20-15, rounding out a week full of captivating action.
In summary, Week 4 was a defining period for several teams and individuals. Rookie quarterbacks made significant strides, veteran players delivered awe-inspiring performances, and the stage is set for an even more exciting season ahead. The milestones achieved and the records set are sure to be pivotal points of reference as we move further into the NFL season.