When a team turns to a rookie quarterback, it’s almost always a sign that the franchise is starting over. It’s about building toward a better future, usually at the expense of the present.
Just don’t tell that to the Washington Commanders , Chicago Bears and even the Denver Broncos this year.
All three teams could be on their way to upending that conventional wisdom this season. They all have winning records five games in, despite having rookie starters. And all three at least have a shot to make a playoff run.
Their paths have been vastly different, of course. In Washington, Jayden Daniels has been electric for the Commanders (4-1) — arguably the biggest reason why they sit atop the NFC East. In Chicago, Caleb Williams has been up and down, but he has clearly energized the Bears (3-2). And in Denver … well, the Broncos (3-2) are winning despite Bo Nix , thanks mostly to a smothering defense. ( Drake Maye makes his first NFL start this weekend for the Patriots , who don’t appear to have much of a path to the playoffs.)