Hey there, football fans! Are you ready to dive deep into the numbers and uncover some impressive feats and streaks in the NFL? Well, you've come to the right place! Inside the Numbers is here to satisfy your hunger for statistical goodness. So, buckle up and let's jump right into it!
First up, we have the San Francisco 49ers displaying their offensive prowess with a rare accomplishment. Four of their playmakers have surpassed the 1,000-yard mark from scrimmage this season - George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel. This impressive achievement puts the Niners in an exclusive group, joining just five other teams in NFL history. The 49ers have truly showcased their depth and talent in the offensive department.
Speaking of McCaffrey, he leads the pack with a whopping 2,023 yards from scrimmage, which is the fifth-best total in franchise history. Not only that, but he has achieved this milestone for the second time in his career, becoming one of only three players, along with Erik Dickerson and Marshall Faulk, to accomplish this feat with two different teams.
But the 49ers' offensive dominance doesn't end there. Quarterback Brock Purdy has been slinging the ball all over the field, setting a franchise record with 4,280 passing yards this season. He surpassed Jeff Garcia's previous record of 4,278 yards, solidifying his place in San Francisco's history books. Interestingly, only the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Oilers, who were also part of the elite four 1,000-yard players club, had a 4,000-yard passer on their rosters.
Now, let's turn our attention to some impressive streaks happening around the league. The Kansas City Chiefs secured their eighth straight AFC West title by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. This remarkable achievement places them second in NFL history, just behind the New England Patriots' astounding 11 consecutive division titles from 2009 to 2019. The Chiefs are also tied with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys for the second-longest streak of consecutive playoff berths, both spanning nine years. However, their streak still trails behind the Patriots' unbelievable 11-year postseason run.
Shifting over to the NFC East, it seems like no team can establish a dominant reign. If the Dallas Cowboys win their next game or the Philadelphia Eagles lose theirs, it will mark the 19th straight season where a team fails to repeat as division champions. The Eagles were the last team to accomplish this back in 2003-04. The NFC East has become the land of unpredictability, where new champions are crowned almost every year.
In Pittsburgh, coach Mike Tomlin continues to impress with his undefeated record of never having a losing season. After the Steelers' ninth win of the season against the Seattle Seahawks, Tomlin extended his streak of 20 consecutive seasons without a losing record. He now sits just one season shy of the Dallas Cowboys' record set from 1965 to 1985. Tomlin's consistency and leadership have made the Steelers a perennial contender in the league.
Now, let's talk about the New England Patriots, who have developed quite an affinity for defeating the New York Jets. The Patriots are aiming for their 16th straight win over their AFC East rivals. If they achieve this, they will join an elite group of teams that have beaten the same opponent 16 times in a row during the regular season. However, it's worth mentioning that the Chiefs' 16-game winning streak against the Denver Broncos came to an end earlier this season. Other notable streaks include Washington's 16 consecutive wins over the Detroit Lions from 1968 to 1997, San Francisco's 17 straight victories against the Los Angeles Rams from 1990 to 1998, and Miami's incredible 20-game winning streak against the Buffalo Bills from 1970 to 1979. A loss for the Patriots would not only snap their streak but would also tie Bill Belichick for the most losses in NFL history, both regular season and playoffs.
Let's take a moment to appreciate Joe Flacco's return to the gridiron. After spending the entire season on the sidelines, Flacco made his debut for the Cleveland Browns on December 3rd. Since then, he has been on fire, throwing for an impressive 1,616 yards and 13 touchdowns in just one month. To put things into perspective, Flacco's December performance outshines the total number of touchdowns thrown by the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the entire season. This marks only the fifth time in NFL history that a quarterback has achieved such stats in a calendar month. Joining the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, and Jim Kelly, Flacco's comeback has certainly caught the attention of football enthusiasts.
Lastly, let's talk about the Chicago Bears' stroke of luck. For the second consecutive season, they find themselves in possession of the number one pick in the NFL draft. However, this time, they didn't have to endure a losing season to secure it. Thanks to a trade with the Carolina Panthers, who ended up with the worst record in the league, the Bears acquired the prestigious top pick. It's an interesting twist of fate, considering the last time a team traded away the eventual number one pick before the season was in 1983 when the Cincinnati Bengals dealt quarterback Jack Thompson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs struggled that year, finishing with a 2-14 record, and had to surrender their top pick in the 1984 draft to Cincinnati. This peculiar trend has also occurred in the past, with the San Francisco 49ers trading away the first overall pick in 1979 only to draft Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana later in the third round.
That wraps up another exciting edition of Inside the Numbers! We've explored impressive accomplishments, stunning streaks, and intriguing draft dynamics. The NFL continues to amaze us with its blend of skill, strategy, and unpredictable outcomes. Stay tuned for more statistical gems in the world of football!
