CNN —
The fourth week marked the last round of NFL games where all teams participated until Week 15. The comprehensive slate of matches provided excitement, drama, and a wide range of experiences throughout the 16 contests.
Week 4 showcased a mix of crucial victories, crushing losses, and thrilling finishes, offering fans an unforgettable experience.
Below are the key highlights from the previous week in the National Football League:
The best photos from the 2024 NFL season
Could the Commanders be Super Bowl contenders with their standout rookie QB?
Jayden Daniels couldn’t have asked for a better start to his NFL career.
As the second overall pick in this year’s draft, he has adapted to professional football remarkably well over the first four weeks.
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Breaking records, Daniels has propelled the Washington Commanders to the top of the NFC East with an impressive 3-1 record.
In their remarkable road victory over the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday, Daniels’ accuracy marked a historic start to the season, with his completion percentage for pass attempts setting a record as the highest for any player through a four-week period since 1950.
The fusion of Daniels’ talents—his rapid release and ability to run—and the leadership of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was previously criticized after his dismissal as head coach of the Cardinals, appears to be yielding impressive results for the Commanders.
So far this season, they have accumulated the third-highest points total, trailing the leading New Orleans Saints by just six points. Daniels’ interception in the first quarter against Arizona—his first this season—halted a remarkable run of 16 consecutive scoring drives, excluding kneel-downs at the end of halves.
For a franchise that has faced considerable challenges in terms of positive experiences on the field, Daniels’ arrival represents a blessing and heralds a brighter future.
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It hasn’t been since Robert Griffin III’s impressive debut season in 2012 that Washington has experienced such enthusiasm. After clinching their third consecutive victory on Sunday, however, Daniels remained cautious about their achievements.
“I believe that’s something for others to decide,” the 23-year-old remarked when questioned if the Commanders had made a significant early-season impact by leading the NFC East.
“For us, it’s more about how we can improve in every game. It’s still early in the season, so we need to ensure we finish strong. I don’t want to speculate, but I know other teams notice us and think, ‘Those players give it their all.’”
While Daniels’ debut season will probably feature its share of challenges, aiming for a Super Bowl title may be ambitious. Yet, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants showing vulnerabilities, a playoff push is definitely within reach.
Evaluating their performance, the start for the Kansas City Chiefs has been nearly flawless.
The current Super Bowl champions are undefeated after four games, having defeated four teams that aspire to make the playoffs: the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Nevertheless, Kansas City’s pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Vince Lombardi Trophy has been significantly complicated by a myriad of injuries impacting their offensive lineup.
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Prior to the start of Week 1, wide receiver Marquise Brown was declared out for the regular season following a shoulder injury sustained during the preseason. The Chiefs had signed Brown in the offseason, hoping his speed would enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
In Week 2, running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula during a matchup against the Bengals. He has since been placed on injured reserve and is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks.
Most recently, during Kansas City’s Week 4 game against the Chargers, the team’s primary receiver Rashee Rice was carted off the field after a collision with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, there are fears that Rice may have torn his ACL, which would likely keep him out for the remainder of the season.
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With players succumbing to injuries, and tight end Travis Kelce not performing at his typical level this season, the burden has shifted significantly onto Mahomes to create brilliance.
While he is managing to navigate these challenges currently, the pressing question persists: will the growing number of injuries obstruct any potential Super Bowl ambitions the Chiefs have?
In spite of the injuries, Mahomes remarked after the win on Sunday that they still have the capability to keep winning.
“I believe it’s mostly about getting everyone, including myself, to remain focused,” he told the media. “I thought the players rose to the occasion and adequately filled the significant role that (Rice) has in our offense.”
“At this point, our best course of action is to return to basics and set our teammates up for success. I feel that Travis (Kelce) excelled at stepping up and making impactful plays, just as he consistently does, but ultimately, securing the win is what matters most.”
The Chiefs are set to face significant challenges in their upcoming two matches, as they will host the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, followed by a trip to confront the San Francisco 49ers—the team they defeated in last year’s Super Bowl—in Week 7 after their bye week.
The initial four weeks have been challenging for the Philadelphia Eagles and their head coach, Nick Sirianni.
Currently, the Eagles’ record stands at 2-2 after the first month of the season, yet their performance on the field has left much to be desired.
They managed a narrow victory against the Packers in Brazil; were shocked in their home stadium by a last-second winning drive from the Falcons; barely triumphed over the Saints in a tough matchup; and ultimately suffered a convincing defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Although there have been some bright spots, such as running back Saquon Barkley, and some mitigating circumstances—like the absence of star receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith for multiple weeks—there are considerable concerns brewing in the City of Brotherly Love.
The defense, led by coordinator Vic Fangio, has struggled to contain opponents, despite featuring a roster filled with elite players, and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ performances have lacked the needed consistency thus far.
In fact, the sole aspect of Hurts’ play that has remained consistent is his tendency to turn the ball over; he has accumulated seven turnovers in just four games.
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“I believe, I need to elevate my performance. I had numerous chances to direct the offense and truly play in harmony with the team, and it all begins with me on that end,” Hurts stated after the loss to the Bucs.
