NFL Week 4 Highlights: Commanders Rising, Chiefs Facing Challenges, and Eagles in Distress

Week 4 of the NFL brought an exhilarating lineup of games, marking the last slate of matches before all teams return to action in Week 15. Fans were treated to a mix of thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and nail-biting finishes across the 16 contests. Here are the key takeaways from a captivating week in the league.

Are the Commanders Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders with Their Rookie QB?

Jayden Daniels is making waves in the NFL as the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft. The young quarterback has seamlessly transitioned to professional football, leading the Washington Commanders to a promising 3-1 record and the top spot in the NFC East.

In a standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals, Daniels showcased remarkable accuracy, setting a record for the best completion percentage by a quarterback in their first four games since 1950. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Daniels has thrived, with the Commanders currently ranking third in the league for points scored, just six behind the New Orleans Saints.

Despite throwing his first interception of the season during the game, which ended a remarkable streak of 16 consecutive scoring drives, Daniels remained upbeat. “I think that’s for people to determine,” he said when asked if the Commanders are Super Bowl contenders. “For us, it’s about getting better each game. It’s early in the season, so we have to finish the year.”

While a Super Bowl run might be ambitious given the natural ups and downs of a rookie season, the weaknesses shown by rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys make a playoff push very plausible for Washington.

Are Injuries Catching Up with the Chiefs?

Despite being undefeated at 4-0, the Kansas City Chiefs are facing significant challenges, particularly concerning injuries. The reigning Super Bowl champions have navigated a tough schedule, defeating playoff contenders like the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. However, their path to a potential third consecutive title has been complicated by a wave of injuries affecting their offense.

Wide receiver Marquise Brown was sidelined for the season with a shoulder injury before the campaign began, while running back Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula in Week 2, placing him on injured reserve. Most recently, Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ No. 1 receiver, was carted off during the Week 4 game against the Chargers, and initial reports suggest he may have torn his ACL.

Although quarterback Patrick Mahomes managed to lead his team to victory on Sunday, the absence of key offensive players raises concerns about the Chiefs’ ability to mount a serious Super Bowl challenge. Mahomes acknowledged the situation, stating, “I thought guys stepped up. All we can do now is go back to the basics and get opportunities to succeed.” The Chiefs face tough tests in the coming weeks, including games against the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.

Should Eagles Fans Be Concerned?

The Philadelphia Eagles are struggling to find their footing early in the season, sitting at 2-2. Their performance has been inconsistent, characterized by narrow victories and disheartening losses. After barely beating the Green Bay Packers in Brazil and suffering a last-minute defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, the Eagles were convincingly defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.

The defense, despite having a strong roster, has failed to contain opponents effectively. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has also struggled, with a concerning total of seven turnovers so far this season. Following the loss to the Buccaneers, Hurts said, “I just have to play better. I had a ton of opportunities to lead the offense.”

Heading into their Week 5 bye, the Eagles are in a precarious position. Coach Nick Sirianni understands the stakes, stating, “All that matters is that these guys continue to get better, and we as coaches get better.” With mounting pressure, any further slip-ups after the break could lead to serious questions about Sirianni’s future with the team.

Full Week 4 Scores

Thursday:

• Dallas Cowboys 20-15 New York Giants

Sunday:

• New Orleans Saints 24-26 Atlanta Falcons
• Cincinnati Bengals 34-24 Carolina Panthers
• Los Angeles Rams 18-24 Chicago Bears
• Minnesota Vikings 31-29 Green Bay Packers
• Jacksonville Jaguars 20-24 Houston Texans
• Pittsburgh Steelers 24-27 Indianapolis Colts
• Denver Broncos 10-9 New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles 16-33 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Washington Commanders 42-14 Arizona Cardinals
• New England Patriots 13-30 San Francisco 49ers
• Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 Los Angeles Chargers
• Cleveland Browns 16-20 Las Vegas Raiders
• Buffalo Bills 10-35 Baltimore Ravens

Monday:

• Tennessee Titans 31-12 Miami Dolphins
• Seattle Seahawks 29-42 Detroit Lions

As the season progresses, teams will need to address their challenges and seize opportunities to secure their playoff spots. The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and Week 4 has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead.