NFL Week 4: Surprising Performances and Unexpected Leaders
ICARO Media Group
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In the 23 years since the turn of the millennium, Washington has seen 27 different starting quarterbacks. Among them, only Jason Campbell and Kirk Cousins managed to start entire consecutive seasons. Now, rookie Jayden Daniels has set a new standard by achieving the highest completion percentage (82.1) across any four games in NFL history, surpassing even the likes of Peyton Manning in 2008 and Tom Brady in 2007. Such a feat could well mean that plans for a statue might be underway.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings, who had an expected win total of 6.5 games entering the preseason according to BetMGM, are defying all odds. Facing a potentially devastating early-season schedule, an 0-8 start seemed plausible. Yet, they are now aiming for an astonishing 8-0 record, adding notable victories over Super Bowl contenders like Houston and San Francisco to their repertoire. Justin Jefferson’s remarkable plays and Aaron Jones’ consistent 5-yard rushing average have been pivotal for the team.
The Baltimore Ravens reminded everyone of their prowess with a decisive 35-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Bills, showcasing a vintage Ravens performance. Totaling 271 rushing yards and delivering a dominant defensive effort, it was a clear statement that the Ravens are still a formidable force in the league.
Tampa Bay, led by Baker Mayfield, also had something to prove. After Mayfield hinted that players had felt stressed with Tom Brady around, Brady responded while broadcasting Mayfield’s game. With a 33-16 win over the Eagles, Mayfield relieved much of that stress, finishing with 347 passing yards and three touchdowns, asserting the legitimacy of this team on both sides of the ball.
Denver's 2-2 defense shone brightly despite a lackluster offensive start. Bo Nix couldn't complete a pass beyond the line of scrimmage in the first half, yet the Broncos secured a 10-9 victory over the Jets, thanks largely to Vance Joseph's defense. With five sacks and 14 quarterback hits, their defensive pressure continues to impress.
Quarterbacks who had been written off are now making their mark. Sam Darnold is undefeated at 4-0, Geno Smith is 3-0 heading into a big game in Detroit, and Baker Mayfield stands at 3-1. Andy Dalton has revitalized Carolina with a 1-1 record, while Gardner Minshew maintains a balanced 2-2. Both Malik Willis and Joe Flacco have also started this season with victories. Combined, these once-dismissed quarterbacks boast a collective record of 16-4, sparking hope for others like Bryce Young.
On a less optimistic note, Trevor Lawrence's performance with Jacksonville raises concerns. Since being picked No. 1 in 2021, his win rate is just 38 percent. With the Jaguars at 0-4 for the second time since that draft and a massive $200 million guaranteed deal recently signed, expectations are high, but the results have been underwhelming.
In the NFC East, Washington received a boost as competitors faltered. The Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants all showed vulnerabilities in Week 4, with Philadelphia and Dallas each struggling to maintain consistency and the Giants remaining largely irrelevant.
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to win, holding a perfect 4-0 record. However, the victories have been narrow, kept to single-score margins, and the injury list is growing, including star Rashee Rice potentially out for the season with an ACL tear. Running back Isiah Pacheco is also sidelined, casting a shadow over what should be a more celebratory 4-0 run.
As the Buccaneers triumphed over the Eagles with a dominant 33-16 performance, their GM Jason Licht posted The Athletic's front-office rankings on social media, subtly pointing out that his Buccaneers, though overlooked, have a strong record against the highly-regarded Eagles.
Statistics sometimes paint a different picture than wins and losses. For example, rookie Jayden Daniels has outdone his predecessors with an EPA per play second only to 2007 Tom Brady. His Commanders have recorded more scoring drives than incomplete passes through four games, highlighting his exceptional start.
Lastly, the 2-2 Bears saw a significant boost in winning odds, thanks in part to punter Tory Taylor. His exceptional punting played a crucial role in their 24-18 win over the Rams. Special teams and standout performances like D'Andre Swift's 165 total yards were decisive factors, underscoring how every play counts in this unpredictable NFL season.