NFL Week 4 Recap: Rookie Quarterbacks Shine and Commanders Break Through

The fourth week of the NFL season brought a slew of remarkable performances and historic achievements, particularly among rookie quarterbacks who took center stage

Rookie Quarterbacks Shine

Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, made headlines by becoming the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season he was drafted. Williams’ promising start has captured the imagination of Bears fans, who watched their team triumph over the Los Angeles Rams.

Meanwhile, it was a tale of resilience for Bo Nix, who struggled early against the Jets, throwing for negative yardage in the first half. However, Nix showed commendable fortitude by amassing 60 passing yards in the third quarter, ultimately leading the Denver Broncos to their sole touchdown in a gritty 10-9 victory.

Jayden Daniels also etched his name in the record books by completing an impressive 86.7% of his passes. In doing so, Daniels became the first quarterback to achieve at least 85% completion in two consecutive games. Daniels' precision and consistency are vital assets for his team's aspirations this season.

Notably, Week 4 witnessed all three rookie quarterbacks—Williams, Nix, and Daniels—secure victories. This marks just the third instance in NFL history where three rookie quarterbacks have won in the same week during the first four weeks of the season, a feat previously accomplished in 2012 and 2016.

Commanders Break Through

Another significant storyline involved the Washington Commanders, who surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011. The Commanders' journey to relevancy has been a long road, but their recent performance against the Arizona Cardinals, culminating in a convincing 42-14 victory, offers a glimmer of hope for the franchise and its fervent fan base.

Victories Across the Board

Week 4 saw triumphs for several other teams, each with their unique storylines. The Atlanta Falcons eked out a narrow 26-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints, while the Minnesota Vikings clinched a 31-29 win against the Green Bay Packers in an intense divisional match-up. The Indianapolis Colts edged past the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 27-24 victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

The Cincinnati Bengals' high-octane offense was in full display with a 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Equally impressive were the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who overwhelmed the Philadelphia Eagles with a 33-16 triumph.

Adding to the list of dominant performances, the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-13 win against the New England Patriots, while the Baltimore Ravens dismantled the Buffalo Bills with a commanding 35-10 victory. The Las Vegas Raiders also returned to winning ways by defeating the Cleveland Browns 20-16.

In another tightly contested game, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 17-10 win. The Dallas Cowboys capped off the Thursday night action with a 20-15 victory over the New York Giants, demonstrating their defensive prowess.

High Stakes and Drama

As Week 4 unwinds, the NFL landscape continues to evolve, with teams striving to carve out their destinies in this competitive season. The thrill of the game, underpinned by the emergence of new stars and rejuvenated franchises, promises an exciting journey ahead.

With one final doubleheader set to conclude the action on Monday night, fans remain on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the drama and spectacle that is the NFL.