As the NFL season progresses through its first month, several teams are already making significant impressions, while others are struggling to find their footing. Among the standout stories is the impressive 3-1 record of the Washington Commanders, a team that seems revitalized under first-year head coach Dan Quinn.
Washington Commanders Make Waves
The Commanders' early success can be attributed to the outstanding performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Setting a new record with an astounding 82.1% completion percentage over the first four games, Daniels has increased that mark to 88.7% in his last two games, a feat unparalleled since the NFL-AFL merger. Not only is he accurate, but Daniels also adds a dynamic element to the Commanders' offensive game with his rushing ability. He stands as the only player since 1970 to maintain an 80% completion rate while rushing for over 200 yards across a four-game span, given a minimum of 50 passing attempts.
The offensive firepower doesn't end with Daniels' individual achievements. The Commanders have scored over 38 points in back-to-back games, a first since 1991. Spearheading a robust ground game, they've also become the only team with multiple games featuring 200+ rushing yards this season, showcasing a balanced and potent offense that has been hard to stop.
Rising Stars and Established Leaders
While Washington builds its success around a mixture of veteran leadership and rookie exuberance, other teams and players are also leaving their marks. In the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings stand out with a perfect 4-0 record. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been central to their unbeaten run, recording 11 passing touchdowns and leading the league with a yards-per-attempt average of 8.8 and a stellar passer rating of 118.9. Darnold’s performance makes him only the fifth quarterback since 1950 to start a tenure with a new team by going 4-0 with at least 10 touchdown passes in the first four games.
The Vikings are also making history in other ways, becoming the first team to record three consecutive wins in a season without trailing at any point. These victories are even more notable as they came against teams that had all won playoff games the previous year.
Struggles in the NFC and AFC
In contrast, the Jacksonville Jaguars are at the opposite end of the spectrum with an 0-4 record, and their defense appears to be their Achilles' heel. Allowing 435 yards in their latest loss to the Houston Texans, the Jaguars have won only once in their last ten games, suggesting a long road to recovery.
Similarly, the Cleveland Browns are grappling with a disappointing start, sitting at 1-3. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled, achieving a passer rating of 74.4 and managing just one touchdown against an interception in his most recent game. Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles are also experiencing turmoil. Jalen Hurts has been turnover-prone, giving up eight turnovers in four games and 27 since the start of the last season. The Eagles have a dismal record of 4-8 since they last won the turnover battle, underscoring how critical ball security is to their success.
Hope Amid Challenges
Not all teams struggling have entirely lost their footing. The Chicago Bears find themselves at an even 2-2. Their quarterback, Williams, has been inconsistent, completing 61.7% of his passes for 787 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions, yielding a passer rating of 72.0. The Bears' fortunes will largely rest on Williams’ ability to limit mistakes and elevate his play.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to assert their dominance in the AFC West, sitting comfortably two games ahead of their nearest competition. Their steady performance contrasts sharply with the turbulence faced by teams like the Eagles and Browns.
Turnarounds and Comebacks
This season also offers examples of resilience. Both the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans have shown the ability to bounce back after disappointing losses. These turnarounds reflect the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where early-season narratives can quickly change as teams adapt and improve.
As the NFL season advances, it's clear that both veterans and rising stars are shaping the early dynamics of the league. While some teams have surged ahead, others continue to grapple with foundational issues. The coming weeks promise more drama, as the fight to secure playoff positions intensifies.