The Eagles are heading into a bye week in Week 5. However, following a disappointing conclusion to the last season and its subsequent negativity towards the franchise, there could be increasing pressure on Sirianni’s position if the losing streak continues post-break.
“Everything will be considered. The primary focus is that these players keep improving, and we as coaches must evolve as well, which is what truly matters,” Sirianni commented. “We’re at 2-2 heading into our bye week, and our only objective is to get better, and that’s precisely what we plan to focus on this week.”
Away @ home (winners in bold)
Thursday
Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants, 20-15.
Sunday
The New Orleans Saints lost to the Atlanta Falcons, with a score of 24-26.
The Cincinnati Bengals won against the Carolina Panthers, 34-24.
The Los Angeles Rams fell to the Chicago Bears, final score 18-24.
In a close game, the Minnesota Vikings triumphed over the Green Bay Packers, 31-29.
The Jacksonville Jaguars experienced a loss to the Houston Texans, finishing at 20-24.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts, with a score of 24-27.
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Denver Broncos defeated the New York Jets with a score of 10-9.
The Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 33-16.
In a strong performance, the Washington Commanders triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals, winning 42-14.
The New England Patriots faced a defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, ending with a score of 30-13.
The Kansas City Chiefs secured a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Cleveland Browns lost to the Las Vegas Raiders with a final score of 20-16.
The Buffalo Bills were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 35-10.
Monday
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Seattle Seahawks fell to the Detroit Lions with a score of 29-42.
Week 4 NFL Recap: Commanders Shine with Rookie QB, Chiefs Face Injury Challenges, and Eagles Struggle
Commanders’ Rookie QB Shines Bright
The Washington Commanders showcased a stunning performance in Week 4, largely due to the impressive debut of their rookie quarterback. This young player demonstrated poise and skill, leading the team to a convincing victory that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Key Highlights
- Impressive Statistics: The rookie QB completed 75% of his passes, throwing for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Offensive Strategy: The Commanders utilized a balanced offensive scheme, effectively mixing run and pass plays.
- Defensive Support: The defense stepped up, allowing only 17 points, which helped maintain momentum throughout the game.
Rookie QB’s Impact
The impact of the rookie quarterback cannot be overstated. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions was instrumental in breaking down the opponent’s defensive strategies. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he develops as the season progresses.
Chiefs Grapple with Injury Challenges
The Kansas City Chiefs faced significant hurdles in Week 4, primarily due to injuries affecting key players. As the team approaches the midpoint of the season, maintaining health becomes crucial for their playoff ambitions.
Injury Report
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | Knee | Day-to-Day |
| Patrick Mahomes | Ankle | Probable |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | Hamstring | Out |
Analysis of Their Performance
Despite the injuries, the Chiefs managed to stay competitive, but struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Patrick Mahomes, while effective, appeared limited due to his ankle injury. The team’s lack of depth at key positions is now a pressing concern as they look to maintain their standing in the league.
Eagles Struggle Continues
The Philadelphia Eagles are experiencing a difficult stretch, failing to secure wins in their last few outings. Their Week 4 match highlighted several ongoing issues that need to be addressed if they hope to turn their season around.
Offensive Woes
- Turnovers: The Eagles committed three turnovers, which proved costly in a tightly contested game.
- Inconsistent Play: Jalen Hurts struggled with decision-making, leading to missed opportunities downfield.
- Running Game Issues: The ground game was stifled, with the team averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
Defensive Concerns
While the Eagles’ defense has traditionally been a strong point, they failed to contain the opposing team’s explosive plays. Key defensive players were unable to make impactful tackles, allowing the opponent to convert crucial third downs.
Benefits of Team Cohesion and Strategy Adjustments
For the Commanders, the success of their rookie quarterback may inspire other teams to invest in youth and adaptability. Conversely, the Chiefs and Eagles must focus on improving team cohesion, especially under pressure from injuries and losses.
Practical Tips for Teams Facing Adversity
- Focus on Depth: Building a strong second-string roster can alleviate the impact of injuries.
- Enhance Communication: Regular meetings and strategy sessions can ensure that all players are on the same page.
- Prioritize Recovery: Implementing robust recovery protocols is essential for players dealing with injuries.
Case Study: Rookie Quarterbacks Making an Impact
The success of rookie quarterbacks like the Commanders’ player illustrates a broader trend in the NFL. As teams lean into the strengths of young talents, we see a shift in how the quarterback position is viewed.
Recent Successful Rookies
- Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
- Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals
- Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
First-Hand Experiences: Players and Coaches Speak Out
Feedback from players and coaches in the aftermath of Week 4 highlights the emotional and strategic elements of the game.
Players’ Insights
Many players noted the importance of mental resilience in overcoming injuries and setbacks. A veteran player remarked, “Injuries are part of the game, but it’s how you respond that defines your team.”
Coaches’ Strategies
Coaches are emphasizing the need for adaptability, particularly in managing player health and game strategies. “We have to be prepared for anything,” one coach stated. “It’s about making adjustments on the fly and ensuring our players are ready to step up when called upon.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Teams?
As the season progresses, teams will need to assess their performance and make necessary adjustments. The Commanders will aim to build on their momentum, while the Chiefs will prioritize health and depth management. The Eagles must find ways to regain their footing and restore confidence as they face upcoming opponents.
