Remarkably, the NFL season’s first quarter is almost complete. While it may still feel early, we are beginning to gain insights into which teams are achieving their preseason goals and which are falling short. With each franchise having completed four games, we’ve collected substantial data on nearly all major starters.
Therefore, it’s time to kick off the awards season by recognizing standout performances from the initial part of the season. Although the league now operates with a 17-game schedule, evaluating the first month can provide valuable context. These selections represent my personal opinions based on the games so far, rather than predictions of who will ultimately receive awards at the season’s conclusion.
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This exercise also serves as a reference point for the future, allowing us to reflect on how much can change throughout the season. For instance, at this point last year, my pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year was Christian Gonzalez from the Patriots, who ended up sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury. Similarly, Justin Herbert of the Chargers ranked third in MVP votes, while I had chosen Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins as my MVP. A lot can unravel between early October and the end of January.
With this perspective, I will distribute votes for seven different awards, beginning with Coach of the Year and concluding with Most Valuable Player. Awarding these honors proved challenging for distinct reasons:
Jump to an award:
MVP | Best coach
OROY | DROY
OPOY | DPOY
Comeback Player
Coach of the Year
After just four games, it is nearly impossible for coaches to stand out from their peers. While wins and losses matter, they are not the sole determining factor for this award, though they remain the most significant. Currently, nine teams have records of either 3-1 or 4-0, which makes their coaches contenders for this recognition. In narrowing my choices down to three, I evaluated both the strength of the opponents faced and the expected performance of each team’s roster thus far.
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An impressive offensive performance has propelled their 3-1 start. Quinn excelled defensively in Dallas, yet his Commanders’ defense currently ranks 31st in expected points added (EPA) per play and last in points allowed per drive. Had the Commanders flipped their strengths and led the NFC East with a defense that could be compared to the best of the last three decades, Quinn would easily top this list. As things stand, however, he is positioned at No. 3.
The only coach to defeat Quinn and the Commanders occupies the second spot. Bowles’ Buccaneers have been without significant players like Calijah Kancey, Antoine Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, and Luke Goedeke for parts of the season’s first month. They have faced the league’s 10th-toughest schedule, a rating likely to improve as metrics like ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) recognize the Commanders as legitimate. Despite these challenges, the Buccaneers have continued to perform well.
Editor’s Picks
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The Buccaneers’ offense appears even stronger following the departure of Dave Canales to the Panthers, with Baker Mayfield currently ranking fourth in the league for passer rating despite contending with the second-highest drop rate in the league, just under 11%. Meanwhile, Bowles’ defense has been the only unit capable of restraining the Commanders’ offense this season, limiting Jayden Daniels & Co. to just two touchdowns over their initial seven drives before allowing a late consolation score. Tampa also managed to hold the Eagles and Lions to 16 points each while missing Winfield, their best player from the previous season.
1. Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
While I would also consider Brian Flores a strong candidate for Coordinator of the Year, O’Connell’s accomplishments in constructing a frequently dominant offense with Sam Darnold at quarterback have been noteworthy. The Vikings lead the league in EPA per play on offense in situations where both teams have at least a 5% chance of winning. In effect, discounting garbage time, their offense has actually performed slightly better than the Commanders per snap. However, they have ranked as the second-worst offense in the league during those long-shot scenarios.
From what I have observed of Darnold over these first four weeks, I wouldn’t categorize him as an exceptional quarterback. However, I do see a physically talented passer who has found improved solutions to the challenges he faced earlier in his career, thanks in part to his teammates and a scheme that regularly creates advantageous looks and matchups for him. Simple tactics, such as utilizing motion to manipulate linebackers and open up space for Justin Jefferson near the end zone, have enhanced Darnold’s opportunities for success.
The Vikings and Saints are the only two teams in the top five for scoring offense and scoring defense after four games. While it may seem like a limited sample size, sustaining this level of performance for even a month is typically a positive indicator. In the span from 1990 to 2023, forty teams achieved this feat, with 37 progressing to the playoffs, 13 reaching the Super Bowl, and six securing a championship. Although the Saints have unfortunately dropped two“`html
Rodgers has experienced a rollercoaster start to the season, having endured a dismal loss against the Broncos and engaged in disagreements with coach Robert Saleh concerning his tendency to generate free plays (as well as false starts) through his cadence.
