With the Chicago Bears having their bye week a lot earlier than last year, many fans probably enjoyed watching other games without having to stress out for a change last week. And what a chaotic Week 5 it was!
First, there are no more undefeated teams left in the NFL. The New England Patriots pulled off a 23-20 upset over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football, as Stefon Diggs caught 10 passes for 146 yards against his former team. Quarterback Drake Maye, who was taken third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft behind Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, completed 22-of-30 passes for 273 yards and led a seven-play, 37-yard drive to set up rookie kicker Andy Borregales for the game-winning 52-yard field goal with just 15 seconds left.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels returned to action after missing the last two games with a knee injury to face the Los Angeles Chargers. The Commanders went 1-1 in his absence, including a shocking 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons a week ago, the same Falcons team that lost to the Carolina Panthers 30-0 the week before.
Daniels threw for 231 yards and a touchdown, adding 39 rushing yards in a 27-10 victory over the Chargers, a team that is ravaged by injuries to their key players. His calm demeanor and ability to extend plays helped Washington dominate the second half, with rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushing for 111 yards and two scores.
Maye and Daniels' play shouldn't effect views on Williams after his own stellar start to 2025
Daniels and Williams face each other again this upcoming Monday, almost a year after the infamous Hail Mary game. Daniels already led the Commanders to the NFC Championship as a rookie last season. As for Williams, he has been under a microscope since he was drafted first overall. Every sack, every incompletions, and every missed read is dissected as evidence of a potential “bust.”
Just because both Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels won in Week 5 does not mean Williams is falling behind them, nor should their success be used to diminish Caleb Williams. And if Bears fans are honest, they’ve seen enough flashes to believe the ceiling is still sky-high under Ben Johnson after a 0-2 start.
Read more: A massive opportunity awaits Ben Johnson and Bears after the bye week
No matter who wins, no one should draw any conclusion regarding the career trajectory of both Daniels and Williams.