Everyone likes to think that the NFL has become such a "passing league," as if the concept of passing the football is only a product of these modern, enlightened times. Indeed, this year teams averaged 33.7 pass attempts per game, which seems like a lot. But in 1953, back in the Stone Age of 70 years ago, teams averaged 29.6 pass attempts per game, a mere four fewer than in 2023. Of course, they completed less than 50% of those attempts, so total passing yards were significantly fewer. But still, it wasn't as if the Neanderthals were afraid to fling it.

You may also note that the league scoring average was only 0.3 pts/game less than in 2023 (21.5 vs 21.8).

• Click here for link at https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1953/