The fourth week of the NFL season brought a spectacle of performances, especially showcasing the emerging talent among rookie quarterbacks. The weekend's action not only continued the riveting excitement fans have come to expect but also marked significant milestones and unforgettable moments.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shine
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. His historic achievement set the tone for a week where rookie prowess was on full display.
Bo Nix faced a challenging start, throwing for negative yardage in the first half against the Jets. However, Nix showcased resilience by rallying in the third quarter, managing 60 passing yards and leading the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a narrow 10-9 victory.
Jayden Daniels displayed remarkable efficiency by completing 86.7% of his passes. Notably, Daniels became the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games, etching his name into the record books.
Collectively, the performances of Williams, Nix, and Daniels marked 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, a feat last achieved in 2012 and 2016.
Commanders Break New Ground
This week's victories extended beyond individual achievements to team milestones. The Washington Commanders, for the first time since 2011, surpassed a .500 record through four weeks after convincingly beating the Arizona Cardinals 42-14. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the franchise, sparking optimism among their fanbase.
Weekend Scores and Highlights
A flurry of competitive games shaped the landscape of Week 4. The Chicago Bears triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams, while the Atlanta Falcons narrowly edged out the New Orleans Saints, 26-24. The Minnesota Vikings secured a tight win over the Green Bay Packers, 31-29.
Other notable results included the Indianapolis Colts' 27-24 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. In a commanding performance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-16.
The Las Vegas Raiders emerged victorious against the Cleveland Browns with a close 20-16 finish, and the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New England Patriots, 30-13. The Kansas City Chiefs managed a 17-10 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Baltimore Ravens overpowered the Buffalo Bills, 35-10.
The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up Thursday night's game with a 20-15 win against the New York Giants, adding to the week's roster of tightly contested matchups.
A Week Full of Drama
As Week 4 concluded, the dramatic turn of events left fans eagerly anticipating the Monday night doubleheader. With 14 games decided, the season's early stages have already provided a glimpse into the exciting paths teams and players are set to traverse.
In capturing the essence of the season's competitive spirit, these early weeks underscore the unpredictability and excitement that define the NFL. The mix of rookie breakthroughs, team milestones, and thrilling finishes serves as a reminder of why the sport captivates millions, week in and week out.