Physically, Rodgers’ arm appears to be in good form, with a low interception rate that meets expectations, yet he has registered a completion percentage over expected (CPOE) of minus-4.4% and is averaging only 6.6 yards per attempt, both metrics falling below the average.
9:41
Is it Aaron Rodgers or Robert Saleh who should bear more responsibility for the Jets’ rocky beginning?
Stephen A. Smith, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, and Kimberley A. Martin debate who is more to blame for the Jets’ sluggish start: Robert Saleh or Aaron Rodgers.
Burrow faced significant challenges last season, missing half of it due to injuries and struggling during the games he did participate in. Following a difficult outing in the Week 1 defeat to the Patriots, he has since established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
He is achieving a career-high completion rate of 70.9% and has thrown only one interception across four games, despite committing three fumbles. The 1-3 Bengals may be starting the season slowly, but their quarterback is not to blame.
It’s nearly miraculous that Dobbins remains able to play professional football. After suffering a multi-ligament knee injury in summer 2021, he played just half a season in 2022. After returning to the Ravens’ starting lineup for the 2023 opener, he tore his Achilles at the end of Week 1, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. It was uncertain whether he would even make the active roster this offseason after signing with the Chargers.
However, Dobbins has thrived. He has emerged as one of the NFL’s most effective running backs, ranking fourth in rush yards over expected (RYOE). With an impressive average of 6.1 yards per carry, he has notably surpassed 40 yards on runs against the Raiders and Panthers. Although he has quieted down over the past two weeks and maintains a below-average success rate as a runner, he has already exceeded expectations in Los Angeles.
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In yards per route run, this player is an emerging star for the Jacksonville team, serving as a potential highlight amid the team’s struggles. However, I can’t justify placing Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers (ranked 13) among the top three; he currently stands as the TE3 in fantasy football and appears poised to become the next Travis Kelce. The two players ahead of him have compelling cases for being the best at their positions right now, while the third has merely been consistent, on track for 1,033 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
Pick: No. 4
After an unusual opening game against the Bills, where it seemed like Harrison had forgotten how to run, he has emerged as the No. 1 receiver the Cardinals believed they were drafting. In the last three weeks, he has ranked in the top 10 for both receiving yards and yards per route run and has caught a league-leading four touchdowns.
Harrison has proven he can create separation even when the defense knows he will get the ball. In a fourth-and-1 scenario against the Commanders, with a mere 2 yards to go, Kyler Murray looked solely to Harrison. With a quick first step, he left Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene behind, and by his second step, he was wide open. It was as straightforward a touchdown as one could achieve against press coverage at the goal line. Just look back at the game against the Rams, where he executed a 60-yard touchdown, seamlessly transforming his over route into a deep corner route and effortlessly outpacing Kam Curl. Harrison truly makes this appear effortless.
Pick: No. 6
Despite not having elite wide receiver talent surrounding him, Harrison is supported by other dynamic players in the Arizona offense, which could keep defensive coordinators awake at night. Currently, Nabers represents the entirety of the Giants’ offensive strategy. When Daniel Jones targets Nabers, he boasts a QBR of 94.9, whereas his QBR drops to 28.1 when throwing to any other receiver on the team. Passes directed to Nabers yield an impressive 0.43 EPA per play, significantly outperforming any other receiving targets, while throws to teammates not named Nabers result in a minus-0.19 EPA per play—the second-lowest rating, narrowly avoiding the Dolphins.
Nabers is achieving this while commanding a remarkable 39% target share—substantially the highest in the league. To put it in perspective, Michael Pittman Jr., who is in second place, has a target share closer to the 23rd player than to Nabers. This is the largest target share recorded for any receiver“`html
becoming a game-winning drive.
Pick: No. 2
Daniels will be discussed later in this article, so I’ll hold off on most of my analysis for now. However, to keep it straightforward, he currently ranks fourth in the league in QBR and has been the key player for the most effective offense in football. That appears quite clear to me. Although Nabers might be among the top three wide receivers in the league at present, Daniels has also performed exceptionally at the most critical position in sports.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
This season, with the first 14 players selected being from the offensive side, it’s not surprising that the defensive class is trailing behind. Splash plays have been scarce: no rookie defender has recorded more than 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, or forced fumbles in the opening month. So far, thirty-three offensive players have participated in at least 100 snaps, while only 18 defenders have reached that mark. Merely six defensive players have logged 200 snaps or more, which indicates a level of every-down status.
