After the first four weeks of the NFL season, the Washington Commanders have taken the league by surprise. With a commendable 3-1 record, the team has demonstrated both resilience and an impressive offensive power that has not been seen in years. Much of this newfound success can be attributed to the arrival of first-year head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Commanders' Offensive Resurgence
Daniels has quickly become a standout, setting remarkable records for both his arm and legs. The rookie quarterback set a new high for the highest completion percentage in a four-game span (82.1%), and astonishingly, he raised that bar even higher within two games, achieving an 88.7% completion rate—the highest since the merger. Daniels is also the only player since 1970 to maintain an 80% completion rate while rushing for over 200 yards in a four-game stretch, doing so with a minimum of 50 passing attempts, a feat that underscores his dual-threat capability.
Such stellar performances have transformed the Commanders' offensive dynamics. For the first time since 1991, the team has scored over 38 points in consecutive games. With their versatile offensive strategies, they stand as the only team this season to have multiple games with over 200 rushing yards.
Competitors' Standings and Performances
Looking around the league, other teams have also made their marks after four weeks. The Kansas City Chiefs, firmly leading the AFC West, enjoy a significant cushion with a two-game lead over their nearest competitors. Meanwhile, in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings are off to a perfect start, boasting a 4-0 record.
Sam Darnold of the Vikings has emerged as an elite quarterback, leading the league with 11 passing touchdowns, the highest yards per attempt (8.8), and the best passer rating (118.9). Darnold is only the fifth quarterback since 1950 to achieve a 4-0 record with at least 10 passing touchdowns in his first four starts with a new team. Notably, the Vikings are also the first team in NFL history to secure three consecutive wins in a season without trailing at any point. All these victories have come against teams that had won playoff games in the previous year, showcasing the Vikings' ability to perform under pressure.
In contrast to these high-flying teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars are reeling with a 0-4 record. Their defense has struggled significantly, as evidenced by surrendering 435 yards in their latest loss to the Houston Texans. Having won just one game in their last ten outings, the Jaguars' woes continue to deepen.
The Chicago Bears sit at an even 2-2. Their quarterback, Williams, has had a rocky start, completing 61.7% of his passes for 787 yards but throwing as many interceptions (four) as he has touchdowns (three). His passer rating stands at a concerning 72.0, indicative of the challenges he faces as the season progresses.
Bouncing Back and Ongoing Struggles
Both the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans have rebounded from disappointing losses this week, stabilizing their performances moving forward. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have struggled to find consistency, holding a 1-3 record. Deshaun Watson has had an uneven start, registering a 74.4 passer rating through four games despite completing 24 of 32 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the most recent outing.
The Philadelphia Eagles, with a record of 4-8 in their last dozen games, appear to be embroiled in a turnover crisis. Jalen Hurts, their quarterback, has turned the ball over eight times in just four games this season and is responsible for a staggering 27 turnovers since the start of last season. This alarming trend has hampered the Eagles' ability to capitalize on their opportunities, making it an urgent issue that needs addressing.
Conclusion
The first four weeks of the NFL season have offered a blend of predictable triumphs and surprising turnarounds. Teams like the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings have surged to the forefront, thanks to stellar performances from emerging stars and strategic leadership. Meanwhile, perennial powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs reaffirm their dominance, and struggles persist for teams like the Jaguars and Eagles. As the season develops, these narratives will continue to evolve, bringing more excitement and unpredictability to the gridiron.