Rookie Quarterbacks Shine in NFL’s Week 4
Week 4 of the NFL season has offered a spectacle of historic achievements, particularly among the rookie quarterbacks who have proven their mettle on the grand stage. Caleb Williams, taken with the first overall pick, etched his name into the history books. Williams became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. His performance has not only electrified fans but has also set a high bar for future rookies.
However, Caleb Williams wasn’t the only rookie quarterback making waves this week. Bo Nix faced a turbulent start, throwing for negative yardage in the first half of the game against the Jets. Despite this, he found his form in the third quarter, amassing 60 passing yards and leading the Denver Broncos to their sole touchdown in a narrow 10-9 victory. This win underscores the determination and resilience characteristic of Nix’s playing style.
Adding another feather to the rookies' cap, Jayden Daniels notched an impressive milestone by completing 86.7% of his passes. What distinguishes Daniels’ achievement is that he became the first quarterback ever to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. This consistency significantly contributed to his team's performance and showcased his precision and skill under pressure.
The exceptional showing of Williams, Nix, and Daniels in Week 4 constitutes only the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have secured wins in the same week during the first four weeks of the season—precedents only set in 2012 and 2016. Their success stories this week are a promising indication of the new talent shaping the future of the league.
Significant Team Performances
Week 4 was not just about individual brilliance; teams also showed remarkable performances. The Chicago Bears triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams, while the Atlanta Falcons clinched a close 26-24 victory against the New Orleans Saints. The Minnesota Vikings added to the excitement by edging out the Green Bay Packers with a 31-29 win.
The Indianapolis Colts displayed grit and determination, emerging victorious against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 27-24. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals overwhelmed the Carolina Panthers, securing a 34-24 victory. In another striking performance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles with a convincing 33-16 win.
The Washington Commanders not only defeated the Arizona Cardinals in a commanding 42-14 victory but also surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011, signaling a potential revival for the team. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders managed a 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns, and the San Francisco 49ers impressively bested the New England Patriots with a 30-13 scoreline.
The Kansas City Chiefs solidified their stature with a 17-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Baltimore Ravens had a dominating performance against the Buffalo Bills, concluding their game with a 35-10 victory. Rounding out the week's matchups, the Dallas Cowboys tackled the New York Giants on Thursday night, emerging with a 20-15 win.
This week’s showcase of talent and competition culminated in fourteen games that have defined the narrative of Week 4. With a Monday night doubleheader still pending, this season continues to promise excitement and unpredictability. The exceptional performances—from record-breaking rookies to resilient teams—epitomize the dynamic and thrilling nature of the NFL.