The modern NFL is dominated by QBs. Rule changes and an emphasis on player safety have evolved the NFL into a “pass first” league in 2022. Matthew Stafford and Drew Brees are the fastest quarterbacks to reach 50,000 career passing yards. Both players needed just 183 games to reach this milestone achievement. Exploring the data from the “up and coming” quarterbacks playing today, it’s obvious that these players will also reach this landmark at some point in their careers….but who will get there first?
Patrick Mahomes is the clear choice - he is well on pace to reach 50,000 career passing yards in 17 less games than either Brees or Stafford. We expected to see Justin Herbert as the clear second choice but surprisingly it’s the new comer Joe Burrow that takes the #3 spot on the podium. Even more shocking is that Daniel Jones and Josh Allen are essentially neck and neck for 4th with Lamar Jackson holding up the rear.
There is plenty of time to catch up for all these aspiring passers. Although Stafford and Brees both took 183 games to break 50,000 passing yards, Stafford started his career at a much faster pace than Brees. But as Brees evolved as a passer, he eventually outpaced Stafford through the final 3rd of his career. Will Lamar Jackson or Daniel Jones do the same? Time will tell but the numbers are telling us that’s its far more likely than most NFL believe.
