Washington Commanders' Strong Start Highlights NFC Charts
Four weeks into the NFL season, the Washington Commanders are turning heads with their impressive 3-1 record. Under the fresh leadership of first-year head coach Dan Quinn and the remarkable performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with early in the season.
Daniels' dynamism has been on full display, as he has quickly become the centerpiece of Washington's offensive strategy. The rookie has set a new benchmark for the highest completion percentage in a four-game span since the merger, achieving an astounding 82.1% and then surpassing it with 88.7% in just two games. Further showcasing his versatility, Daniels is the only player since 1970 to have an 80% completion rate while rushing for over 200 yards in a four-game stretch with a minimum of 50 passing attempts.
The Commanders have also demonstrated their prowess on the ground, achieving over 200 rushing yards in multiple games this season, making them the only team to do so. Their offensive production has been nothing short of spectacular, with the team scoring over 38 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1991.
Chiefs and Vikings at the Helm
In the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to solidify their dominance, leading the division by two games. Meanwhile, the NFC North sees the Minnesota Vikings standing tall with a pristine 4-0 record. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been instrumental in the Vikings' success, amassing 11 passing touchdowns, the highest yards per attempt (8.8), and the best passer rating (118.9) in the league. Darnold has joined an elite group as the fifth quarterback since 1950 to go 4-0 with at least 10 passing touchdowns in his first four starts with a team.
The Vikings have made history as the first team to secure three consecutive wins in a season without trailing, all against teams that had won playoff games the previous year. This extraordinary start has set the stage for what could be a memorable season for Minnesota.
Mixed Fortunes Across the League
Elsewhere in the league, the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans bounced back with victories after disappointing losses. On the other hand, the Chicago Bears find themselves at an even 2-2 record. Quarterback Williams' performance has been inconsistent, with a 61.7% pass completion for 787 yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions, and a 72.0 passer rating.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are struggling, sitting at 0-4, having surrendered 435 yards in their latest loss to the Texans. Their defense has been porous, and they have managed just one win in their last ten outings. The Cleveland Browns, with a 1-3 record, are also facing challenges. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has had a modest showing, completing 24 of 32 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in their recent game. Watson’s overall passer rating stands at 74.4 after four games.
In Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts has been plagued by turnovers, giving up eight in four games. The Eagles, now 4-8 in their last twelve games since last winning the turnover battle, have had difficulty maintaining possession. Hurts has committed 27 turnovers since the start of last season, underscoring a critical area in need of improvement if the Eagles hope to turn their fortunes around.
As the season unfolds, these narratives will undoubtedly evolve, but the early weeks have provided fans with plenty of excitement and a few surprises. The Washington Commanders' breakout performance, under the guidance of Dan Quinn and the stellar play of Jayden Daniels, stands out as one of the most compelling stories of the young season.