Welcome to the Week 4 grades! Week 4 in the NFL delivered exciting results as rookie quarterbacks delivered stunning performances that will be remembered for years to come.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix stood out as they guided their teams to impressive victories. Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, made history by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts in the same year. His journey began with a Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans and continued with a commanding 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. Williams' leadership on the field has proven essential for the Chicago Bears, who have found a promising young star in their quarterback.
Bo Nix faced the New York Jets in what can be described as a game of two halves. After a challenging first half where he posted negative yardage, Nix bounced back in the third quarter by throwing for 60 yards. He showcased his resilience and skill by leading the Denver Broncos to the game's only touchdown, securing a narrow yet pivotal 10-9 victory over the Jets.
Jayden Daniels Makes History
Another standout performance came from Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to a resounding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels completed an astonishing 86.7% of his passes, making NFL history as the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This level of precision has propelled the Commanders to an over .500 record through four weeks, a feat they had not achieved since 2011.
This week also marked just the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks have won in the same week during the first four weeks of the season—a rare occurrence previously seen only in 2012 and 2016.
Other Noteworthy Games
Veteran quarterbacks didn't disappoint either. Jared Goff delivered an impeccable performance, completing 100% of his passes against the Seattle Seahawks. His flawless execution led the Lions to a decisive 42-29 victory over the Seahawks. The Tennessee Titans also showcased their dominance with a 31-12 win against the Miami Dolphins, while the Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints in a tightly contested 26-24 game.
The Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Green Bay Packers with a close 31-29 victory, showcasing their ability to win under pressure. In another close match, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24, emphasizing the competitive nature of the league this season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers outplayed the Philadelphia Eagles with a 33-16 win, demonstrating their offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals took down the Carolina Panthers 34-24, solidifying their position as a team to watch this season.
The Houston Texans managed a narrow 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between these two teams. The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 20-16 win against the Cleveland Browns, and the San Francisco 49ers dominated the New England Patriots with a 30-13 victory.
The Kansas City Chiefs displayed their strategic depth by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10, maintaining their status as a formidable team. The Baltimore Ravens delivered a powerful 35-10 win over the Buffalo Bills, showcasing both offensive and defensive strength.
In a closely fought game, the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious with a 20-15 win against the New York Giants, reinforcing their competitive edge as the season progresses.
Overall, Week 4 was a pivotal week for rookie quarterbacks and seasoned veterans alike, providing fans with memorable moments and exciting football action that set the tone for the weeks to come.