New York Jets: Stopping the run

The NFL, once thought to be a predominantly passing league, has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. In 2015, the league reached a record of 244 passing yards per game, with 13 teams surpassing 4,000 passing yards. However, this trend reversed in 2025, as NFL teams averaged just 210 passing yards per game, the lowest since 2006.

Only six teams exceeded the 4,000-yard mark, a 50% decrease from a decade prior. Rushing yards have also been on the rise, with the average per game increasing from 108.9 in 2015 to 119.8 in 2024. Passing efficiency has declined by 0.32 net yards per attempt over the past decade, while rushing efficiency has improved. This shift suggests that emphasizing stopping the run might be a more effective strategy than previously believed.

This season, the New York Jets, who rank fourth in the NFL with just 68 rushing yards allowed, are a testament to this trend. The team's defensive emphasis on stopping the run appears to be paying off, challenging the conventional wisdom that the NFL is a passing league.