Inside the Numbers provides a detailed analysis of various NFL statistics, with a focus on current trends and records. The running game has witnessed a resurgence this season, largely driven by an impressive tandem in Baltimore that’s making history.
Through the first six weeks of this season, NFL teams are rushing more effectively than they have since 2008, soaring to an average of 4.5 yards per carry. This marks the highest per-game rushing yardage recorded in 40 years, with teams averaging 121.7 rushing yards weekly— the most since 1984 when the figure stood at 124.6 yards.
Key to this surge is the Baltimore Ravens, who have effectively paired one of the league’s elite rushing quarterbacks with a standout running back to enhance their ground game. Derrick Henry has recorded 704 rushing yards and amassed nine total touchdowns after his move to Baltimore, while Lamar Jackson has contributed with 403 rushing yards.
Remarkably, the Ravens are the only team since at least 1948 to have one player rush for over 400 yards while another surpasses 600 yards in the first six games of a season. This exclusive feat was last accomplished in 1959 by Joe Perry and J.D. Smith of the San Francisco 49ers. Baltimore has accumulated 1,232 rushing yards so far this season, ranking fourth all-time for performance through the first six games since 1980, just behind the 2006 Falcons, 1984 Bears, and 1980 Lions.
Under Jackson’s leadership, the Ravens have become the league’s premier rushing team since he stepped in as starter in 2018. Baltimore has also achieved two of the longest rushing streaks in NFL history, with their latest running game streak now at 39 consecutive games with at least 100 yards rushing. This ties them for the record, which they share with the Steelers’ similar run from 1974 to 1977.
Jackson himself is on track to enter the history books, averaging 254.8 passing yards and 67.2 rushing yards per game, and could become the first player to average at least 250 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in a season since Michael Vick achieved this in 2010.
In a significant roster change, the Davante Adams tenure in Las Vegas has concluded as he was traded to the New York Jets midway through his third season. Despite showcasing remarkable individual abilities, the Raiders have struggled to find team success, having not made the playoffs despite making four trades of first-round picks for established veterans in the last two decades.
Previous trades include acquiring Randy Moss in 2005, Richard Seymour in 2009, and Carson Palmer in 2011. The recent deal for Adams sent first and second-round selections to Green Bay, yet the Raiders have not seen playoff football during these acquisitions. Out of 35 trades involving a first-round pick for a veteran over the past 20 seasons, only eight have resulted in no playoff appearances while the player remained on the roster— the Raiders are responsible for four of those failures. This trade reunites Adams with Aaron Rodgers, his former quarterback in Green Bay, where they combined for 615 receptions, 7,517 yards, and 68 touchdowns during their time together.
Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones marked his 82nd birthday by witnessing an unprecedented home defeat, as the Cowboys suffered a 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions— their worst home loss during Jones’ 36-year ownership. This was the most significant home loss since falling 43-3 against Minnesota in 1988, just before Jones took over the franchise.
The Cowboys have faced challenges at home lately, having lost their last three home games this season, including defeats against New Orleans and Baltimore. They have surrendered a total of 167 points across their last four home games, which rates among the highest in NFL history for such a stretch. Only the 1948 Giants and the Oilers from 1972-73 have allowed more points in that span.
The New York Giants are also experiencing a rough patch at home, losing all three of their games this season. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ struggles have continued, leaving him winless in his last five outings at MetLife Stadium, where he has recorded nine turnovers without throwing a touchdown.
Lastly, the New Orleans Saints began the season on a strong note but have recently fallen into a downward spiral with four consecutive losses. Following impressive wins against Carolina and Dallas, the Saints have limped through their last four games, scoring just 76 points— a stark drop from their initial two games total of 91 points. They now share a rare distinction in NFL history, only the third team to begin a season with two significant victories and then lose four straight.
In a significant defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Saints conceded their lowest point total in weeks, scoring 27 points in the second quarter, yet failing to score in other frames. This loss has negatively impacted head coach Dennis Allen’s career winning percentage, which now ranks among the lowest for coaches with a substantial number of games under their belt.