One of those six is Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (pick No. 24), who might have been in contention for the top three if not for a troubling habit of penalties; he currently leads the league with 118 penalty yards—34 more than the next player. Laremy Tunsil is the only player with more infractions than Arnold, who received three flags in the Week 4 victory against the Seahawks and has totaled eight penalties. Although I have also been impressed by Giants safety Tyler Nubin (47), the leading candidates for the top three spots have clearly established themselves.
Pick: No. 19
Replacing Aaron Donald has never been a singular task. In fact, the Rams continue to grapple with this challenge, as their defense currently ranks last in the league in EPA per play, a drop from 22nd place last season. The secondary’s performance has been subpar, prompting new coordinator Chris Shula to keep defenders in coverage more often. The Rams blitz a defensive back on just 5% of dropbacks, the fourth-lowest rate in the league. Shula is depending on his youthful defensive line to deliver pressure.
No rookie pass rushers have stood out significantly this season, but Verse has been the most productive. He leads all rookies with 12 initial pressures, surpassing his college and current teammate Braden Fiske by four. Verse also leads the rookie class with five tackles for loss. While he has only registered one sack, he had 1.5 sacks nullified by holding penalties on the secondary during last week’s defeat to the Bears. That singular sack was particularly impressive: he outmaneuvered Lions left tackle Taylor Decker around the edge as part of a three-man rush that brought down Jared Goff in Week 1. The consistency of his production may waver, but Verse has showcased exciting play against left tackles.
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Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft
• Early Mock Drafts: Yates | Miller | Reid
• Kiper’s Big Board | Yates’ Top 25
• 25 Big Predictions | Position Rankings
• QBs to Know | Shedeur Sanders Report
• Projected Draft Order | More on the Draft
Pro Football Reference indicates that Mitchell has recorded a passer rating allowed of 76.6 over four games. These are solid statistics for a cornerback who has been on the field for almost every play, especially considering the limited pressure on the opposing quarterback. However, in a sample of just four games, a few key plays at inopportune times can significantly affect overall performance. Similar to Nabers, Mitchell experienced a challenging phase at a critical moment. During their winning drive in Week 2, the Falcons exploited him, completing consecutive long passes to Darnell Mooney for a total of 47 yards while he was in coverage.
Pick: No. 42
One area the Texans focused on rebuilding over the offseason was their secondary, following Steven Nelson’s retirement and Desmond King’s failure to make the 53-man roster. Coach DeMeco Ryans exhibited confidence in his younger players by shifting Jalen Pitre from safety to nickelback and starting two rookies. Third-rounder Calen Bullock took over Pitre’s safety position, while Lassiter, the team’s second-round selection, filled in as an outside cornerback.
Lassiter has distinguished himself as one of the most formidable corners in the league. Positioned opposite Derek Stingley Jr., he is set to face numerous targets but has only allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 4 of 12 passes for 123 yards, including an interception made during a scramble where he broke away from his assigned man to intercept a Caleb Williams pass in Week 2. Pro Football Reference highlights these statistics.
NFL Next Gen Stats reveals that Lassiter has allowed a passer rating of just 42.0 when serving as the nearest defender in coverage, the best figure among all rookies with a minimum of 50 snaps played in coverage. His completion percentage over expected (CPOE) also ranks first in the league at minus-15.2%. Notably, he achieves these results while playing man coverage on nearly 36% of his snaps, which is the fourth-highest rate for any rookie cornerback this season. Although he has room for improvement—Brian Thomas Jr. managed to catch a touchdown on a double move against him last week, even though Trevor Lawrence failed to complete the pass—Lassiter currently stands out in a season where few rookie defenders have made a significant impact through four games.
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The primary focus in the offseason for the Packers’ defense was to enhance their safety position. Their most prominent acquisition was McKinney, who signed a four-year contract worth $68 million as free agency commenced. As many veterans in the safety market opted for significantly lower deals, it led to speculation that general manager Brian Gutekunst might have been wiser to wait and grab Justin Simmons for a fraction of the $23 million guaranteed to McKinney.
