The fourth week of the NFL season was a landmark for rookie quarterbacks, marking significant achievements that will be remembered for years to come. The young guns from the 2023 draft class are already making their mark on the league in a big way. Leading the charge was Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, whose performance is setting new records.
Caleb Williams: A Historic Start
Williams became the first quarterback in the common-draft era to win his first two home starts within the same season of being drafted. This rare feat highlights not only his skill but also his ability to adapt quickly to the pressures of professional football. Such accomplishments bode well for his future and for the future of the team that took a chance on him with their top pick.
Bo Nix's Resilience
Another rookie, Bo Nix, had a rough start in his game against the Jets, throwing for negative yardage in the first half. However, Nix showcased resilience and determination in the second half. He threw for 60 yards in the third quarter and led the Denver Broncos to their only touchdown in a 10-9 victory. His ability to bounce back from a tough start demonstrates a level of maturity that is essential for long-term success in the league.
Jayden Daniels Setting Records
Jayden Daniels added to the rookie quarterback triumphs by completing 86.7% of his passes. Daniels also set a remarkable record, becoming the first quarterback to complete at least 85% of his passes in two consecutive games. His precision and consistency are setting a new standard for rookie quarterbacks, showing that he can maintain high performance levels under varying game conditions.
Team Triumphs
Week 4 was notable not just for individual achievements but also for team performances. The Chicago Bears triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams, a significant victory for a team in a rebuild phase. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders surpassed a .500 record through four weeks for the first time since 2011, symbolizing a potential turning point for the franchise.
Other Notable Wins
The Atlanta Falcons edged out the New Orleans Saints with a 26-24 victory, and the Minnesota Vikings managed a narrow 31-29 win against the Green Bay Packers. In another tight contest, the Indianapolis Colts prevailed over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24.
Other games saw the Cincinnati Bengals defeating the Carolina Panthers, 34-24, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored a decisive 33-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Washington Commanders celebrated a resounding 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a 20-16 win against the Cleveland Browns, and the San Francisco 49ers overpowered the New England Patriots with a 30-13 victory. In a lower-scoring game, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 17-10. The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Buffalo Bills with a 35-10 win, and concluding the results, the Dallas Cowboys secured a 20-15 win over the New York Giants on Thursday night.
A Historic Week 4
Three rookie quarterbacks—Williams, Nix, and Daniels—sealed wins in Week 4, marking only the third time in NFL history three rookie quarterbacks have achieved wins in the same week during the first four weeks of a season. This incredible feat was previously accomplished in 2012 and 2016, adding to the growing list of remarkable moments from this year's rookie class.
The week will conclude with a doubleheader set for Monday night, capping off an already thrilling week of football where 14 games have been decided. As the season progresses, the performances of these rookie quarterbacks and their respective teams will be closely watched, potentially heralding a new era of football talent in the NFL.