Rookie Quarterbacks Shine and Dominate Week 5

    Written by: Nate Wyrsch •

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    Caleb Williams and DJ Moore walk off the field

    The rookie quarterbacks in the NFL struggled over the first couple games of the season, but seem to all be easing in and finding their footing. Each team that started the player they drafted has a winning record at the conclusion of Week 5 play, and have shown clear improvement with time.

    With Drake Maye still to come, there is no telling how good this quarterback class will be, but they are far from their ceiling right now. The Bears, Commanders and Broncos all also won their Week 5 matchup, and got breakout performances from their rookies.

    Caleb Williams:

    Caleb Williams had the best game of his rookie career thus far, dominating the Panthers from start to finish. Williams connected with DJ Moore for two long touchdowns, leading them to a win. He completed 20 for 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Williams also rushed five times for 34 yards against Carolina.

    So far in his career, Williams has nearly 63% of his passes for 1,091 yards and five touchdowns. He has also thrown four interceptions, but hasn’t thrown one over his last few games. It seems that Williams is finally turning the corner and producing good games unlike the first two weeks of the season.

    In Week 1, Williams produced a passer rating of 55.7. In Week 2, it was a 51.0 but has only gone up since. Week 3, he put up a 80.8 rating then followed it up with a 106.6 passer rating. This week was his best so far, putting up a rating of 126.2.

    The Bears sit at 3-2 on the season and will travel to London to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.

    Bo Nix:

    Bo Nix played a very good game against an AFC West foe to get a huge victory. The Broncos dominated the Raiders 34-18 while Nix completed 19 of 27 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. This was Nix’s first game with multiple throwing touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown, making it three on the day for the rookie.

    Nix has been underwhelming this season, but has his team sitting at 3-2 just like Williams. Nix has completed 61.8% of his passes for 866 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has 119 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. If Nix can limit the turnover like he has the last three weeks, the Broncos can position themselves in a good spot for a potential playoff spot.

    The Denver Broncos will host another division rival next week in the Los Angeles Chargers. If they can win this game, they will be sitting great in the AFC West at 2-0 and 4-2 on the season.

    Jayden Daniels:

    Jayden Daniels has looked like the best rookie that came out of the draft (besides debatable Malik Nabers), and has the Commanders sitting at 4-1. This is their best start in 16 years.

    Washington gave the Browns a beat down, winning 34-13 in their home stadium. Daniels completed 14 of his 25 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception. Daniels led the Commanders in rushing against the Browns as well, going for 82 yards on 11 carries.

    On the season, Daniels has thrown for 1,135 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also completed a whopping 77.1% of his passes which tops the league. Not only has he been the best passing rookie, he also runs with the most efficiency. Daniels has run for 300 yards and four more touchdowns on 57 carries.

    The Commanders currently lead the NFC East in trail only the Vikings in the NFC. If they can continue their streak and Daniels keeps playing at the level he is, the Commanders will be a serious threat and playoff contender. Next week will be very telling as they travel to Baltimore to play a red hot Lamar Jackson.

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