However, McKinney has certainly proven to be worth the investment thus far. Currently, at 25 years old, he leads the NFL with four interceptions after just four weeks—a notable achievement for someone who recorded nine interceptions during his four full seasons with the Giants. Although two of these interceptions resulted from poor throws by opposing quarterbacks, the other two showcased remarkable skill, with McKinney sprinting to intercept passes from Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold.
While coverage stats for safeties can sometimes be misleading, Pro Football Reference indicates McKinney has allowed three receptions on eight targets for a mere 43 yards over the first four games. He has missed just one tackle and has recorded seven solo tackles against the run. The Packers have not relied heavily on a single-high safety alignment as might be expected from coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme at Boston College, but McKinney’s talent provides them with the flexibility to adjust their alignments week by week. Although it’s unlikely that McKinney will continue to intercept a pass each game for the remainder of the season, he has already validated his contract before September concluded.
Hutchinson has emerged as the most effective edge rusher in the league. With a league-leading 6.5 sacks, his contributions extend beyond just that number. He also has 14 quarterback knockdowns, surpassing any other player by four. His 25 initial pressures place him six ahead of the second-place Chris Jones. In his third year, Hutchinson ranks second in tackles for loss with six and leads all edge rushers in pass rush win rate at 34.1%. Essentially, if there’s a metric related to edge rushing, Hutchinson is at the forefront. Remarkably, he’s achieving these numbers with limited support; Marcus Davenport is already on season-ending injured reserve, and Hutchinson’s personal sack total exceeds the combined total of the rest of the Lions roster (4.5 sacks).
The only slight criticism I could mention about Hutchinson’s performance is that a significant portion of his production came in one standout game against the Buccaneers, where he achieved 4.5 sacks in a close loss. Dominating a game is commendable—Hutchinson registered two sacks and nine knockdowns across his other three starts—but what this season lacks is a consistently dominant pass rusher striking fear into quarterbacks week in and week out.
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Running up the seam alongside CeeDee Lamb as a Tampa-2 pole defender during the 2022 playoffs is one of the most impressive displays you’ll ever witness from a coverage linebacker, especially considering the circumstances and matchup.
Warner is also making his mark this season. In just four games, he has already accumulated a season’s worth of significant plays. He leads the league with three forced fumbles, has deflected four passes, and recorded two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown against the Patriots last week. In coverage, he has permitted opposing quarterbacks to complete 5 of 9 passes for 45 yards, along with two interceptions. Additionally, he has achieved a sack and has missed only one tackle.
Warner’s contributions are vital for a 49ers defense that currently relies heavily on him. Dre Greenlaw is still on the PUP list following an Achilles tear sustained in the Super Bowl, Javon Hargrave has been ruled out for the season, and Talanoa Hufanga has only participated in 53 snaps. While the 49ers boast a commendable sack rate, they rank only slightly above league average (13th) in pressure rate. Therefore, they need Warner to perform at an elite level. After four games, he has proven to be more influential than any other defensive player in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year
I must reiterate my annual discussion regarding this award. Its current form lacks justification for existence. Since The Associated Press has predominantly awarded MVP honors to players who handle the ball, the notion of the Most Valuable Player also winning Offensive Player of the Year seems redundant. This confusion is compounded when different players receive these two awards. Sometimes, it serves merely to recognize the second-most valuable offensive player, which feels like an entirely separate accolade.
Considering how often the MVP debate centers on quarterbacks, I typically use the Offensive Player of the Year segment to highlight the best non-quarterback. That player can then enter the MVP conversation if they are outperforming competitors at their position—similar to what Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey achieved last season—but I don’t believe any players meet that standard for 2024.
A small pool of candidates stands out for this award. I can see strong arguments for three running backs and possibly four wide receivers, with Jayden Reed earning some recognition as a runner. He receives an honorable mention, along with Malik Nabers and Justin Jefferson, who has caught a receiving touchdown in each of his first four games. The running back just missing the cut is Alvin Kamara; his performance has tapered off after a strong start, possibly due to injuries affecting the New Orleans offensive line.
Collins has emerged as the most productive wide receiver in the league through the first four games. Following a breakout season in 2023, there were doubts about whether he would continue to see the same opportunities for big numbers, especially with Tank Dell returning from a fractured fibula and the Texans trading for another high-target receiver in Stefon Diggs.
