05-29-2022, 12:21 PM
I think it is important to add a little comment about "volume" in addition to "efficiency".
For example, in 1975 Anderson not only led the league in passer rating, but his 243.8 yards per game was the highest mark in 7 years and tenth highest in NFL history.
A lot of fans believe that the passing game has just been growing consistently over the years, but passing numbers in the 60's were much better than in the early 70's when Anderson entered the league. The low point was probably around 1971 when NFL teams averaged only 155.7 passing yards per game, with a 62.2 rating and 15 tds for the season. But 10 years earlier in 1962 NFL teams averaged 193.8 passing yards per game with a 72.6 rating and 21 tds.
Anderson's stats are hurt by playing in this "dead ball" era of passing in the NFL.
From 1960 through 1969 there were nineteen 3000 passing seasons by NFL QBs and 14 more in the AFL. Joe Namath threw for 4007 yards in 1969 and there were 11 other QBs with over 3300 yards in a season over that era.
But from 1970 through 1977 there were only four 3000 yard passing seasons and none over 3300. Anderson's 243.8 yards per game in '75 was the highest for that era by almost 15 yards.
For example, in 1975 Anderson not only led the league in passer rating, but his 243.8 yards per game was the highest mark in 7 years and tenth highest in NFL history.
A lot of fans believe that the passing game has just been growing consistently over the years, but passing numbers in the 60's were much better than in the early 70's when Anderson entered the league. The low point was probably around 1971 when NFL teams averaged only 155.7 passing yards per game, with a 62.2 rating and 15 tds for the season. But 10 years earlier in 1962 NFL teams averaged 193.8 passing yards per game with a 72.6 rating and 21 tds.
Anderson's stats are hurt by playing in this "dead ball" era of passing in the NFL.
From 1960 through 1969 there were nineteen 3000 passing seasons by NFL QBs and 14 more in the AFL. Joe Namath threw for 4007 yards in 1969 and there were 11 other QBs with over 3300 yards in a season over that era.
But from 1970 through 1977 there were only four 3000 yard passing seasons and none over 3300. Anderson's 243.8 yards per game in '75 was the highest for that era by almost 15 yards.
