Early NFL Season Surprises: Commanders and Vikings Take Charge, Jaguars Struggle
As the NFL barrels past its fourth week, several teams have established themselves as early contenders while others continue to falter. The Washington Commanders, under the fresh leadership of head coach Dan Quinn and the arm of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, have managed to turn heads with a 3-1 record.
Washington Commanders: A Promising Start
Dan Quinn's debut season with the Washington Commanders has already raised eyebrows, not least because of the impressive performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels has not only set a record for the highest completion percentage in a four-game span (82.1%) but also managed to exceed it within the first two games of the season, achieving an astonishing 88.7% completion rate. His accuracy has been nothing short of exceptional, placing him in the NFL history books.
Moreover, Daniels is the only player since 1970 to achieve an 80% completion rate while rushing for over 200 yards in a four-game stretch with a minimum of 50 passing attempts. His dual-threat capability has been a game-changer for the Commanders, who have scored over 38 points in consecutive games for the first time since 1991. The team's offensive success is further underscored by their impressive 200+ rushing yards in multiple games this season.
Minnesota Vikings: Perfect Record and Defensive Fortitude
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings stand alone with a pristine 4-0 record in the NFC North. Quarterback Sam Darnold has been a revelation, throwing 11 passing touchdowns with the highest yards per attempt (8.8) and an impressive passer rating of 118.9. Darnold is the fifth quarterback since 1950 to go 4-0 with at least ten passing touchdowns in his first four starts with a new team.
What sets the Vikings apart is their historical achievement of securing three consecutive wins in a season without ever trailing. Each of these victories came against teams that had won playoff games the previous year, further emphasizing the Vikings' potential as a major threat in the league.
Challenges and Struggles
In contrast, several teams are experiencing a tough start. The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a dismal 0-4 record, have not found their footing. Their latest defensive performance allowed 435 yards to the Houston Texans, contributing to their woes. The Jaguars have managed just one win in their last ten outings, a statistic that underscores their persistent struggle.
The Cleveland Browns are not faring much better with a 1-3 record. Deshaun Watson, completing 24 of 32 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the recent game, has a mediocre 74.4 passer rating through four games. The Browns' inability to turn early season promise into victories continues to plague them.
Turnover Troubles for the Eagles
Another team facing significant challenges is the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has turned the ball over eight times in four games, contributing to a 4-8 record in games since they last won the turnover battle. Hurts has accumulated 27 turnovers since the start of last season, a critical factor in the Eagles' ongoing struggles to clinch victories.
Despite the early disappointments and challenges, several teams are showing resilience. Both the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans have managed to bounce back from disappointing losses this week, showing that the season is far from over and full of potential comebacks.
Through these early weeks, what stands out is the unpredictable nature of the NFL, with rookie performances and unexpected team successes juxtaposing established teams struggling. As the season continues, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if these early trends set the tone for the rest of the year or if we are in for more surprises.