Instead, Collins has distinguished himself from not only his Houston teammates but also receivers across the league. Although he is targeted at the 22nd-highest rate, his utilization of those targets is remarkable. He trails Nabers by ten targets for the highest total among receivers“`html
Transitioning from the least effective offensive line (and scheme) in the league by rush yards over expected (RYOE) to the top-performing one could significantly enhance a player’s offensive efficiency! RYOE indicated that Barkley faced challenges in a New York offense last season that failed to leverage his skills effectively. Given he operated behind an average offensive line and alongside a series of subpar quarterbacks, such an argument hardly demands sophisticated statistics.
This season, the Eagles haven’t provided ample chances for Barkley and their running backs, as the average expected gain per carry is only 3.8 yards, ranking third lowest among all backs. Barkley has excelled, averaging 6.0 yards per carry, amassing 156 RYOE—second only to the back leading this list. While he has delivered a few eye-catching runs, his consistency is notable; his success rate of 46.6% places him seventh among backs with at least 40 carries.
2:26
Stephen A. on Saquon Barkley: ‘This man is special’
Stephen A. Smith praises Saquon Barkley for the immediate impact he has made with the Philadelphia Eagles.
I questioned whether Barkley would play a substantial receiving role in the Philadelphia offense, especially given Jalen Hurts’ prior tendencies of not targeting backs like Miles Sanders frequently. Although Barkley recorded an 18-yard touchdown reception in the season opener against Green Bay, this is an area where he needs improvement; he has accumulated 85 receiving yards over four games while averaging 0.9 yards per route run, which is subpar for a running back.
Barkley also ranked just behind my top back in this two-player competition, primarily due to his most significant negative play this season: a drop on a crucial third-and-3 late in the Falcons game. This error resulted in the Eagles opting for a field goal instead of sealing the game. A catch and a conversion could have clinched the victory; unfortunately, his drop triggered a chain of unfortunate events leading to a loss for Philadelphia.
Following a quiet Week 1, the Henry that 31 other teams dreaded made his presence felt in Baltimore. His rushing performance has improved weekly, escalating from 46 yards in the opener to 199 in the Week 4 rout against the Bills. He leads all backs in RYOE (185), RYOE per carry (2.4), and stands second in yards per carry trailing only J.K. Dobbins (6.0). His success rate of 46.3% matches Barkley’s.
It’s thrilling to witness the return of explosive plays to Henry’s game, as it seemed lost due to the extreme workloads he faced during his peak in Tennessee. He has already tallied two plays of 35 yards or more, equaling his total from 2023, and is halfway to his touchdown target of 12 for this season.
Similar to Barkley, Henry has contributed modestly
On one hand, Mayfield surprisingly sits at 13th place. Why is this the case? One reason is the adjustments made for his opponents. The Buccaneers have secured three victories against average pass defenses, yet Mayfield faced difficulties in his loss to the Broncos. Another contributing factor is his significant sack rate, which stands at an alarming 10.4%, marking it as the fourth-worst rate for any quarterback this season. While it may seem like these sacks are just fleeting inconveniences, they can be detrimental for an offense; the Buccaneers average 3.1 points per drive when Mayfield is not sacked, but this drops to 0.7 points per drive when he experiences at least one sack.
Sam Darnold has performed well enough to be in the conversation. The Vikings’ quarterback has thrown a league-leading 11 touchdown passes and is ahead of all passers in adjusted yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (118.9). His QBR stands at 73.5 after four games, placing him third overall.
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Similar to Mayfield, Darnold has also recorded a much higher sack rate than expected, as he has been taken down on 8.6% of his dropbacks. More importantly, turnovers have presented a challenge. He has thrown three interceptions and fumbled four times; although quarterbacks can fumble for various reasons, I attribute all four fumbles to his decision-making or lack of pocket awareness. Additionally, he has benefitted from more turnover-worthy plays than other quarterbacks in this class. While Darnold has significantly exceeded expectations and has been enjoyable to watch each week, he currently ranks fifth in this MVP race.
