Week 1 Air Yards Hit 7.7 as Josh Allen and Jordan Love Fuel NFL Fireworks
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 16
Week 1 Air Yards Hit 7.7 as Josh Allen and Jordan Love Fuel NFL Fireworks
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 16
Summary
7.7 air yards per attempt marked the NFL’s highest Week 1 average since 2019, with seven teams topping 9.5 as offenses pushed the ball downfield far more aggressively.
Jordan Love embodied that trend against Minnesota, facing blitzes on more than 70% of his dropbacks and averaging over 10 air yards per attempt before a late tipped interception helped seal the Vikings’ comeback win.
Josh Allen’s 36-point outing against Houston looked less like a Texans schematic collapse than a showcase of singular playmaking, from a 21-yard rushing touchdown to multiple high-difficulty deep throws.
Dallas’ defense offered the bleakest Week 1 warning sign, as the Giants repeatedly exploited coverage confusion — including a Devin Singletary touchdown — despite the Cowboys’ offseason overhaul under new play caller Christian Parker.
That mix of explosive quarterback play and defensive growing pains suggests Week 1 may have reopened the league’s downfield passing game after recent seasons tilted toward defenses.