So far the 2024-25 National Football League (NFL) season has aligned with an interesting pattern: In recent years, players have been passing the ball less frequently, generating less offense and scoring less points as a result.
According to an ESPN report, multiple factors may be leading to the decline. For one, the league’s starting quarterbacks this season are relatively young, including three rookies: Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Bo Nix (Denver Broncos), and Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders). In total, seven of the 2024-25 starting quarterbacks were drafted in the past two years. While the age of a player might not dictate their ability to make passes and generate offense, experts suggest that newer players may lack the experience needed to counter veteran defenders specially trained to oppose their offensive efforts.
Also, in the past few NFL seasons, quarterbacks are opting to rush the ball more frequently. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led quarterback rushing yards in the 2023-24 season — tallying 821 yards total — and his runner-up, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, logged 657 yards. These numbers are markedly higher than the 2013-14 season, when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton led with 587 yards, tailed closely by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s 539 yards. Teams have shifted offensive strategies accordingly with more planned run and run-pass option plays for these mobile quarterbacks.
However, the decrease in passing yards hasn’t been met with a corresponding downshift in pass completion rates. This season, according to an ESPN statistic, the pass completion rate is set to reach record highs, currently standing at 66.1% but predicted to rise. Comparatively, in the 2000-01 season, it was capped at just 58.2%.
While the recent trend of decreased passing yards may translate to less activity on the scoreboard, the statistics suggest that the level of play in the league remains the same — just different strategies are being employed. Plus, perhaps this season’s young quarterback class suggests that this promising new era of football is ever-evolving.
