Sean McDermott, head coach, Buffalo Bills: After a record-breaking 70-point performance a week ago, it looked like the Miami Dolphins offense simply couldn’t be stopped. That was until McDermott, who is also calling defensive plays with defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier on a one-year sabbatical, provided a blueprint for how to slow down the high-octane Dolphins.
The 20 points Miami scored were its fewest this season. Although they totaled 393 yards of total offense, the Dolphins went 3-for-10 on third down, 0-for-3 on fourth down and turned the ball over twice. Tua Tagovailoa was pressured more on Sunday than in any other game in 2023 (he was sacked four times) and both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle never had a reception longer than 20 yards.
Nick Caserio, GM, Houston Texans: Many assumed C.J. Stroud was Houston’s consolation prize after missing out on Bryce Young with the No. 2 overall pick in April. But four games into 2023, Stroud not only appears to be the better option between the two, but Caserio looks like a genius for drafting him.
Stroud, who is on pace for an all-time rookie season following Sunday’s 30-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns – his third straight game with 280 or more passing yards and multiple touchdowns. His 1,212 passing yards are the second-most through a QB’s first four starts and his four games without an interception is the third-longest streak to begin a career. Caserio might have himself a franchise signal-caller for the next decade-plus.
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers: The more people doubt Purdy, the more he proves them wrong. The second-year quarterback completed 20-of-21 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. His 95.2 completion percentage is a new 49ers single-game record and he’s now third in the NFL in completion percentage (72.3).
Purdy is also one of just three QBs to start every game and not throw an interception this season and he’s recorded a passer rating of 111.3 in three of his four starts. The 23-year-old is now 12-0 in games he starts and finishes. It appears the 49ers made the right call keeping Purdy and moving on from Trey Lance.
Les Snead, GM, Los Angeles Rams: When the Rams took receiver Puka Nacua in the fifth round out of BYU in April, it was one of the more quiet Day 3 selections of the 2023 draft. But four games into his rookie year, Nacua is mowing down rookie receiving records across the NFL, not just in L.A..
Nacua surpassed both of Anquan Boldin’s rookie records for most receptions (39) and receiving yards (501) through his first four games. The 22-year-old rookie hauled in nine of his 10 targets for 163 yards and his first career touchdown – a 22-yard game winner in overtime that sealed the Rams 29-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts – on Sunday. He was given the game ball in the locker room by head coach Sean McVay following the victory.