NFL Week 4 rookie QB grades: Mac Jones appears to be like serviceable; Zach Wilson, Justin Fields flash

Opposite to what a dictionary would possibly inform you, “rookie” is definitely spelled P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E.

Via three weeks, the 2021 NFL rookie quarterback class appeared extraordinarily common at occasions. The children took an enormous step ahead in Week 4, with Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Mac Jones placing forth their greatest efforts. Elsewhere, Trey Lance and Davis Mills performed about how effectively as you’d count on, given their conditions.

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Fields had the most important mountain to climb coming off a poor beginning debut in Week 3. He and the Bears would decide up a much-needed win over the Lions, pushing their file to 2-2 and giving the Chicago trustworthy a small peek into the longer term

The rookie QB class course-corrected some in Week 4. Here is the way it shook out:

Week 4 rookie QB grades

Davis Mills: F

Stats: 11/21, 87 yards, no touchdowns, 4 interceptions

Subsequent: vs. Patriots

Mills had a respectable debut vs. the Panthers in Week 3, however his Week 4 begin was, uh, not nice.

The Stanford product had a horrible day towards one of many league’s greatest defenses, which is not stunning. What’s barely stunning is simply how unhealthy it was from starting to finish: Mills had simply in regards to the worst QB efficiency this facet of Nathan Peterman that we have seen in years.

Mills’ first half was abysmal: He was 1-for-7 passing with two interceptions. It did not get significantly better within the second half as he completed with 4 interceptions general.

Whether or not Mills turns into the Texans’ franchise QB relies upon solely on how good he’s shifting ahead. The deck is stacked towards him, although, with hapless Houston circling the drain. Count on extra of those performances from Mills and the staff.

Trey Lance: C

Stats: 9/18, 157 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions

Subsequent: at Cardinals

One factor is obvious: Lance definitely has instruments. The query that he and the 49ers need to reply is: How can they refine these instruments and put them into motion?

Whether or not he was geeked up or simply uncomfortable, Lance got here out wanting fairly common Sunday in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) . Lance completed with 9-of-18 passing, 157 yards and two touchdowns. In case you take out his blown-coverage TD go to Deebo Samuel, Lance was simply 8 of 17 for 81 yards. 

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Lance was in every single place early: He threw at receivers’ ft, above their heads and usually round somewhat than at. He did, although, use his legs very often, choosing up 41 yards on the bottom by way of scrambles and designed runs.

Lance appeared unsettled within the pocket all afternoon. With a full week of preparation because the staff’s QB1, that would change, but it surely will not be straightforward: Lance’s subsequent alternative will come vs. the stunning 4-0 Cardinals subsequent Sunday.

Justin Fields: B

Stats: 11/17, 209 yards, one interception

Subsequent: at Raiders

Second time’s the allure for Fields.

After being buried on the depth chart behind Andy Dalton, he made his second consecutive begin Sunday, and he appeared markedly higher than he did in his first begin.

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In truth, Fields appeared superb. The Bears stored his throwing alternatives to a minimal of their 24-14 win over the Lions, with simply 17 makes an attempt on the day, however these makes an attempt appeared nice. Fields was correct and showcased a powerful arm, evaded the push when wanted and rapidly put any ideas of Dalton beginning once more within the rearview mirror. Perhaps.

Whereas Fields did have a fumble (it was recovered by the Bears) and an interception (the ball was deflected) and did not notch a passing landing (Matt Nagy), the arrow is pointing up for him. Probably the most spectacular half was Fields’ propensity to look downfield for the large play; he linked with Darnell Mooney 5 occasions for 126 yards. That’ll play.

Trevor Lawrence: B

Stats: 17/24, 204 yards, speeding landing

Subsequent: vs. Titans

Lawrence and the Jags misplaced Thursday night time, however Lawrence appears to be like as if he is getting an increasing number of snug because the weeks put on on and the staff wears its followers out.

The Jaguars misplaced on a buzzer-beating subject purpose to 2020 No. 1 general decide Joe Burrow and the Bengals, however Lawrence had his most managed sport of his rookie season, with 17-for-24 passing, 204 yards and a speeding landing. It was additionally his first turnover-free sport. 

Lawrence appears to be like and acts the half with a maturity that is above that of the opposite rookie QBs. Sooner somewhat than later, that may end in Ws.

Zach Wilson: B+

Stats: 21/34, 297 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Subsequent: vs. Falcons (in London)

Wilson threw a league-leading eighth interception on Sunday. Not all turnovers are created equal, although: the ball was supposed for Corey Davis, who fell on the route. 

After that second-quarter decide, nevertheless, Wilson put collectively the very best soccer of his younger profession. Not solely did he play the “boring” sport that head coach Robert Saleh urged only a few weeks in the past, he additionally made just a few “Wow” performs that reminded individuals why he was the No. 2 general decide within the 2021 NFL Draft. Amongst them was a bomb to Davis after he redirected the wideout whereas exterior the pocket, finishing Davis’ redemption arc.

Wilson goes to have highs and lows this season — like each QB on this checklist — however Sunday felt just like the highs the Jets have been anticipating after they drafted him. 

Mac Jones: B

Stats: 31/40, 275 yards, two touchdowns, one interception

Subsequent: at Texans

Jones as soon as once more appeared like essentially the most pro-ready QB this week. A few of that’s as a result of Patriots’ system, however a few of that can also be as a result of Jones appeared fairly good.

Whereas many — those at SN included — pegged the Patriots and Jones to be on the enterprise finish of a shotgun blowout Sunday night time, Jones was poised and in management for many of the sport, save for an interception. He additionally accomplished 19 consecutive passes at one level. That, by the best way, matched Tom Brady’s profession excessive.

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The rookie (and the Patriots) could have to return to phrases with the truth that Jones’ sport goes to be beneath and intermediate routes proper now, and that is advantageous, contemplating New England’s offense is based on beneath and intermediate routes.

There’ll come a time when Jones could need to throw deep to win a sport, however you do not repair what ain’t broke. Not but, no less than. The following step in Jones’ evolution might be stretching the sphere extra, however even when he isn’t being requested to do a lot in the mean time, he is nonetheless executing at a excessive degree — not many different rookies can say that.