Introduction:
In this review of NFL stats, we will analyze seven noteworthy statistics from the 2023 season. Some of these stats are impressive, while others are concerning. We will also discuss the likelihood of these stats being repeated in the upcoming 2024 season.
1/7: Bryce Young’s High Sack Count:
Bryce Young, a rookie quarterback, was sacked 62 times in the 2023 season, joining Sam Howell as the only pair of quarterbacks to be sacked 60-plus times in the past 20 years. The only rookie QB to ever be sacked more than Young was David Carr in 2002, who was sacked an NFL-record 76 times in 16 games. Despite the high sack count, Young showed resilience and determination.
Repeatable? To prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future, the Panthers invested heavily in their offensive line by guaranteeing $90 million to new starting guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis.
2/7: Christian McCaffrey’s Heavy Workload:
Christian McCaffrey led the NFL with 417 touches in his age 27 season, comprising 339 touches in the regular season and an additional 78 in the playoffs. The last player to record 400-plus touches at a similar age was LaDainian Tomlinson in 2007 at age 28.
Repeatable? Considering that McCaffrey has recently received a lucrative contract extension, it is likely that he will continue to shoulder a significant workload in the upcoming season.
3/7: Top Eight Draft Picks Winning Divisions:
For the ninth consecutive year, a team drafting within the top eight picks won its division. The Atlanta Falcons are predicted to be the team to achieve this feat in the 2024 season, given that the Bears, Lions, and Packers face tougher competition, while the Chargers face the Chiefs.
4/7: C.J. Stroud’s Impressive Interception Percentage:
C.J. Stroud led the NFL with an interception percentage of 1.0, throwing just five interceptions on 499 attempts. If playoff stats were incorporated, his interception rate would tie Dak Prescott’s overall mark from 2016. However, it is important to note that interception rates tend to regress over time. In Dak Prescott’s second season, his interception percentage climbed to 2.7.
Repeatable? It is highly unlikely for Stroud to maintain such a low interception rate throughout his career. It is reasonable to expect an increase in interceptions as he gains more experience.
5/7: Decrease in Quarterbacks with Over 30 Touchdowns:
In the 2023 season, only three quarterbacks threw for over 30 touchdowns, marking the smallest group since the league switched to a 17-game regular season in 2021. This is in stark contrast to the nine quarterbacks who achieved this milestone in 2021.
Repeatable? It is probable that top quarterbacks will bounce back and throw more touchdowns in the upcoming season, especially considering the impact of injuries and coaching changes on previous 30-plus touchdown passers such as Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Deshaun Watson, and Justin Herbert.
6/7: Derrick Henry’s Dominance in Rushing Attempts:
Derrick Henry, who turned 30 in January, led the NFL in rushing attempts in multiple seasons. In 2023, he had 280 rushing attempts, and in previous years, he had even higher numbers. The only year he didn’t lead was due to a foot injury that caused him to miss nine games while on pace for 465 rushing attempts.
Repeatable? With Henry signing with the Ravens, who led the NFL in rushing attempts last season, it is highly likely that he will continue to be a dominant force in terms of rushing attempts.
7/7: Bobby Wagner’s Tackling Prowess:
Bobby Wagner, who will turn 34 in June, led the league in tackles for the third time in his career. He joined a select group of players, including Clay Matthews Jr., Kyle Clifton, Jessie Tuggle, and Ray Lewis, who have accomplished this feat.
Repeatable? Wagner, expected to be an every-down linebacker in his new role, has the potential to replicate LB Foyesade Oluokun’s success. Oluokun led the league in tackles two consecutive years for different teams, Atlanta and Jacksonville. Additionally, Wagner could secure his 11th-straight All-Pro team selection.
Conclusion:
As we assess these notable NFL stats from the 2023 season, we can anticipate some trends continuing into the 2024 season, while others may see regression or change. Factors such as player contracts, team investments, coaching changes, and individual performance will all play a significant role in determining whether these statistics will repeat themselves or evolve in the upcoming season.