The next position is more challenging, and I deliberated between two candidates. For fourth place, I ultimately chose Brock Purdy, who has subtly evolved into a more significant passer with a shift in his style. Last season, the 49ers quarterback averaged 8.0 air yards per attempt in an offense that led the league with an average of 6.4 yards after catch per completion. He enjoyed having nearly all his top playmakers available throughout the entire season, making it easy for skeptics to argue“`html
Jackson’s performance may even outshine his figures from the 2023 MVP season. His completion percentage, interception rate, and yards per attempt remain strikingly close. Notably, his rushing yards and rushing effectiveness have increased, and he has managed to reduce his sack rate significantly.
Comparison of Lamar Jackson’s Start with the 2023 Season
| Stat | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
If he ranked first last season, what accounts for his third-place position in 2024? Jackson has benefited from several straightforward completions; his CPOE, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, stands at minus-4.4%, indicating he should be converting a higher percentage of his throws. This figure ranks as the seventh-worst in the league. While drops could be a factor, his drop rate is only 3.7%, slightly above the league norm of 3%. Currently, the top quarterbacks are performing at a level significantly above what they exhibited in the 2023 season. Should he continue in this manner, Jackson will remain a strong contender for the MVP award, but there are presently two quarterbacks who are in a class of their own.
In my previous column discussing the undefeated teams, Allen was a clear MVP frontrunner. He was delivering impressive performances and had minimized nearly all of his negative plays. He held a substantial lead of about 13 points in QBR compared to the league. A victory over the Ravens would have propelled the Bills to a 4-0 record, making him the obvious candidate for the award.
However, the outcome was disappointing. The Bills faced a significant defeat, with Allen going 16-of-29 for 180 yards and suffering three sacks. Although his 52-yard completion to Khalil Shakir was one of the season’s standout throws, his remaining 31 dropbacks yielded only 104 net yards. It was not a favorable day for him, marking one of the weakest performances by any quarterback in Week 4.
Nevertheless, Allen still leads the league in QBR (82.3), but his margin has shr
screens.
Daniels holds the second spot in first down rate, with 42.5% of his passes converting into first downs, just behind Purdy. He significantly outperforms all quarterbacks in success rate as a passer, boasting a 57.4% mark that exceeds the second-place quarterbacks by over five percentage points. The three quarterbacks tied for second at 52% are nearly a dozen points away from the top position. Daniels leads in EPA per dropback, with no other quarterback, except Allen, approaching his numbers. No other passer has been as effective at consistently gaining yardage.
Additionally, consider his running ability. Daniels ranks second in rushing yards among quarterbacks, only behind Jackson. He leads all signal-callers with four rushing touchdowns, has recorded 18 first downs on the ground, and his rushing EPA is 18.1. He has surpassed Allen as a passer and outperformed Jackson as a runner.
Examine the support around him on the Washington offense. While Terry McLaurin is an incredibly underrated receiver, many—including myself—viewed the Commanders as having one of the weakest groups of playmakers heading into the season, even prior to trading away Jahan Dotson. The offensive line seemed unremarkable on paper. New coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s past experience in Arizona had been lackluster. This is not the same support system that Purdy enjoys in San Francisco, nor does it compare to what Jackson or Allen have on their squads.
2:27
Damien Woody: ’Jayden Daniels is the best QB in the NFC right now’
Damien Woody, Rex Ryan, and Tedy Bruschi talk about the impressive start from Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels’ performance has had a direct impact on games. He orchestrated a two-minute drill to secure a win against the Giants in Week 2, and followed it up by aiding his team against the Bengals with a spectacular touchdown pass to McLaurin to counter the blitz late in Week 3. His defense ranks among the worst by virtually any measure. This team requires an elite version of Daniels to achieve victories, and he has consistently risen to the occasion.
Are there potential criticisms? Possibly. Daniels had a challenging debut against the Bucs. He hasn’t faced a demanding schedule—though that will change with matchups against the Browns and Ravens in the coming weeks. He threw a poor interception against the Cardinals and takes sacks around 8% of the time, which is slightly below the league average. While he has only thrown three touchdown passes, he compensates for this with significant rushing contributions.
When I assessed offenses as dominant as Washington’s and compared their performances over the first four games of the season, the parallels drawn with the best seasons of legendary quarterbacks from recent generations—such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes—were striking. These represent the initial four games of Daniels’ career. Perhaps he won’t maintain this level of play. Perhaps he requires additional support. I have previously suggested that the Commanders should pursue Davante Adams. However, considering the first month of the 2024 season, the leading player in football has undoubtedly been Jayden Daniels.
