The NFL season has seen a resurgence in the running game this year, with teams rushing at the highest rate since 2008. The average of 121.7 yards rushing per game for teams is the highest it’s been through six weeks in a non-replacement player season since 1984. The Baltimore Ravens have been a big part of this trend, with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson leading the charge.
Derrick Henry has racked up an impressive 704 yards rushing and nine total touchdowns in his first six games with the Ravens. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson has contributed 403 rushing yards of his own. The duo’s success is historic, as only one other team since 1948 has had one player rush for at least 400 yards and another for at least 600 yards in the first six games of a season.
The Ravens’ total of 1,232 rushing yards this season is the fourth most through six games since 1980. They have been the NFL’s top rushing team since Jackson took over as the starter in 2018 and have impressive streaks of rushing for at least 100 yards in consecutive games.
Jackson is not only a threat on the ground but also through the air, averaging 254.8 passing yards per game. He is on pace to join Michael Vick as the only players in history to average at least 250 passing yards and at least 50 rushing yards for a season. Jackson also moved past Cam Newton into second place in career rushing yards for a quarterback.
On the trade front, the Las Vegas Raiders traded Davante Adams to the New York Jets, ending his tenure with the team. This trade is part of a trend for the Raiders, who have traded away first-round picks for proven veterans without making a playoff appearance with the acquisitions. Adams is now reunited with Aaron Rodgers in New York.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones celebrated his 82nd birthday with a disappointing 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, the team’s most lopsided home loss in Jones’ tenure. The Cowboys have struggled at home recently, losing three games this season and allowing the fourth most points ever in a span of four home games.
The New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints have also had their share of struggles at home. The Giants have lost all three home games this season, while the Saints have suffered four straight losses after a strong start. The Saints’ recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw them give up over 300 passing yards and 275 rushing yards.
Overall, the NFL season has been full of surprises and standout performances, with teams like the Ravens leading the charge in the running game and others facing challenges at home. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and which teams come out on top.
