The NFL's fourth week of the season was marked by remarkable achievements and thrilling victories, especially for the league's rookie quarterbacks. The standout performances this week included historic milestones and noteworthy team triumphs.
Caleb Williams Makes History
Caleb Williams, selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, continues to demonstrate why he was so highly regarded. Williams became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. This milestone reflects his rapid adjustment to the professional level and his ability to perform under the pressure of high expectations.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Williams was not the only rookie quarterback to have a notable performance this week. Bo Nix, despite a challenging first half against the Jets where he threw for negative yardage, managed to turn his game around. Nix recorded 60 passing yards in the third quarter and drove the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown, securing a narrow 10-9 victory. His resilience and ability to rebound are commendable traits for any quarterback, let alone a rookie adjusting to the NFL.
Jayden Daniels also made headlines with his exceptional accuracy. Completing 86.7% of his passes, Daniels became the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. His precision and consistency have set him apart early in his professional career, demonstrating that he has the potential to be a reliable and efficient playmaker.
Team Triumphs and Milestones
Beyond individual performances, several teams hit significant milestones and secured crucial victories. The Chicago Bears triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams, a win that adds to their growing momentum this season.
For the Washington Commanders, Week 4 was historic as they surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011. This achievement underlines the progress the team has made and their potential for the rest of the season. The Commanders' dominant 42-14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals was pivotal in reaching this milestone.
In an unusual statistical occurrence, three rookie quarterbacks—Williams, Nix, and Daniels—secured wins in Week 4. This marks only the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have achieved this feat in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, previously occurring in 2012 and 2016.
Close Calls and Commanding Wins
The week was also highlighted by several closely contested games and commanding victories. The Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints with a 26-24 win, while the Minnesota Vikings managed a narrow 31-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Indianapolis Colts also had a tight 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cincinnati Bengals secured a 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Conversely, some teams enjoyed more decisive victories. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16, showcasing their offensive prowess. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers comfortably handled the New England Patriots with a 30-13 victory. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens also registered wins with scores of 17-10 against the Los Angeles Chargers and 35-10 against the Buffalo Bills, respectively.
Thursday Night and Monday Night Action
Week 4 started with a Thursday night game where the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious over the New York Giants with a 20-15 scoreline. This game set the tone for a weekend of competitive football.
As the week draws to a close, fans eagerly anticipate the conclusion of Week 4 with a Monday night doubleheader, promising more gridiron action and the potential for further standout performances.
In total, 14 games have been decided, each contributing to the evolving narrative of this NFL season. The blend of rookie achievements and team triumphs has made for an exciting and memorable Week 4.