First Quarter Awards: NFL’s Top Performers and Surprises of the 2024 Season
MVP Candidates: Who’s Leading the Pack?
The MVP race in the NFL is heating up as we delve into the 2024 season. Several players have made significant impacts, showcasing their talents and leading their teams. Here’s a look at the top MVP candidates following the first quarter of the season:
- Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) – Mahomes continues to dazzle with his arm strength and playmaking ability, throwing for over 1,200 yards and leading the Chiefs to a strong record.
- Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) – With his dual-threat capability, Hurts has been pivotal in the Eagles’ offense, accumulating both rushing and passing touchdowns.
- Josh Allen (QB, Buffalo Bills) – Allen’s dynamic plays and leadership have kept the Bills competitive, showcasing his ability to come through in clutch moments.
Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
The 2024 season has introduced some exciting new talent. Here are the top contenders for the Offensive Rookie of the Year:
- Caleb Williams (QB, Chicago Bears) – The first overall pick has already made waves, amassing impressive stats and showing poise beyond his years.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Indianapolis Colts) - Harrison has quickly become a favorite target, demonstrating exceptional route-running and hands.
- Bijan Robinson (RB, Atlanta Falcons) – Robinson’s ability to impact games with both rushing and receiving has been a game-changer for the Falcons.
Defensive Player of the Year Candidates
Defensive performances are just as crucial as offensive stats in determining the best players. Here are the frontrunners for the Defensive Player of the Year award:
- Mika Fitzpatrick (S, Pittsburgh Steelers) – Fitzpatrick’s presence in the secondary has been vital, with multiple interceptions and a keen sense for the game.
- Micah Parsons (LB, Dallas Cowboys) – Parsons continues to terrorize opposing offenses, leading the league in sacks and tackles for loss.
- Nick Bosa (DE, San Francisco 49ers) – Bosa’s relentless pursuit and ability to disrupt plays have made him a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense.
Surprise Performers of the First Quarter
The 2024 season has brought unexpected performances that have turned heads and reshaped predictions. Here are some of the biggest surprises so far:
| Player | Position | Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | QB | Green Bay Packers | Has exceeded expectations with solid performances as a first-year starter. |
| Tutu Atwell | WR | Los Angeles Rams | Emerging as a reliable target, contributing significantly to the Rams’ passing game. |
| Devin Lloyd | LB | Jacksonville Jaguars | Making a name for himself with key tackles and game-changing plays on defense. |
Key Stats and Records
As the season progresses, several players are on track to break records or achieve personal milestones. Here are some key stats from the first quarter:
- Passing Yards Leader: Patrick Mahomes – 1,250 yards
- Rushing Yard Leader: Christian McCaffrey – 450 yards
- Receiving Yard Leader: Tyreek Hill - 500 yards
- Leading Sacks: Micah Parsons – 6 sacks
Team Performances: The Good and the Bad
The first quarter has revealed a lot about team performances across the league. Here’s a breakdown of the standout teams and those that have struggled:
Top Teams
- San Francisco 49ers – Dominating with a balanced offense and a ferocious defense.
- Philadelphia Eagles – Consistent performances on both sides of the ball, maintaining a strong record.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Mahomes leading a high-powered offense keeps them in the title conversation.
Teams Struggling
- New England Patriots – Inconsistent quarterback play and a struggling defense have led to a disappointing start.
- Arizona Cardinals - A lack of offensive rhythm has hindered their chances in games.
- Chicago Bears – Despite high expectations, the team has struggled to find their footing.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
As we move forward into the season, fans should keep an eye on upcoming matchups that could significantly impact individual awards and playoff positioning. Key factors to watch include:
- Injuries – How teams manage injuries and their impact on rosters.
- Trade Deadline Moves – Potential trades that could shift player performances and team dynamics.
- Emerging Stars – Which players might break out in the second quarter of the season?
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be one for the books, filled with standout performances and surprising storylines. As the first quarter concludes, it’s essential to recognize those who have excelled and those who still have time to turn things around. Keep following the action as we continue to track the race for the MVP, Rookie of the Year accolades, and the league’s top defensive honors.
