The excitement of Week 4 in the NFL brought fresh triumphs and notable records, particularly among rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bo Nix, who steered their teams to thrilling victories.
Caleb Williams: A Record-Setting Start
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, continued to impress as he secured a place in the history books 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 was solidified in Week 4 when he led the Chicago Bears to a 24-18 win against the Los Angeles Rams.
Williams has performed beyond expectations, showcasing a blend of poise and skill that has Chicago fans hopeful for a successful season. His leadership was particularly evident in the game against the Rams, where his strategic play and quick decision-making were instrumental in the Bears' victory.
Bo Nix: Overcoming Early Struggles
Another rookie, Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos, faced a challenging opponent in the New York Jets. The game provided a rollercoaster of emotions, especially in the first half when Nix struggled with negative yardage. However, the resilient quarterback bounced back in the third quarter, throwing for 60 yards and leading the Broncos to the game's sole touchdown.
This touchdown proved to be crucial as the Broncos edged out the Jets in a tight 10-9 victory. Nix's ability to overcome early setbacks and secure the win demonstrates his potential and determination to succeed in the NFL.
Jayden Daniels: A Historic Achievement
Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders also made headlines with a commanding performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Daniels led his team to an impressive 42-14 victory, completing 86.7% of his passes and becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games.
Thanks to Daniels, the Commanders now boast an over .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011. His consistent accuracy and leadership on the field have been key factors in the Commanders' resurgence this season.
An Uncommon Feat for Rookie Quarterbacks
The week was particularly significant as it marked just the third time in NFL history that three rookie quarterbacks — Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels — have won in the same week during the first four weeks of the season. This rare occurrence had previously been seen only in 2012 and 2016, making Week 4 of the current season one for the history books.
Other Noteworthy Performances
While the spotlight was on the rookies, other players also delivered remarkable performances. Jared Goff, for instance, completed 100% of his passes against the Seattle Seahawks, leading the Detroit Lions to a 42-29 victory. Goff’s flawless execution was a key factor in the Lions' triumph.
The Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Indianapolis Colts were among the teams that secured wins in tightly contested games. The Titans defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-12, while the Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints 26-24. The Vikings outlasted the Green Bay Packers 31-29, and the Colts narrowly beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24.
Additionally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased their offensive prowess with a 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-24. The Houston Texans managed a narrow 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Las Vegas Raiders overcame the Cleveland Browns 20-16.
In other matchups, the San Francisco 49ers outplayed the New England Patriots 30-13, and the Kansas City Chiefs maintained their dominance with a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Baltimore Ravens delivered a commanding performance against the Buffalo Bills, winning 35-10. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys secured a 20-15 victory over their rivals, the New York Giants.
Week 4 of the NFL season was marked by extraordinary performances, significant milestones, and thrilling games. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these promising rookies and established stars to see how they continue to shape the narrative of this year's NFL journey.