# NFL quarterbacks are under more pressure than ever from rushers. Why?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nfl-quarterbacks-are-under-more-pressure-than-ever-from-rushers-why/
- Published: 2026-11-13T10:00:15+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T10:34:16+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/13/nfl-quarterbacks-are-under-more-pressure-than-ever-from-rushers-why
- Topics: Politics

## Key points

- Quarterbacks are being hit on 15.1% of dropbacks.
- PFF’s pressure rate is a record 36.1% in its data since 2006.
- The rise is not clearly explained by weaker offensive line play or blitzing.

## Summary

NFL quarterbacks are facing pressure on dropbacks at the highest rate recorded by Pro Football Focus since 2006, despite years of changes that have generally favoured offences. The trend is contributing to injuries and more changes at quarterback: Baltimore is preparing to start its fourth this season after three were hurt taking hits.

Through nine weeks, quarterbacks had been hit on 15.1% of dropbacks, while PFF measured pressure on 36.1%. This season has had 47 starting quarterbacks so far, among the highest totals of the past 20 years. The article says offensive line performance has not meaningfully declined, and although blitz rates are elevated, they have been higher in several past seasons; other explanations remain to be examined.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.