These are select stats as of week 7, TNF may have shifted things slightly
TDs per game: lowest since 2001
Avg yards: lowest since 2008
Yards per play: lowest since 2007
Passing TDs per game: lowest since 2008
Net yards gained per pass attempt: lowest since 2007
Yards per reception: lowest EVER
Sacks per game: highest since 1997
Field goal attempts: highest since 1973
Kickoff returns per game: lowest ever (obviously new kick return rules)
Yardage per kick returned: lowest ever
All purpose yards per game: lowest since 1946 (passing+running+punt return+kick return+interception return+fumble return)
Source: pro football reference
I heard a mention on the radio that some offensive stats were trending quite low so decided to take a look. Found this pretty interesting considering all the rules that have been put in place to the benefit of offense.
What might explain this? Better defenses? Offenses/coaching worse? O-line depth? Younger, inexperienced QBs being thrown into the gauntlet- average QB age is probably the lowest it has ever been? Something else?
I, for one, welcome our defensive player overlords.
I’m a big fan of defense so I have still enjoyed a lot of these games but I can understand a lot of the average fans are of the opinion that less points=more boring. My concern is what the league might do in an attempt to “overcorrect” what really isn’t a big deal.